we’re evolving

STAYING AHEAD OF THE GAME

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STU ARMSTRONG
Chief Technology Officer
Mr. Armstrong has over 20 years of experience in the Modelling and Simulation Industry and has led M&S innovation and development across the US DOD, UK MOD and NATO. He led the adoption of game technologies in the UK and across NATO through the UK’s applied research program and as chair of the NATO modeling and simulation group. Mr. Armstrong’s responsibilities include business development, solution architecture and technical innovation across all of Cole Engineering Services, Inc. (CESI) programs. Mr. Armstrong brings a passion for technical innovation, focused on delivering effective training to military personnel. With a focus on immersive technologies including Augmented and Virtual Reality, he has led the development and delivery of over 20 simulation systems around the world. Prior to joining CESI in 2016, Mr. Armstrong was the Chief Technology Officer for QinetiQ Training and Simulation division, including establishing its North America training business. Mr. Armstrong graduated from Warwick University with a Master of Physics (MPhys) and is a QinetiQ Technical Fellow.
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TREVOR FEE
Chief Financial Officer
With significant experience and invaluable credentials in the Defense Industry, Mr. Fee heads all financial, accounting, tax and compliance matters in his position as Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining Cole Engineering Services, Inc. (CESI), Mr. Fee spent almost 14 years at Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC). Mr. Fee led SAIC’s Orlando Business Unit for Modeling, Simulation and Training (MS&T) as the Business Unit's Controller. As a Business Unit Controller and Vice President for SAIC, he managed the financial results of several operations with over 2,000 employees and a revenue base that ranged from $250M to $1B. Mr. Fee has experience with several programs in Live, Virtual and Constructive simulation domains. His experience/responsibilities included rate determinations, inventory procedures, staffing, proposals, and management decisions regarding required internal funding (IR&D/OH). Prior to SAIC, Mr. Fee was a staff auditor for KPMG Peat Marwick, were he had significant exposure to several governmental organizations (Non-Profits, State and Local Governments, Federal, etc.). Mr. Fee holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree from Clemson University and is currently an inactive CPA. He has extensive experience in business operations and organizational development and has supported the Defense Industry for over 22 years.
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MIKE CHANDLER
Senior Vice President, Business Development
Mr. Chandler oversees all business development activities to include strategy and marketing initiatives and focuses on the Air Force & INTEL accounts. He joined CESI in 2013 after retiring from the U.S. Air Force – his last assignment being the ROTC Detachment Commander at the University of Central Florida. During his 26-year career, he accumulated over 4400 flying hours in fighter aircraft (A-10, F-15C and F-16) including a tour as the Commander/Leader of the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds. Mr. Chandler graduated from the USAF Academy and holds multiple Master’s Degrees in National Security Studies and the use of airpower at the operational and strategic levels of war.
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DEVIN LYDERS
Senior Vice President, Operations Advanced Training Systems
Mr. Lyders is a highly motivated, energetic, and trusted acquisition professional dedicated to understanding and meeting the needs of our Warfighters. Mr. Lyders started with CESI in 2018. He is the Senior Vice President of the Advanced Training Systems group which provides software and hardware training/testing solutions for the U.S. Department of Defense and other nations. Prior to joining CESI, Mr. Lyders served as a civilian member of the U.S. Army Acquisition Corps supporting the Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation in a number of technical, program management, and staff operations leadership positions. Mr. Lyders holds a Master’s degree in Management, a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and is Project Management Professional (PMP) certified. Mr. Lyders is a graduate and avid fan of the University of Central Florida (UCF).
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THOMAS FRANSSON
Senior Vice President, Simulation Products & Services
Mr. Fransson joined Cole Engineering Services, Inc. in 2012 as Senior Program Manager and now serves as Senior Vice President of Operations managing the Simulation Products & Services business operation. He brings over 25 years of experience in the modeling and simulation business, national and international program management, business development, capture management, export of defense articles and services, along with contracts and practices from programs and projects based in the USA, Europe, and Asia. Prior to joining Cole Engineering Services, Inc. Mr. Fransson worked for BAE Systems, managing military training systems programs. Mr. Fransson holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science and is Project Management Certified (PMP).
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JACKIE BUSHWAY
Senior Vice President and Director of Contracts
Ms. Bushway joined CESI in 2017 as a Senior Contracts Manager and now serves as the Senior Vice President and Director of Contracts. With both private industry and Government experience across a breadth of functional areas, she provides in-depth knowledge and a wide range of skillsets and know-how. Ms. Bushway has a Bachelor of Science Degree from Florida State University and a Master's in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida. She is an NCMA-Certified Federal Contract Manager (CFCM) and a former civilian member of the U.S. Army Acquisition Corps supporting the Army Contracting Command as a Contracting Officer. Her experience spans all phases of the acquisition process including proposal preparation, negotiations, contract management, project control, and successful program execution. Ms. Bushway is responsible for key areas of corporate execution while leading strategic projects for the implementation and management of numerous policies, procedures, and internal systems, including Government property and export compliance.
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KEN REDD
Vice President and Director of Procurement
Mr. Redd joined CESI in 2019 as Procurement Manager and now serves as Procurement Director managing the purchasing and subcontracts business operations. He brings 20 years of Government Subcontracting experience in all phases of the procurement life cycle, which encompasses solicitation, negotiation, management, and closeouts. Mr. Redd has earned numerous awards, including Excellence in Procurement, High Performance Employee, and Mentor of the Year. He has successfully served as Small Business Liaison, which led to a substantial increase in subcontracts awarded to small businesses. Mr. Redd holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Auburn University and a Master’s degree from Webster University.
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TARA CRAWFORD
Vice President and Director of Process
Ms. Crawford has 20 years of experience in the Modeling & Simulation Industry, leading Quality Assurance, Process Management, and Integration and Test teams. She is currently overseeing the Quality Assurance and Process Management activities for all programs at CESI. She has expertise in software development and test processes, quality methods, and standards, specifically International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2015, and Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) Development Maturity Level 3 (ML3) best practices. She has directed test programs on One Semi-Automated Forces (OneSAF), Combined Arms Command and Control Training Upgrade System (CACCTUS), Enhanced Dynamic Geo-social Environment (EDGE), and Maneuver Collective Training Systems (MCTS). Ms. Crawford earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Management Information Systems from the University of Central Florida.
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