Leadership Team

A remarkable team of engineers

 SOME KEY FACTORS MAKE US DIFFERENT THAN OTHER ENGINEERING FIRMS - BEGINNING WITH OUR PEOPLE.

TPM is staffed with a remarkable team of engineers - deeply knowledgeable and proven professionals from multiple industries who are adept at solving problems and managing formidable projects.

An accomplished team offering over 100 years of combined experience.

50+ years of combined experience supporting the US Federal Government.

Supported over 200 Fortune 500 clients providing solutions worldwide.

Our network includes authors, trainers, coaches, and recognized leaders.

The TPM team is committed utilizing industry standard processes whenever possible, ensuring results are reliable and universally accepted.

  • Organizational Change - Change Management Advanced Practitioners (CMAP)

  • Engineering Management - BS and PhDs in Industrial Engineering

  • Cost Engineering - American Association of Cost Engineers AACE - Cost Certified Professional (CCP)

  • Process Improvement - Lean Six Sigma - Black Belt

  • Subject Matter Experts in large-scale, enterprise implementation of:

    • Enterprise Resource Management (ERP)

    • Enterprise Project Management (EPM)

    • Earned Value Management (EVM)

    • Corporate Strategy, and more.

  • Rodolfo Lavaque

    FOUNDER AND CEO

    As company Founder and President, Mr. Lavaque provides company leadership and is an expert Industrial Engineer. He has 20 years of end to end project/program management experience, augmented with knowledge gained working for companies like Booz Allen Hamilton, SGT and CEB.

    10 years of planning/scheduling, cost estimation and systems engineering at NASA.

    An instructor for NASA (project management professional and planning/ scheduling).

    15 years of experience implementing integrated enterprise project management solutions.

    Practiced at helping clients to address multiple complex issues in order to achieve successful results.

    Mr. Lavaque earned an MBA from the University of Maryland University College and received his Change Management Advanced Practitioners (CMAP) certificate from The McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University.

    rlavaque@techpromanagers.com

  • Jon Greg Hanson

    STRATEGIC ADVISOR, COO, DOD SME

    As company Chief Operating Officer (COO), Dr. J. Greg Hanson works as Strategic Chief for Business Development and Operations. Visionary operational leader. Over thirty-five years’ professional experience leading at highest corporate levels, federal government, and international organizations applying all facets of business, information technology, computer science, and software engineering.

    International authority in Cyber Security, Information Technology, Industrial Engineering, Software Engineering, and Computer Sciences. Winner of international awards in leadership, information technology, engineering, and business including two Fed 100 Awards – one for Industry Leadership and one for Executive Government Leadership.

    Ph. D., Computer Science, University of Central Florida

    MS., Information Systems, AF Institute of Technology, School of Engineering

    B.S., Humanities, United States Air Force Academy

    COO@techpromanagers.com

  • Helena Zakelj

    BUSINESS OPERATIONS

    Helena has a wealth of international experience in Business Operations. With over 22 years in the Oilfield, Water, and Consulting services industries across diverse countries, Helena is now bringing her expertise to the Aerospace sector. She plays a vital role in identifying and onboarding top talent for TPM and its clients, contributing significantly to the organization's success.

    Helena's extensive background in Quality Management has been instrumental in TPM's ISO re-certification efforts. Holding a Masters in Finance from Tecnológico de Monterrey and dual degrees in MBA and Masters in Big Data and Business Intelligence from Escuela de Negocios Europea de Barcelona (ENEB), Helena is deeply committed to continuous learning and professional development. Recently, she expanded her skill set with a postgraduate degree in Cybersecurity from the University of Texas at Austin and a Cybersecurity certificate from Harvard VPAL.

    hzakelj@techpromanagers.com

  • Patrick Coronado

    PROGRAM MANAGER/ INSTRUMENTS & DATA SCIENCE SME

    As a Senior Engineer, Patrick brings a wealth of experience in multi-disciplinary aerospace and aeronautical fields.

    Specializing in airborne and spaceflight remote sensing instruments, Patrick has played a pivotal role in advancing technologies for real-time satellite data communications, as well as data acquisition and processing systems. Their contributions have significantly contributed to the advancement of satellite-based observation and communication capabilities.

    Patrick has also demonstrated proficiency in managing research and development efforts focused on sensor and navigation technologies for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), utilizing them as test-beds for multi-sensor data acquisition systems.

    Furthermore, Patrick possesses extensive expertise in Satellite and Instrument proposal development, coupled with a keen ability to conceptualize and design advanced systems.

    Their strategic approach to proposal development has resulted in successful projects and groundbreaking advancements in the aerospace sector.

    pcoronado@techpromanagers.com

  • Frank Kirchman

    CHIEF SYSTEMS ENGINEER

    As the Chief Aerospace Systems Engineer at Technology Project Managers, Frank brings four decades of invaluable experience garnered from their tenure on NASA/GSFC projects and programs.

    Frank has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of aerospace engineering, contributing to a multitude of projects at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). Their extensive experience spans various facets of aerospace systems engineering, encompassing design, development, and implementation.

    Frank is deeply invested in driving innovation and pioneering new frontiers in scientific research. Their visionary leadership and strategic foresight are pivotal in enabling groundbreaking concepts and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of aerospace engineering.

    With a steadfast dedication to advancing the field of aerospace engineering and a passion for enabling transformative scientific endeavors, Frank is a driving force behind Technology Project Managers' mission to deliver cutting-edge solutions and drive progress in the aerospace industry.

    fkirchman@techpromanagers.com

  • Angel Otero

    CHIEF AEROSPACE SERVICES

    Angel is a recognized and results-oriented senior leader with over 30 years of strategic program and project management experience. Leveraging a diverse skill set encompassing science, engineering, procurement, and technical expertise.

    With a proven track record of success, Angel excels in navigating complex environments and leading high-stakes discussions at the agency level with entities such as the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Congress, Government Accountability Office (GAO), and Inspector General (IG). His ability to articulate and advocate for key initiatives ensures alignment with organizational objectives and facilitates informed decision-making processes.

    Angel is adept at cultivating partnerships and fostering collaboration to drive cohesive and impactful results. As an engineering expert and technical advisor, they bring a wealth of knowledge to bear on critical aspects related to complex project management. Their insights and guidance are instrumental in overcoming challenges and achieving project milestones effectively.

    With a relentless focus on achieving strategic objectives and a dedication to delivering superior outcomes, Angel is a valuable asset to any organization seeking to drive transformational change and achieve enduring success.

    aotero@techpromanagers.com

  • Naveed Quraishi

    SYSTEMS ENGINEER/ SAFETY AND MISSION ASSURANCE AND PM SME

    Naveed serves as a Mission Assurance Manager, bringing a wealth of expertise in various domains including Earned Value Management (EVM), mechanical engineering, materials science, radar systems (RCS), and robotics. Additionally, Naveed has held the role of Chief Safety and Mission Assurance Officer (CSO) at NASA for 15 years.

    Certified as a Cost Account Manager, Naveed possesses a strong foundation in control systems, software assurance, and mission assurance, augmented by Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification and a robust background in risk management.

    Naveed's career reflects a commitment to excellence and collaborative problem-solving across diverse sectors, including research, robotics, aviation, aerospace, space, cybersecurity, and defense..

    Skilled in systems engineering, flight test, safety and mission assurance, integration and testing (I&T), and requirements management, Naveed is well-equipped to tackle multifaceted challenges and drive project success.

    Naveed holds a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Structural Dynamics and Active Vibration Isolation/Control Systems from Rice University.

    nquraishi@techpromanagers.com

  • Denis Pinha

    PHD. IN INDUSTRIAL AND SYSTEMS ENGINEERING, LEAD

    Denis Pinha holds a Ph.D. in Industrial and Systems Engineering and serves as the TPM Task Leader for NASA's Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) project. With a focus on systems engineering, Denis provides invaluable support to NASA LISA, contributing to the advancement of cutting-edge space technology.

    Denis is actively involved in NASA LISA Systems Engineering support, leveraging their expertise to ensure the success of critical mission objectives. Furthermore, Denis plays a vital role as part of the Mission Operations Support Team, providing essential support for the GOES-R series Post-Launch Testing.

    With a deep understanding of industrial and systems engineering principles, coupled with hands-on experience in space technology projects, Denis is well-equipped to tackle complex challenges and drive mission success. Their dedication to excellence and commitment to advancing space exploration make them a valuable asset to the teams they support.

    dpinha@techpromanagers.com

  • Mike Otero

    SATELLITES OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT SME

    As a Satellite Operations Engineer, Mike brings a wealth of experience in project management, risk management, technical design, and quality assurance. With a steadfast commitment to excellence, Mike eschews the notion of simply "doing the job" and consistently strives to surpass expectations in all endeavors.

    Mike excels in finding innovative and out-of-the-box solutions that drive meaningful progress. Their passion for pushing boundaries and exploring unconventional approaches defines their approach to problem-solving, allowing them to thrive in dynamic and fast-paced environments.

    Mike's technical interests are rooted in Biological and Bio-medical engineering, with a particular focus on materials science and integrated prosthetics. Their expertise in these areas positions them as a valuable asset in advancing cutting-edge technologies and improving quality of life through innovative solutions.

    With a track record of success and a dedication to pushing the boundaries of what's possible, Mike is poised to make a significant impact in any project they undertake, driving progress and fostering innovation at every turn.

    motero@techpromanagers.com