Omar Akbik
Technomics, Inc.
Machine Learning & Data Science Track: Comprehending Chaos: Leveraging Text to Improve Analysis (MLD01)
Omar Akbik is a Project Manager within the Data Analytics and Technology Solutions practice area of Technomics. He is responsible for developing innovative tools and techniques for use in cost and economic analysis by his clients and their partner organizations. He has experience supporting a wide range of offices and programs throughout the defense and civilian federal space. Omar is a Certified Cost Estimator/Analyst, a PMI-Agile Certified Practitioner, and holds degrees in economics and finance.
James P. Alstad
USC Center for Systems and Software Engineering
Analytical Methods Track: Investigating Causal Effects of Software and Systems Engineering Effort (ANA01)
Jim Alstad retired from a 32-year career at software engineering at Boeing and went back to school. In 2018 he emerged from the University of Southern California with a PhD in Astronautical Engineering, under Dr Barry Boehm, on the topic of COSYSMO 3.0, an updated cost estimating model for systems engineering. Since then, Jim has been investigating the application of Causal Inference to analysis of cost estimating databases. Jim also has a Master of Software Engineering degree from Carnegie Mellon University and a BS with Honors from the University of Wisconsin.
Bryan K. Anderson
Cobec Consulting, Inc.
Machine Learning & Data Science Track: The Algorithm of 10,000 Variables (MLD02)
Machine Learning & Data Science Track: Innovative Techniques for Analyzing Incomplete Data to Improve Cost Estimates (MLD03)
Software & Agile Track: Grandma’s Secret Hotdish Recipe for SW Planning: SAFe and Analytics (SWA08)
Bryan Anderson is a Consultant with Cobec Consulting focusing on operations research and software development in the Federal Aviation Administration’s Office of Investment Planning and Analysis. Mr. Anderson’s academic background includes a BA in Economics & Mathematics from Augsburg College and MS in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. Mr. Anderson has presented multiple times at various conferences, including previous ICEAA Professional Development Symposiums and NASA’s Cost and Schedule Symposium. He is also active in the ICEAA’s Machine Learni
Remmie Arnold
Technomics, Inc.
Analytical Methods Track: The Missing Link: An Evolution of Portfolio Natural Selection (ANA03)
Remmie is a Project Manager with over 8 years cost estimating experience. He has a BS in Statistics from Virginia Tech and a MS in Economics from Johns Hopkins. He has held his CCEA certification since 2014. His experience includes LCCE, Program Office Support, AoA, BCA, CER development, and SRDR database development to name a few.
Keelin Arseneault
Technomics, Inc.
Analytical Methods Track: The Missing Link: An Evolution of Portfolio Natural Selection (ANA03)
Keelin has a BA in Biology from the College of the Holy Cross and is working towards her MS in Statistics and a Graduate Certificate in Data Science from George Washington University. Her experience includes literature reviews, research planning and implementation of new clinical processes and data analysis using various statistical software packages.
Joe Bauer
PRICE Systems, LLC
Processes & Best Practices Track: The Art of the Interview (PBP06)
Joe Bauer has been a Solutions Consultant with PRICE Systems for over 8 years. Joe joined PRICE after twenty years of service in the US Air Force. He is the primary technical focal point for US Air Force and Canadian government customers, providing training, mentoring, and consulting in parametric estimation and data analysis. He earned a Master of Science degree in Cost Analysis in 2009 from the Air Force Institute of Technology and an MBA in 2005. Joe is a Certified Cost Estimator / Analyst (CCEA) with ICEAA and is a frequent presenter at ICEAA workshops and conferences.
George O. Bayer Jr.
Cobec Consulting, Inc.
Machine Learning & Data Science Track: Innovative Techniques for Analyzing Incomplete Data to Improve Cost Estimates (MLD03)
George Bayer, a Senior Director at Cobec Consulting with over 20 years of Finance experience, manages cost and benefits estimating teams for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) acquisitions. Prior to the FAA, Mr. Bayer led economic analyses and DCF valuations at BP and ConocoPhillips and financial management at Disney. Mr. Bayer has a BSBA in Finance and English from the University of Florida and an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin in Corporate Finance.
Richard J. Bearce
Tecolote Research, Inc.
Analytical Methods Track: Assessing Regression Methods via Monte Carlo Simulations (ANA02)
Richard Bearce is a cost analyst at Tecolote Research with 3 years of experience supporting the Air Force Space Command’s (now Space Force’s) Development Corps efforts, and 1.5 years prior experience working as a Research Assistant for the Economics Science Institute. His educational background includes an M.A. in Economics from the University of Arizona, an M.S. in Economics Systems Design from Chapman University, and a B.A. in economics from Chapman University.
Jurjen Bloo
CGI
Processes & Best Practices Track: Forecasting of Agile deliveries (PBP08)
Jurjen is a Director at CGI and operating in the telecom and energy market. Jurjen is a Data Analyst and the product manager of a Power BI solution to support management with trend based data to take decisions in Scaled Agile deliveries.
Barry William Boehm
University of Southern California (USC)
Software & Agile Track: Secure Software Development Levels and Costs (SWA07)
Barry W. Boehm is a University of Southern California Distinguished Professor of Computer Science, Industrial and Systems Engineering, and Astronautics; the TRW Professor of Software Engineering; and Founding Director of the USC Center for Systems and Software Engineering (USC CSSE). He is also the Chief Scientist of the DoD-Stevens-USC Systems Engineering Research Center, and a part-time employee of the Aerospace Corp. He received his B.A. degree from Harvard in 1957, and his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from UCLA in 1961 and 1964, all in Mathematics.
Daniel Bowers
NSWC Dahlgren Division
Operations & Support Analysis Track: Continuous Enhancements: An Alternative to Maintenance (OSA01)
Daniel Bowers has sixteen years of experience working as a Cost Analyst and is currently a Lead Cost Analyst at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division. He has supported Marine Corps projects for the last ten years. Mr. Bowers is DAWIA level III Cost Estimating Certified and received his Master’s in Mathematics from George Mason University and his Bachelors in Mathematics from the University of Mary Washington.
Christine Branham
NSWC Dahlgren Division
Operations & Support Analysis Track: Continuous Enhancements: An Alternative to Maintenance (OSA01)
Christine Branham has thirteen years of experience as a Cost Analyst for the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD). She currently supports the Marine Corps Ground Based Air Defense (GBAD) program. Mrs. Branham is DAWIA level III Cost Estimating Certified. She holds a Bachelors in Computer Science from the University of Mary Washington.
Ian Brown
Avantus Federal
Software & Agile Track: Get to the Point. What’s the Deal with Different Function Points Methodologies? (SWA03)
Ian Brown, has over 20 years of experience in software measurement and analysis, systems estimation, software sizing, parametric analysis, and goal-question-metric (GQM) implementation. A current Certified Function Point Specialist (CFPS), Ian served on the Board of Directors of the International Function Point Users Group (IFPUG) from 2004-2007. Ian earned a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard University.
Paul Brown
Systecon North America
Operations & Support Analysis Track: Using Analytics to Aid in Performance Based Logistics Decision Making Processes (OSA02)
Paul Brown is a senior analyst with Systecon North America. In his current role, Paul provides life cycle logistics and sustainment support within the DoD, analyzing the trade-offs between system costs and readiness. His prior experience in the defense industry has included a wide-range of cost estimating and analysis and workforce analysis supporting various members of the Intelligence Community, as well as the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and select civilian agencies.
Robert Charette
Itabhi Corp.
Operations & Support Analysis Track: Army Software Sustainment: Righting Our Cost Estimating Assumptions (OSA03)
Dr. Robert N. Charette is the President of ITABHI Corporation. He is recognized as a leading international authority in the areas of commercial, government and defense software-intensive systems risk management. He is an award-winning author of several classic books on the management of risk including Software Engineering Risk Analysis and Management, and is a contributing editor to IEEE Spectrum and IEEE Computer magazines.
Bradford Clark
Software Metrics Inc.
Operations & Support Analysis Track: Army Software Sustainment: Righting Our Cost Estimating Assumptions (OSA03)
Software & Agile Track: Secure Software Development Levels and Costs (SWA07)
Dr. Brad Clark is Vice-President of Software Metrics Inc. His area of expertise is software cost and schedule data collection, analysis, and parametric modeling. He co-authored a book with Barry Boehm and others on “Software Cost Estimation with COCOMO II” and with Ray Madachy on “Software Cost Estimation Metrics Manual for Defense Systems”. Dr. Clark received a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Southern California in 1997.
Courtney Clark
Tecolote Research, Inc.
Machine Learning & Data Science Track: Data With A Purpose: Technical Data Initiative (MLD06)
Ms. Clark is a Requirements Analyst at Tecolote Research, Inc. and supports the Cost Assessment Data Enterprise (CADE). She is responsible for defining requirements for the CADE Data & Analytics application as well as providing analysts with insight into the overall availability of data in the system. She assists the team with the integration and implementation of FlexFiles, Quantity, and Technical Data into the IT system and overarching CADE Initiatives. She has a B.A in Economics and an M.S in Applied Economics from Florida State University.
Mike Crist
Raytheon, Inc.
Analytical Methods Track: Foundation of Structured Architecture, System & Cost Modeling (ANA07)
Cara Cuiule
PRICE Systems, LLC
Machine Learning & Data Science Track: Applying Natural Language Processing Techniques to Categorize Cost Estimation Data (MLD04)
Cyber Security & Cloud Computing Track: Improved CERs to Estimate Commercial IaaS Costs for Federal IT Systems (CYC01)
Cara Cuiule is a Cost Research Analyst for PRICE Systems, L.L.C. Her interests are in automated data collection, Python, software/IT cost estimation, and improving current parametric models. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Stockton University in Galloway, NJ.
Paul Cymerman
Quaternion Consulting Inc. (QCI)
Software & Agile Track: Get to the Point. What’s the Deal with Different Function Points Methodologies? (SWA03)
Paul Cymerman works for Quaternion Consulting Inc. (QCI) supporting the Office of Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). He has over 32 years of experience as a software cost analyst, aerospace engineer, and computer programmer. Currently supporting the ODNI in developing independent cost estimates and researching new estimating methods. Developed “Diff” and architected Function Point capability in UCCG.
Carol Dekkers
Quality Plus Technologies, Inc.
Software & Agile Track: Icebergs or Shifting Sands – What’s the Key to Software Estimation? (SWA01)
Software & Agile Track: Build It and They Will Come: Keys to Developing a Successful Software Metrics Program (SWA02)
Carol Dekkers is CEO of Quality Plus Technologies, Inc. and has over 25 years of experience helping companies who want to succeed with software measurement. She is the lead author of the ICEAA Software Cost Estimating Body of Knowledge (SCEBoK) and the co-author of several books, (The IT Measurement Compendium: Estimating and Benchmarking Success with Functional Size Measurement; Program Management Toolkit for Software and Systems Development; Practical Project Estimation), an U.S. international expert to ISO/IEC JTC1 SC7, and a past president of the International Function Point Users Group (IFPUG). Carol is a PMP, CFPS (fellow) and a P.Eng.
Sheila D. Dennis, CFPS
Cobec Consulting, Inc.
Soft Skills & Communication Track: Faster…Better…Cheaper…Improving Counting Productivity and Delivery (SSC02)
Sheila Dennis is well known in the IFPUG community where she has taught at many conferences, authored numerous industry articles, and contributed to three industry measurement books. Holding a Mathematics degree from Columbia and being a Certified Function Point Specialist for 20 years, she successfully used her analytical talents for the DOD for 20 years, then as a Senior consultant for Gartner Group, VP and Director of Software Sizing for DCG Software Value.
Catherine Dodsworth
Technomics, Inc.
Analytical Methods Track: The Missing Link: An Evolution of Portfolio Natural Selection (ANA03)
Mrs. Catherine Dodsworth has a BS from the University of Mary Washington in Biology and a MS from Quinnipiac University in Business Analytics. She is currently a Lead Analyst for Technomics Inc. and supports LCCE estimates for going on 2 years now. Before becoming a cost analyst, she spent 7+ years working in CBRNE research laboratories where she was able to co-author five peer reviewed articles about creditable and repeatable methodologies in microbiology.
Cadence Doyle
Technomics, Inc.
Machine Learning & Data Science Track: Comprehending Chaos: Leveraging Text to Improve Analysis (MLD01)
Ms. Cadence Doyle is an analyst at Technomics, providing cost estimating support and analysis for DHS and DOE clients. She specializes in data analysis, data management, statistical analysis, and data visualization. She is a Professional Cost Estimator/Analyst (PCEA) and a Certified Scrum Master (CSM). Cadence graduated with a B.S. in Mathematics and Classical Studies from Dickinson College, and is pursuing a M.S. in Mathematics and Statistics from Georgetown University.
Kyle Ferris
Tecolote Research, Inc.
Cyber Security & Cloud Computing Track: Planning a Cloud Migration Effort: Cost Estimating Considerations (CYC02)
Kyle currently supports the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency as a cost analyst, primarily responsible for collecting, analyzing, and modeling IT infrastructure costs to assist with the development of future cloud migration requirements. He previously conducted market research for Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) cloud service solutions, documenting and evaluating analogous cloud migration efforts across the Department of Defense. Final analysis on capability gaps and lessons learned culminated in a whitepaper on cloud technology, hosting, and migration strategies for MCSC enterprise IT systems. In addition to his normal work roles, Kyle recently gave a presentation on cloud migration cost considerations at the 2020 Joint IT & Software Cost Forum, co-hosted by the Department of Homeland Security, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, and National Security Agency.
Emily Freed
NSWC Dahlgren Division
Operations & Support Analysis Track: Continuous Enhancements: An Alternative to Maintenance (OSA01)
Emily Freed has two years of experience working as a Cost Analyst. She currently supports PEO Land Systems Ground Based Air Defense project. Ms. Freed is DAWIA level I Cost Estimating Certified and has completed level II Cost Estimating courses. She has received a Masters of Curriculum and Instruction from Walden University and a Bachelors in Mathematics and Secondary Education from Kutztown University.
Daniel B. French
Cobec Consulting, Inc.
Software & Agile Track: Build It and They Will Come: Keys to Developing a Successful Software Metrics Program (SWA02)
Dan has twenty years of experience in a variety of IT roles including analyst, developer, tester, project management, software estimation. He has developed CMMi and ISO compliant process improvement and software estimation processes. Dan holds a B.S. in Economics from Virginia Tech and holds certification as a CFPS, PMP and CSM. He also serves as Chairman of the IFPUG Functional Software Sizing Committee (FSSC). He’s authored numerous white papers/presentations on software metrics, Agile, and estimation.
William Gbelee
PRICE Systems, LLC
Cyber Security & Cloud Computing Track: Improved CERs to Estimate Commercial IaaS Costs for Federal IT Systems (CYC01)
William serves as a technical resource for the United States Air Force, and the United States Army clients, providing training, mentoring, and consulting in predictive estimation and data analysis. Prior to joining PRICE®, he spent 4+ years supporting DoD cost estimating, Budgeting, and Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC). William holds a B.S. in Accounting & Finance from Wright State University.
Steven Glogoza
The Boeing Company
Soft Skills & Communication Track: Estimator development and process automation (SSC03)
Steve Glogoza is an active contributor and leader in the Boeing Company. He supports the acquisition environment with cost estimates and proposals for highly complex projects and routine transactional efforts. He is a proven performer, with a history of bringing together experienced and developmental staff, and a focus on developing critical thinking in the acquisition estimating process.
James A. Golden
PRICE Systems, LLC
Processes & Best Practices Track: Business Transformation of Life Cycle Cost Estimating at PEO STRI / Processes (PBP01)
Jim is the senior consultant and U.S. Army lead for the Federal Division, responsible for supporting all U.S. Army organizations in cost estimating and analysis. He has over 30 years of experience in cost estimating and financial analysis with the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Army. Jim is a Level 3 Certified Acquisition Professional in both Cost Estimating and Financial Management; and is Level 3 certified under the DoD Financial Management Certification program. He is a retired U.S. Air Force Financial Analyst; the former Cost Chief of the U.S. Army’s PEO STRI; and a U.S. Army LSS Black Belt.
Jeremy Goucher
MCR, LLC
Analytical Methods Track: Reducing Lifecycle Cost Through Aircraft Modernization (ANA04)
Jeremy Goucher has over 15 years of professional cost estimating, financial planning, and leadership experience. He is currently supporting the Naval Air Systems Command. In previous roles, Mr. Goucher supported the Air Force Space and Missile Systems, Missile Defense Agency, Naval Sea Systems Command, and Naval Integrated Warfare Systems. Mr. Goucher received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics from the University of Maryland and Syracuse University, respectively. Mr. Goucher is CCEA and PMP certified.
Marc Hayhurst
The Aerospace Corporation
Processes & Best Practices Track: Addressing Challenges in Costing Unique Large Scientific Facilities (PBP02)
Marc Hayhurst is a Senior Project Engineer in the Civil Systems Group at The Aerospace Corporation. Mr. Hayhurst has 15 years of experience in performing independent cost estimates and developing cost models for NASA and other government organizations. He recently served as the cost lead for ground concept evaluations for Astro 2020 as a member of the technical risk and cost evaluation contractor team.
Morgan Heimbrock
Cobec Consulting, Inc.
Machine Learning & Data Science Track: The Algorithm of 10,000 Variables (MLD02)
Morgan Heimbrock is a consultant with Cobec Consulting supporting the acquisition oversight group at the Federal Aviation Administration, the Office of Investment Planning and Analysis. Currently, she is helping with financial data aggregation to enable visualizations and analysis, along with software development. Ms. Heimbrock has a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Accounting from the University of Kentucky.
Dustin Hilton
Galorath Federal
Machine Learning & Data Science Track: Dealing with Missing Data – The Art and Science of Imputation (MLD08)
Dustin Hilton, CCEA, has been a cost analyst for nine years. He is experienced in the areas of parametric estimation, linear and non-linear regression, machine learning, and risk and uncertainty analysis.
Anandi Hira
Tecolote Research, Inc.
Software & Agile Track: Get to the Point. What’s the Deal with Different Function Points Methodologies? (SWA03)
Analytical Methods Track: Investigating Causal Effects of Software and Systems Engineering Effort (ANA01)
Anandi Hira is a Cost Analyst at Tecolote Research Inc, and has received her PhD in software cost estimation under Dr. Barry Boehm at University of Southern California (USC). For her research, she collected data and calibrated the COCOMO® II model to include functional size metrics. Her research interests include software metrics and its application to project management, software cost estimation, and software process improvement.
Doug Howarth
MEE, Inc.
Processes & Best Practices Track: Where To Miss, What To Give Up (PBP05)
Doug Howarth has won two best paper track awards for ICEAA/ISPA. He has published peer-reviewed works through AIAA, IEEE, SAE, ICAS, ICEAA, and ISPA. The Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) hosted his invited evening lecture and published his work as well. He founded MEE Inc., whose clients include NASA, Lockheed Martin, United Technologies, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon. A frequent guest on social media, his interview in Authority Magazine appeared here https://bit.ly/2Qv4DAR.
Bob Hunt
Galorath Federal
Cyber Security & Cloud Computing Track: Cybersecurity Cost Issues Facing Today’s Cost Analyst (CYC03)
Bob Hunt has over 40 years of cost estimating and analysis experience. He received his Society for Cost Estiating and Analysis (SCA) Certification in 1991. He has served in senior technical and management positions at Dulos Incorporated (President), Galorath Federal Incorporated (President), Galorath Incorporated (Vice President for Services), CALIBRE Systems (Vice President), CALIBRE Services (President), SAIC (Vice President), the U.S. Army Cost and Economic Analysis Center (Chief of the Vehicles, Ammunition, and Electronics ICE Division, U.S. Army Directorate of Cost Analysis (Deputy Director).
Paul Janusz
US Army
Operations & Support Analysis Track: Army Software Sustainment: Righting Our Cost Estimating Assumptions (OSA03)
Paul Janusz is a senior software quality engineer at the US Army Futures Command at Picatinny Arsenal. He is responsible for implementing software measurement and IV&V on armament software intensive systems. Mr. Janusz supports the Army Software Sustainment Cost Estimation initiative, assessing and estimating how software sustainment is being performed on Army programs. On the Practical Software and Systems Measurement (PSM) project, he is focused on measurement for continuous iterative development projects and enterprises.
Sara Jardine
Galorath
Machine Learning & Data Science Track: Machine Learning and Parametrics for Software Joint Confidence Level Analysis (MLD05)
Sara Jardine is a Senior Cost Analyst with Galorath. She is an experienced Operations Research Analyst who has worked directly for a broad variety of government agencies, including the Navy, Veterans Affairs, and OUSD AT&L. Ms. Jardine is skilled in Cost Management, Project Management, Requirements Analysis, Cost Analysis, Contract Management, and Budget Management. She has an a M.S. focused in Project Management from The George Washington University and a B.S. in Mathematics from the University of Michigan.
Zach Jasnoff
PRICE Systems, LLC
Processes & Best Practices Track: Effective Affordability Engineering Teams – Top 5 Things You Need to Know (PBP03)
Zachary Jasnoff is the Vice President of Professional Services at PRICE Systems L.L.C and has over thirty years’ experience in lifecycle cost estimating. Zach began his career at the GAO where he was responsible for independent audits and investigations of defense acquisition programs. Zach broadened his career in cost estimating while serving in various positions at Boeing and Lockheed-Martin. Zach received a M.S.E from Penn Engineering and The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Brent M. Johnstone
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company
Technical Management Track: How Green Was My Labor: The Cost Impacts of Manufacturing Personnel Changes (TCM01)
Brent Johnstone is a Lockheed Martin Fellow and production air vehicle cost estimator at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company in Fort Worth, Texas. He has 33 years’ experience in the military aircraft industry, including 30 years as a cost estimator. He has worked on the F-16 program and has been most recently the lead Production Operations cost estimator for the F-35 program. He has a Master of Science from Texas A&M University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas at Austin.
Cheryl L. Jones
US Army
Operations & Support Analysis Track: Army Software Sustainment: Righting Our Cost Estimating Assumptions (OSA03)
Cheryl Jones is a senior systems engineer at the US Army Futures Command at Picatinny Arsenal, NJ. She is the technical lead for the Army Software Sustainment Cost Estimation initiative. The objective of this project is to provide the Department of the Army with the ability to accurately estimate, budget, allocate, and justify the software maintenance resources required to meet affordability requirements. Ms. Jones is the project manager of Practical Software and Systems Measurement.
Terry Josserand
Sandia National Laboratories
Technical Management Track: A Perspective on Cost and Schedule Impacts of Non-Technical Project Management (TCM02)
Terry Josserand is a Principal Nuclear Security Enterprise Analyst at Sandia National Laboratories. Over the past eleven years, Mr. Josserand has been involved in developing and reviewing estimates and analyses for nuclear weapon systems, secure transporters, satellite programs, and many other national security efforts. His recent interests are in comprehending the balance to both protect and share national security data in an evolving institutional, technological, and methodologically driven landscape.
Mike Konrad
Carnegie Mellon University Software Engineering Institute
Analytical Methods Track: Investigating Causal Effects of Software and Systems Engineering Effort (ANA01)
Mike Konrad is a Principal Researcher at the Software Engineering Institute, where he has worked for 33 years, including on CMM and CMMI. Currently, he is applying causal and machine learning to problems such as: understanding software lifecycle costs and predicting failure in cyber-physical systems. Konrad earned his Ph.D. in Mathematics from Ohio University in 1978 and is a senior member of the IEEE.
Benjamin Kwok
Tecolote Research, Inc.
Machine Learning & Data Science Track: USCM11 – an Evolution of Techniques Used to Build Cost Models (MLD07)
Analytical Methods Track: SatSim: Estimating Satellite Costs via Simulation (ANA06)
Benjamin Kwok is a technical expert at Tecolote Research and has supported cost research efforts at SMC for over 17 years. He is mostly known for being “the USCM guy” and is a regular speaker at the SMC CIPTs. He graduated from UCSD with a BS in electrical engineering and worked at Boeing for a few years prior to Tecolote. Lastly, he is passionate about data visualization and product design.
Alexander Lee
Los Alamos National Laboratory
Technical Management Track: A Perspective on Cost and Schedule Impacts of Non-Technical Project Management (TCM02)
Alexander Lee is a Post-Doctoral Research Associate at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. He is currently working on Stockpile Modeling of the weapons system Life Extension Programs (LEPs). Alex received his Ph.D. in Systems & Industrial Engineering from the University of Arizona.
Olivia Lindsey
Quantech Services, Inc.
Cyber Security & Cloud Computing Track: Estimating Cloud Infrastructure: Requirements, Methodologies, and Uncertainty (CYC04)
Olivia Lindsey is a cost analyst for Quantech Services with 3 years of DoD cost analysis experience supporting Information Systems. She has a Bachelor’s of Science in Mathematics from Georgia College and State University.
Richard Mabe
PRICE Systems, LLC
Processes & Best Practices Track: Cybersecurity Cost Estimating Factors for Business IT Systems (PBP04)
Mr. Mabe is a Senior Solutions Consultant for PRICE® Systems. He has over 40 years of operations research experience in government and industry as a cost estimator and as a logistics analyst. He has conducted extensive research focused on methods to estimate life cycle costs for IT, SW, cybersecurity and C4I systems. He has a BS in Geology from Boise State University, and an MS in Logistics from AFIT.
Patrick Malone
MCR, LLC
Analytical Methods Track: Adding Cost Credibility with SRL and MBSE Advanced Tools (ANA05)
Patrick Malone senior analyst at MCR, LLC, where he performs in-depth cost, earned value and risk assessments for space programs of all types and sizes. His analytical insight provides creative advancements in science and technology. An experienced engineer and analyst, Pat has researched methods such as technology and system readiness levels, agile applied to program management and system engineering that provides additional insight to managing programmatic processes and risks to support positive project outcomes.
Katharine Mann
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Software & Agile Track: Get to the Point. What’s the Deal with Different Function Points Methodologies? (SWA03)
Ms. Katharine (Kammy) Mann, CCEA, is an Operations Research Analyst for the Department of Homeland Security, Cost Analysis Division (CAD) IT / Agile Software Development Team. Before joining DHS, Ms. Mann supported the NATO Communication and Information Agency (NCIA) in Brussels, Belgium, and various DoD programs. She is the Vice President of the Washington Capital Area Chapter of ICEAA. Ms. Mann has Undergraduate and Master’s degrees in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Virginia Tech.
Matthew Marshall
The Aerospace Corporation
Processes & Best Practices Track: Addressing Challenges in Costing Unique Large Scientific Facilities (PBP02)
Matthew Marshall is the Director of the Enterprise & Technology Assessments Department in the Civil Systems Group at The Aerospace Corporation. Mr. Marshall has led and participated in numerous studies and analyses for US Government customers, including cost and technical assessments of NASA environmental test facilities, systems engineering assessments of launch vehicle contractors, and leading the ground concept evaluations for Astro 2020 as a member of the technical risk and cost evaluation contractor team.
Jeff McDowell
Tecolote Research, Inc.
Machine Learning & Data Science Track: Data With A Purpose: Technical Data Initiative (MLD06)
Mr. McDowell is employed by Tecolote Research, Inc. as the Chief Scientist for the Aviation and Missiles Programs Group performing cost research and cost estimating for numerous customers. He has forty years of experience in cost estimating, cost analysis, and cost modeling. His recent years have focused on improving the standards and mechanism by which our community collects and organizes its data. He received a Bachelor of Industrial Engineering degree from Auburn University.
Melanie Melancon
Evans Incorporated
Software & Agile Track: Grandma’s Secret Hotdish Recipe for SW Planning: SAFe and Analytics (SWA08)
Melanie Melancon is a Senior Consultant at Evans. She has been with Evans for 3.5 years and currently supports the FAA as a SAFe Release Train Engineer on a supply chain support program. Melanie has provided consulting services for the past 9 years to various federal agencies as well as commercial clients. She is Scrum Master Certified and is helping to implement the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) in her current role. Prior to becoming a consultant, Melanie spent nine years working in IT related positions, three of which were spent as a middle school computer literacy classroom teacher.
Trevor Michelson
Quantech Services, Inc.
Software & Agile Track: Air Force: Standing Up Agile Under A Waterfall (SWA04)
Trevor Michelson is a cost analyst for Quantech Services with 3.5 years of DoD cost analysis experience in multiple ACAT programs between Mission Planning and AWACS Divisions. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from Boston University.
Arlene Minkiewicz
PRICE Systems, LLC
Software & Agile Track: Lessons Learned from Software Maintenance Datasets (SWA06)
Arlene F. Minkiewicz is the Chief Scientist at PRICE Systems, LLC with over 36 years of experience at PRICE building cost models. She leads the cost research activity for TruePlanning, the suite of cost estimating products that PRICE provides. She is a software measurement expert dedicated to finding creative solutions focused on helping make software development professionals successful. She is widely published and speaks frequently on software related topics.
Karen Richey Mislick
Naval Postgraduate School
Soft Skills & Communication Track: Finding the Story in Your Data (SSC04)
Working for 30 years as a cost estimator/auditor, I have authored several best practice guides including the GAO Cost Estimating & Assessment, Schedule Assessment, Technology Readiness Assessment, and Agile Assessment Guides. I used the criteria in these guides to create audit recommendations aimed at improving government program outcomes and over the years provided hundreds of briefings. However, until I started teaching data storytelling, I was clueless about what best practices existed that could enhance my presentations. Knowing these techniques will greatly improve your presentations!
Daniel Newkirk
Tecolote Research, Inc.
Analytical Methods Track: SatSim: Estimating Satellite Costs via Simulation (ANA06)
Machine Learning & Data Science Track: USCM11 – an Evolution of Techniques Used to Build Cost Models (MLD07)
Daniel Newkirk has a PhD in Biomedicine, with fellowships in Bioinformatics and Developmental Systems Biology. At Tecolote, he develops innovative machine learning algorithms, automated data analysis pipelines, and tools for data visualization that augment analysis of both cost and schedule data. Previously, he spent over a decade in biomedical research performing biological experiments, statistical analysis, data mining of complex biological datasets, and developing machine learning methods and software.
Brian Opaska
US Air Force
Software & Agile Track: Cyber Mission Platform (CMP) Program: Analyzing the Full Suite of Agile Metrics (SWA05)
Brian Opaska is currently the Cost Chief for the Cryptologic and Cyber Systems Division of the United States Air Force. Previously, he worked as a Division Chief in Operations Research/Cost Analysis for the Department of Defense (DoD). He has over 18 years of cost modeling and analysis experience within the DoD, IRS, and private sector with a focus on software intensive programs. He has an undergraduate degree from Virginia Tech in Industrial and Systems Engineering and an MBA from Johns Hopkins University. Additionally, he is an ICEAA Certified Cost Estimator/Analyst.
Stella O’Sickey
Technomics, Inc.
Analytical Methods Track: The Missing Link: An Evolution of Portfolio Natural Selection (ANA03)
Stella has a BS in Economics from American University with a minor in Arabic Language. She has experience in regression analysis, development of CER’s, data base development, and research.
Danny Polidi
Raytheon
Analytical Methods Track: Foundation of Structured Architecture, System & Cost Modeling (ANA07)
Mr. Danny Polidi received a B.S. and M.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from the California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA in 1990 and 1991. Current PhD candidate for Systems Engineering at CSU. He was with Space Systems / Loral from 1991 to 1996 working on high frequency, microwave designs for space applications. From 1996 to 2002, at Radian Technology, he became the Product Manager of the Digitally Tuned Oscillator Product Line where he was responsible for designing new circuits, writing code, and production.
Valerie Rockwell
The Aerospace Corporation
Processes & Best Practices Track: Addressing Challenges in Costing Unique Large Scientific Facilities (PBP02)
Valerie Rockwell is a Technical Intern in the Civil Systems Group at The Aerospace Corporation. She is pursuing an Astrophysics BS and an Anthropology BA from the University of California, Los Angeles, and recently co-authored a paper in the Astronomical Journal on searching for technosignatures via the Green Bank Telescope. She provides support on cost model development for ground-based telescopes and science instruments and assistance on other work within the Civil Systems Group.
Kimberly Roye
Galorath Federal
Machine Learning & Data Science Track: Dealing with Missing Data – The Art and Science of Imputation (MLD08)
Machine Learning & Data Science Track: Machine Learning and Parametrics for Software Joint Confidence Level Analysis (MLD05)
Kimberly Roye is a Senior Cost Analyst for Galorath Federal. Starting her career as a Mathematical Statistician for the US Census Bureau, Kimberly transitioned to a career in Cost Analysis over 10 years ago. She has supported several Department of Defense hardware and vehicle programs. Kimberly earned a MS in Applied Statistics from Rochester Institute of Technology and a dual BS in Mathematics/Statistics from the University of Georgia.
Vera Scheidlinger
The Aerospace Corporation
Processes & Best Practices Track: Addressing Challenges in Costing Unique Large Scientific Facilities (PBP02)
Vera Scheidlinger is a Project Leader in the Civil Systems Group at The Aerospace Corporation. She leads independent and cross-cutting programmatic assessments in support of civil and commercial customers, including NASA, the National Science Foundation, and the National Academies of Science. She also supports strategic efforts to modify and apply Aerospace’s existing programmatic assessment expertise to a non-space portfolio.
Michael Schiavoni
Tecolote Research, Inc.
Analytical Methods Track: Assessing Regression Methods via Monte Carlo Simulations (ANA02)
Michael has supported cost/schedule research and business intelligence efforts at Tecolote Research for the last four years, and his prior professional experience includes six years in radar signal processing for a defense contractor and three years performing audits at an accounting firm. His educational background includes an M.S. in Applied Statistics from Pennsylvania State University, M.S. in Physics from the University of California at Riverside, B.S. in Physics from the University of Delaware.
Dale Shermon
QinetiQ
Technical Management Track: Lessons Learned from Implementing Global Project Control (TCM04)
Dale Shermon is the Head of Planning, Monitoring and Control. As a QinetiQ Fellow he is recognized as a domain leader in his chosen field. He leads a team for the sustainment and development of the project professional community globally across the business. Dale has worked in the Aerospace and Defence environment both in industry and government for more than 35 years. He has detailed knowledge and experience in cost estimating, forecasting and risk analysis with broad skills of project and programme management disciplines. Dale has spoken at 90+ conferences and published multiple books.
Nate Sirirojvisuth
Operations & Support Analysis Track: Practical Estimating of Hardware Lifecycle Maintenance and Obsolescence Mitigation Strategies (OSA04)
Dr. Nate Sirirojvisuth received a PhD degree in Aerospace Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology. He has expertise in rotorcraft multidisciplinary design and optimization as well as a deep knowledge in econometrics and predictive cost analytics. He helped create a rotorcraft life cycle cost model for the Army’s Future Vertical Lift program and has worked closely with many rotorcraft and eVTOL companies in areas such as technology valuation, readiness assessment, and affordability engineering.
Christian B. Smart
Galorath Federal
Analytical Methods Track: Beyond the Matrix – The Quantitative Cost and Schedule Risk Imperative (ANA08)
Machine Learning & Data Science Track: Machine Learning and Parametrics for Software Joint Confidence Level Analysis (MLD05)
Machine Learning & Data Science Track: Dealing with Missing Data – The Art and Science of Imputation (MLD08)
Dr. Christian Smart currently serves as the Chief Scientist with Galorath Federal. He is author of the book Solving for Project Risk Management: Understanding the Critical Role of Uncertainty in Project Management. Prior to joining Galorath Federal, Dr. Smart was the Director for Cost Estimating with the Missile Defense Agency. He currently serves as the VP for Professional Development on the ICEAA board. Dr. Smart has a PhD in Applied Mathematics, and bachelors degrees in Mathematics and Economics.
Alex Smith
Quantech Services, Inc.
Software & Agile Track: Cyber Mission Platform (CMP) Program: Analyzing the Full Suite of Agile Metrics (SWA05)
Cyber Security & Cloud Computing Track: Estimating Cloud Infrastructure: Requirements, Methodologies, and Uncertainty (CYC04)
Alex Smith is a Senior Task Lead for Quantech Services. He is the lead analyst for a team of 14 Quantech analysts in the Air Force’s C2ISR Division of the Digital Directorate and a senior analyst supporting the Crypto and Cyber Systems Division of PEO C3I&N. He has 10 years of experience with the DoD in hardware engineering and cost analysis roles supporting Information Systems. He has a Master’s Degree in Economics from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Christina N. Snyder
MCR, LLC
Soft Skills & Communication Track: Does Cost Team Leadership Matter (SSC01)
Always being passionate about math and logic, it was a natural fit when Mrs. Christina Snyder, CCEA® became a cost estimator in 2005. Since that time, she has supported multiple DOD programs with various aspects of decision analysis, cost estimating, project management, and strategic planning including: business case analysis, analysis of alternatives, should cost analysis, acquisition planning, risk assessment, and logistics analysis. She holds a B.S. in Applied Computational Mathematics from Virginia Tech.
F. Gurney Thompson III
PRICE Systems, LLC
Operations & Support Analysis Track:Practical Estimating of Hardware Lifecycle Maintenance and Obsolescence Mitigation Strategies (OSA04)
Gurney Thompson is a senior cost research analyst with over 12 years of experience at PRICE where he is the main caretaker for the PRICE Hardware cost models. He spends much of his time researching and designing costing solutions for emerging technologies, most recently for common element models, additive manufacturing (3D printing), and IT/electronic system deployment projects. Gurney graduated with a B.S. in Systems Engineering from the University of Virginia in 2007.
Mike Thompson
Galorath Federal
Processes & Best Practices Track: Using Integrated Program Management (IPM) Principles Effectively (PBP07)
Mr. Thompson has over 30 years of experience working in Program Management, Cost Estimating, Risk Analysis, and EVM and is a Guest Lecturer at the USNA, on program management He has developed cost, schedule, and EVM models and provided technical support instruction to program management, assisting in problem definition, solution, and requirements development/definition training.
Ricardo Valerdi
Technical Management Track: A Perspective on Cost and Schedule Impacts of Non-Technical Project Management (TCM02)
Eric van der Vliet
CGI
Processes & Best Practices Track: Forecasting of Agile deliveries (PBP08)
Eric is a Director at CGI and responsible for the global CGI Estimation Center. This Estimation Center has the objective to improve Software Cost Estimation within CGI by improving processes, collecting data and performing internal benchmarks. Besides his role in CGI is Eric the president of Nesma, an international Software Cost Estimation organization with the base in the Netherlands. Eric has presented several papers in literature and on several international conferences.
Elaine Venson
Software & Agile Track: Secure Software Development Levels and Costs (SWA07)
Elaine Venson is a Ph.D. candidate, working under the supervision of Dr. Barry Boehm at the University of Southern California (USC). Her thesis proposal on the effects of required security on software development effort was accepted and presented in the Doctoral Symposium of the ACM/IEEE 42nd International Conference on Software Engineering (ICSE) in 2020. She also published papers related to the topic of costing secure software development in ESEM and ARES, internationally recognized conferences.
Leah Walker
Cobec Consulting, Inc.
Software & Agile Track: Grandma’s Secret Hotdish Recipe for SW Planning: SAFe and Analytics (SWA08)
Leah Walker is a Consultant with Cobec Consulting focusing on implementing software development for logistics and maintenance in the FAA. Ms. Walker is the product owner of a PMO development team focusing on developing and releasing business intelligence solutions at the program level and in sync with the broader FAA BI goals. She has a background in many areas of project and product management and is a Scaled Agile Evangelist who holds multiple SAFe certifications.
Leone Z Young
Sandia National Laboratories
Technical Management Track: A Perspective on Cost and Schedule Impacts of Non-Technical Project Management (TCM02)