Our Team

Meet the Team

  • Rudy co-founded nuForj to advance innovation in manufacturing and economic development, drawing on more than 35 years of experience as a technologist, serial entrepreneur, and senior adviser to governments and global corporations. His career has spanned economic and trade development initiatives around the world, including appointments by the U.S. State Department, U.S. ambassadors, the Department of Defense, and foreign governments. He has counseled Fortune 50 boards on global competitiveness and technology adoption and launched multiple ventures in advanced technologies and services. Rudy is widely recognized as a thought leader at the intersection of manufacturing, policy, and international growth.

  • Aaron joined nuForj in 2025 to lead corporate communications as the company’s lead storyteller. He brings 30 years experience helping B2B tech and industrial companies tell compelling stories to customers, analysts, employees and other stakeholders of positive change and transformation through technology adoption and innovation. Most recently Aaron was vice president of public relations and analyst relations for industrial additive manufacturing company Stratasys. As a consultant and global agency executive, he has also worked with startups to Fortune 500 companies including VMware, Seagate Technology, Qualcomm, TIBCO, and Microsoft. He holds an MBA in marketing from the University of Minnesota.  

  • Bill is a materials scientist and technology leader with more than 30 years of experience advancing new materials and manufacturing processes. During his 25 years at DARPA, he managed pioneering programs in composites, ceramics, and digital manufacturing that transitioned innovations into defense and commercial use. Earlier in his career, he served as Corporate Key Technologist at Saint-Gobain Abrasives and as a scientist at the National Bureau of Standards. Bill holds a Ph.D. in Ceramic Science from MIT and received the Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Civilian Service.

  • James is a results-driven sales and operations executive with over 25 years of leadership experience spanning medical device, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing markets. He is recognized for building high-performing teams, scaling revenue, and leading strategic partnerships that drive measurable growth. A former U.S. Army Military Intelligence Officer, he brings a disciplined, people-first leadership style and a proven record of exceeding performance goals in competitive environments. Currently serving as a Certified Executive Coach and Fractional CRO, James leverages deep expertise in strategic planning, sales development, and organizational performance to help businesses and teams achieve transformational results.

Dave Schmitt Principal

  • David is a veteran leader in the global entertainment and attractions industry, with a career spanning more than four decades across theme parks, world expos, destination venues, and major cultural institutions. He began his career at Disney and Marriott parks, contributing to the opening of Walt Disney World and helping establish operational and guest-experience standards still used today. As co-founder of Management Resources and ProFun, he led projects for clients including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the American Museum of Natural History, and multiple world expos. David remains active in industry and philanthropic boards in Southern California.

  • Kenneth is nuForj’s advisor for military affairs and diplomacy. He is a behavioral economist, defense innovation strategist, and international affairs leader with experience spanning technology policy, economic development, national security, and military health advocacy. A former U.S. Economic Growth Foreign Service Officer and U.S. Marine Corps officer, he has worked across government, academia, and policy organizations to advance innovation in complex global environments. He leads international affairs think tanks in Europe and Washington, D.C., and brings expertise in intelligence, space, drone policy, and responsible technology adoption. Kenneth has also served on DARPA AI ethics committees.

  • Tom is a robotics innovator and entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience advancing industrial automation and next-generation robotics. He is the founder and CEO of Scalable Robotics, which delivers a code-free, CAD-free, point-and-click programming platform for industrial robots. Prior to founding Scalable Robotics, Tom spent over two decades at ABB, where he led U.S.-based robotics R&D for 16 years and served as Global Program Manager for Next Generation Robotics. He is a prolific inventor with 79 granted U.S. patents, holds BS and MS degrees in Mechanical Engineering from MIT, and served as an officer in the U.S. Navy. He currently serves on the WPI Robotics Engineering Advisory Board.

  • Ron is a seasoned global technology executive and strategic advisor with more than 25 years of leadership experience spanning enterprise technology, AI, and advanced computing. He is founder and chairman of the Twelve Gates Advisory Board, a network of senior AI and technology leaders from global enterprises, financial institutions, and venture firms that accelerates the growth of emerging tech and AI startups. Earlier, Ron spent two decades at Intel Corporation in senior sales, business development, and strategic partnership roles, where he managed multi-billion-dollar global alliances and led initiatives in cloud, networking, and data center transformation. He has also advised startups in Israel and the U.S., supporting venture fundraising, scaling, and successful exits, including a $650 million acquisition. Ron is widely recognized for his expertise in building go-to-market strategies, forging global partnerships, and advancing innovation ecosystems that connect entrepreneurs, investors, and established enterprises. He holds a degree in marketing and business management from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.

George Yepes

  • George is a senior business development executive with more than three decades of experience across alternative investments, advanced materials, and global financial technology. Since 2013, he has led business development for Arel Capital, a New York–based real estate investment firm founded by former colleagues from Gottex Fund Management. During the COVID-19 period, he headed business development for Big Sun Holdings, a Hyundai Next division focused on commercializing large-scale 3D construction and advanced materials technologies. Earlier, he held senior roles at Man Investments/FRM and Gottex, and began his career in sales and marketing leadership positions at Reuters. George holds a B.A. from SUNY Albany.

  • Tom brings nearly four decades of expertise in digital manufacturing technologies to nuForj. He has worked extensively with manufacturers to evaluate and design new products, while devising advanced processes that accelerate innovation and improve competitiveness. Earlier in his career, Tom played a key role in conceptualizing and launching the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology’s Advanced Manufacturing Center, a nationally recognized hub for technology transfer and workforce development. Throughout his career he has partnered with industry, academia, and government to expand the impact of advanced manufacturing in the U.S.

  • Henry is a manufacturing innovation leader and former President and CEO of EWI, where he spent more than 20 years advancing technologies that strengthen industrial competitiveness. Under his leadership, EWI expanded its national footprint, broadened its advanced manufacturing capabilities, created major public-private partnerships including LIFT, and accelerated commercialization through spinout companies in ultrasonic additive manufacturing, advanced machining, packaging, and welder training. Earlier, Henry held executive roles at Battelle, where he led the commercial energy technology portfolio and served on the governing board of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. He holds B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Materials Science and Engineering from Brown University.

  • Stan joined nuForj following a distinguished 30-year career in the Massachusetts State Senate, where he served as Senate President from 2015 to 2018. As a legislative leader, he oversaw the state’s $30 billion budget process and championed initiatives in economic development, education, and infrastructure. Widely respected for his bipartisan approach and ability to build consensus, Stan played a central role in shaping Massachusetts’ leadership in innovation and technology-driven growth. At nuForj, he brings deep experience in government, public policy, and economic strategy to support the company’s mission of restoring and advancing America’s industrial base.

  • Don is a global engineering and manufacturing executive with more than 40 years of experience leading innovation, operations, and quality improvement. As founder of Aspen Hybrid Technology Solutions, he helps manufacturers implement lean enterprise systems, Six Sigma tools, and advanced process designs to drive productivity and growth. Previously, he held senior leadership roles at Precision Castparts Corp. and Delphi Electronics, where he led global engineering and quality initiatives that delivered major performance and cost improvements. Don is known for his inspirational leadership, customer focus, and ability to translate innovative ideas into lasting business results.

  • Frank joined nuForj following a distinguished career as one of the nation’s leading space industry strategists and advocates. He most recently served as president and CEO of Space Florida, the state’s aerospace and space development agency, where for 15 years he spearheaded initiatives that expanded Florida’s role as a global hub for commercial spaceflight, launch operations, and advanced aerospace research. Previously, Frank was managing partner of the SpaceVest Venture Fund, where he invested in companies applying space and advanced technologies to commercial markets, and served as president and CEO of the Florida Aerospace Finance Corporation, providing investment banking and infrastructure financing for aerospace projects. He has also advised technology companies worldwide as chairman and CEO of ITV Group. Frank continues to counsel government and industry leaders on space and advanced technology strategy. He holds a degree from Villanova University.

  • Alan joined nuForj in 2021 and was soon asked to serve as a member of the Executive Committee. He brings nearly 30 years of leadership experience across government, corporate, and association roles in communications, energy, advanced materials, and manufacturing. He brings to the nuForj team expertise in strategic planning, business development, government relations, and public affairs. Alan has testified before the U.S.–China Economic and Security Review Commission on China’s dominance in advanced materials and currently advises a number of early-stage advanced materials companies. He has served on the board of a number of charitable and industry organizations and is currently volunteering his time as a high school track and field and strength and conditioning coach. Alan is also a civilian graduate of the U.S. Naval War College.

  • Marti is a bilingual operations and organizational development executive with more than 20 years of experience leading strategic transformation, continuous improvement, and talent development initiatives. He has held leadership roles at PepsiCo, Frito-Lay, and RTi Global, where he guided large-scale process and culture change programs that boosted efficiency, engagement, and performance. Marti is known for her ability to build high-performing teams, coach emerging leaders, and drive collaboration across complex global organizations. He holds a Master of Science in Administration from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and a Bachelor’s in Industrial Engineering from the University of Costa Rica.

  • Chris is a veteran technology commercialization leader with more than 30 years of experience turning industrial innovations into market-ready solutions. As president of CC Commercialization Consulting and former CTO and Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at EWI, he has guided major public-private partnerships, secured over $100 million in funding, and launched programs that expanded access to advanced manufacturing technologies. He also led EWI’s Lightweight Innovations for Tomorrow (LIFT) Institute and served as CEO of Acoustech Systems, a joint venture advancing ultrasonic-assisted machining. Chris holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in welding engineering from The Ohio State University.

  • As an entrepreneur, editor and media & entertainment expert, Don is best known for an uncanny ability to identify media business trends. Don was instrumental in the launch of ESPN in 1979 and the advance of NBC Networks from last place to #1 (1983-1986). Inspired, he founded his own highly successful company, and has launched and sold companies, built divisions, developed alliances and led mergers. He has established a reputation for identifying multi-million dollar opportunities related to emerging markets, mergers & acquisitions, alliance partnerships, and market consolidations. Don’s client list includes NBC, ABC, CBS, HBO, Ogilvy & Mather, BBDO, Heiss Agency (Germany), WiredTV (Australia), Ariel (Italy), MTV, ESPN, and many others.

  • Leo is a globally recognized leader in advanced manufacturing and materials innovation. He is CEO and CTO of Materials and Manufacturing Innovations, a technology strategy firm advancing breakthroughs in materials science and manufacturing processes. Leo also served as Chief Technologist at Boeing, reporting directly to the company’s CTO, where he led enterprise-wide implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies and guided Boeing’s additive manufacturing strategy. Earlier, he was head of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Manufacturing Office and co-chaired the White House Advanced Manufacturing Partnership Initiative, launched under President Obama. He also served as Director of the Defense Sciences Office at DARPA, where he oversaw pioneering R&D in materials, portable energy, neuroscience, and defense applications, and was the co-inventor of a new class of alloys known as XD Alloys. Leo’s career reflects a deep commitment to advancing U.S. leadership in manufacturing, innovation, and technology-driven competitiveness.

  • John is a materials scientist, inventor, and technology commercialization leader with more than 30 years of experience developing advanced polymer, ceramic, and composite materials for defense, aerospace, medical, and industrial applications. He is president and CEO of Ventana Research Corporation, where he has led the development of numerous patented technologies spanning additive manufacturing feedstocks, chemical and biological defense materials, advanced coatings, and rapid prototyping systems. A prolific inventor, John holds dozens of U.S. and international patents and has served as principal investigator on multiple SBIR and government-funded programs. He holds a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Arizona.