2018 Company Directory
Carl Spraberry
President / Facility Security Officer
Carl was born and raised in Houston, Texas. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1975 where he worked as a Nuclear Welder and Nuclear Planner until his commissioning through the Limited Duty Officer program in 1986. He served in various positions as a Maintenance Officer, Planning Officer, and Damage Control/Engineering Officer on several ships and shore commands. He retired in 1994 and joined a local ship repair/government contracting company, QED Systems where he spent 12 years as the Director of Technical Services. Recruited by a local shipyard he started a small ship repair company Ocean Tech Services, where he served as the President beginning in July 2006 and left to start his own company in August of 2009. Since its inception his company, Advanced Integrated Technologies, and the staffing business he started in 2012, Surge Force, have grown to over 200 employees working throughout Hampton Roads and other areas, supporting the local shipyards and various government agencies in ship repair, modernization, and new technologies. He is a member of many trade organizations including the Virginia Ship Repair Association, American Society of Naval Engineers, Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, Virginia Port Authority, Virginia Maritime Association, National Ship Repair Council, Port of San Diego Ship Repair Association and he co-founded the American Maritime Modernization Association (AMMA). His charitable affiliations include President of the Southside Boys and Girls Club, Treasurer of Cerebral Palsy of Virginia, Treasurer of Hunt’s Pointe on the Elizabeth Homeowners Association, leadership council of the Hampton Roads United Way campaign, and founder of the Virginia Microboard Association.
Kerry T. Slane
Business Manager
Kerry has more than 30 years of experience in the management of engineering projects involving the maintenance, repair, testing, product improvement and alterations affiliated with U.S. Naval Ship and Submarine Hull, Mechanical, Electrical and Electronic Systems. He generates bid proposals, conducts cash flow forecasts, develops and monitors annual budgets. Kerry also interacts with Contracts and Program Management to provide assessment of contract compliance, execute options and modifications, develop cost estimates, resolve contract funding issues and coordinate deliverables. Additionally, he manages the financial status of Prime contracts and monitors contracts for profitability and pricing consistency.
Bob Coles
Director of Operations
Bob has 40 years’ experience working in the Navy community. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1977 where he worked as a Nuclear Welder and Pipefitter until his commissioning through the Limited Duty Officer program in 1990. Bob has served in various positions as a Damage Control Assistant, Chief Engineer (LPD, LHD, CV), staff Materiel Officer and Director, he has served on 7 ships and retired from the Navy after 31 years of service in 2009. After retirement from the Navy Bob went to work for AMERICAN SYSTEMS Corp as the founding member of the Engineering Readiness Assistance Team (ERAT) and Combat Systems Readiness Assistance Team (CSRAT), under his leadership the programs grew from an initial 4 man team to 13 different teams employing up to 98 employees working to assist Navy crews in operating and maintaining their ship. In 2016 Bob was promoted to Vice President / Director of Maritime Engineering & Readiness Directorate where he was responsible for Business Development, P&L centers, leading 140 employees and providing oversight to over $50M in annual contracts.
John Mapes
Planning & Estimating Manager
With over 18 years of ship repair and ship building experience as a fitter, welder, electrician, safety representative, and manager specializing in HM&E on US Navy, MSC, Coast Guard, and Commercial vessels. John has a well-rounded skill set which gives him the knowledge and ability to excel at managing a wide variety of projects. His proven track record and waterfront reputation in the Hampton Roads area and around the country make John a valuable addition to the AIT Marine Team. While not at work, John is an avid fisherman, automotive mechanic, honey-do-list fulfiller, and enjoys spending time with his wife of 15 years and their three wonderful children, Morgan, Jessica and Mason.
Anthony Lesperance
Non Complex Program Manager
Tony joined the AIT team in April 2018 and serves as the Non-Complex Program Manager. He was born and raised in Stephenson, Michigan. A career Naval Surface Warfare Officer, he graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1991 and served in a wide variety of at-sea and shore duty assignments, including multiple tours as an Engineering and Damage Control Officer in USS CROMMELIN (FFG-37) and Destroyer Squadron 31. Most recently, he commanded USS THACH (FFG-43) in San Diego, California before completing his final assignment as Inspector General at U.S. Transportation Command at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, which culminated over 30 years of service in the U.S. Navy. Tony has a proven track record of working closely with the ship repair industry throughout his career in the Navy. This included countless Selected Restricted and Continuous Maintenance Availabilities and a complex 6-month, $10 million dry-docking overhaul of a U.S. Navy Frigate while serving as the Commanding Officer. His proven leadership was critical in ensuring that every major maintenance period was completed on-time, with strict quality control standards, and a naval asset was ready to meet operational tasking.
Kenneth Bates
Production Manager
Ken joined the AIT Marine team in 2018 and brings 30+ years of operational and repair experience in Steam, Diesel and Nuclear Power. Since retirement from the Navy, he’s served as a Project Production Manager at General Dynamics NASSCO and a Modernization Program Manager for NAVSEA. While on active duty, he served on conventional steam ships and well as Nimitz class Aircraft Carriers and Diesel powered Patrol Craft and LPD-17 class ships. He retired from the Navy in 2014 as a Chief Warrant Officer-4. In his off time, Ken enjoys the outdoors and is an adult leader with Boy Scout Troop 36 in Carrollton VA. He’s married to the former Sheila Clifford of Vineland, NJ and has 2 boys, Ethan and Owen. They currently live in Smithfield, VA.
Earl Proetzel
Cost Analysis/WAF Coordinator
Mr. Proetzel reports directly to the President for the management of all contracts and company operations. Provides assessment of contract compliance, executes options and modifications, develops cost estimates, resolves contract funding issues and coordinates deliverables. Reviews the financial status of active delivery orders using EVMS. Processes Requests for Proposal, issues Stop Work Orders, conducts reviews of Statements of Work and monitors all contracts for profitability and pricing consistency. Interacts with the Contracts and Program Management functional organizations. Builds capabilities, develops personnel and integrates the processes of these teams to effectively manage business operations. Generates bid proposals, conducts cash flow forecasts and monitors annual budgets.
Joshua Everage
Warehouse Manager
Josh Everage works as the Facilities and Warehouse Manager for AIT. He manages waterfront, facilities maintenance and acts as the GFM coordinator. He has been working in the ship repair industry for approximately 9 years and has graduated from BAE systems apprenticeship. He also has experience in docking ships, fiberglass repair, Passive Counter Measure System, tile installation and Marine carpentry. When not working, you will find Josh fishing, hunting, trail riding, and spending family time with his wife and kids.
Stuart “Randy” Carlson
Purchasing Manager
Randy Carlson has been with the AIT Team since 2016 and works with Planning & Estimating and also in Receiving. Mr. Carlson has over 25 years of marine industry experience in purchasing, sourcing, and logistics for both the military and private sector. Besides enjoying downtime with his wife and family, Randy participates in 5K and 8K walk/runs for many cancer awareness groups and enjoys paddle-boarding, golf and mountain biking.
Larissa Loomans
Procurement Specialist
Larissa has been a Procurement Specialist at AIT since 2014 providing support to the Purchasing Department. She also plays a role in the Planning & Estimating Department in the areas of CFR Management, assisting with proposals and administrative support. Outside of work she enjoys painting and anything art related.
David McGarity
Safety Manager
David McGarity, also known around the company as “Safety Dave”, is responsible for employee health and safety and safety compliance at AIT. As an OSHA 10 and 30-hour outreach trainer, he teaches employees how to work safely on the waterfront. David is responsible for analyzing, designing, and implementing policies and procedures to make a workplace safe for employees. This includes making the work environment more comfortable for employees by designing safe work spaces, ways to decrease absenteeism and injuries, how to increase employee productivity, inspecting work spaces and also machines in order to make sure they are working safely and properly, and inspecting procedures to make sure they are in compliance with state and federal laws. David works closely with employees gathering data on a specific procedure and then analyze this information to develop new ways to increase productivity, safety, and efficiency. David then presents this information to management and implements new procedures as necessary.
Cheryl Sawyer
Vice President of Administration / AFSO
Cheryl joined the AIT team more than 8 years ago, serving as the Executive Admin to the President, as well as our Vice President of Administration. Cheryl’s extensive background and expertise in operational planning, government procurement, organizational leadership, OSHA standards, security management and all aspects of corporate administration, especially focused in the ship repair industry, makes her a valuable and versatile employee of Advanced Integrated Technologies. Cheryl is a truly dedicated employee, who goes above and beyond expectations to provide the best quality service to customers and employees.
Bob Demerly
Welding Program Manager
Bob is our Welding Program Manager/ NDT Level II / QA Inspector/NBPI Paint Inspector and Calibration Coordinator. He has more than 30 years of experience in the ship repair industry, including work as a boiler operator, shipfitter, and a welder. When he is not in the shipyard, Bob can be found golfing, fishing, or racing his car at the drag strip.
Ray Gaiser
Logistics Site Manager
Ray is currently the Logistics Site Manager for AIT where he supports the MACHALT Program Office and contract proposals. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Ray attended Temple University and received an associate degree in Architecture in 1968 and then attended Penn State Suburban campus for Program Management. In 1968 Ray attended the Fort Bragg 82 Airborne boot camp and then onto special electronics training. While serving in Vietnam Ray received two Oak Leaf Clusters and a Bronze Star for valor while attached with the 11th Armor Calvary Division. Additionally, he received the Army Command Achievement Award. Next Ray was sent to Germany and served with the 3rd Armor Division where he was discharged June 1971. Ray went to work for the Pennsylvania Unemployment Office and then for Ogden Foods. Ray eventually accepted a position with Naval Ships System Engineering Station in 1979 and held many jobs, a few of which were Logistics Program Manager, and Logistics Operations Manager. Ray resides with his wife in Williamstown, NJ, has a daughter in Sewell, NJ, who has four girls and a son in Mantua, NJ who has three girls.
Ryan Hatter
Quality Inspector
Ryan is a Quality Inspector with 10 years experience in the ship repair industry. A graduate of Newport News Shipyard’s Apprentice Program, his career focus has been Nondestructive Testing. Ryan is certified for Level III Visual Inspection (VT), Level II Liquid Penetrant Inspection (PT) and Level II Magnetic Particle Inspection (MT). Before hanging up his parachute to spend more time with his wife and child, Ryan was an avid skydiver.
Joseph Alfred Pepperman IV
Non-Destructive Testing Technician Level II/Quality Assurance Inspector
Joey started his NDT career in 2002, traveling the I95 corridor doing boiler shutdowns. In 2005, he made the move to the Naval repair and fabrication where he expanded his knowledge of NDT methods and began delving into the intricacies of the quality assurance requirements that the naval world necessitates. In his off time, Joey enjoys spending time with his loved ones, solving puzzles, playing games (video, card, board), and spending as much time as possible on the beach.
Tony Barnak
AIT Pleasure Craft Marine Technician
Tony Barnak joined AIT Pleasure Craft in 2018 and is a certified and insured marine technician serving the Hampton Roads area. He has been in the marine industry for twelve years and is a graduate of the Marine Mechanics Institute. Tony is certified in Yamaha, Mercury, and Mercruiser, and possess experience in Johnson/Evinrude, Suzuki, Honda, Volvo Penta and PWC. He specializes in custom electrical rigging, motor replacement and upgrades and gearcase repairs. Tony and his team at AIT Pleasure Craft have the capabilities to complete rapid quality mobile repair services. In addition, they are able to pick up and drop off vessels and have a gated and surveilled location to keep your prized possessions safe.
Matthew Masciangelo
Quality Assurance Manager
Matt Masciangelo has been a member of the AIT team for 4 years. He is part of the Quality Assurance Department and holds the position of Quality Assurance Manager. Aside from AIT he likes to spend his time fishing and officiating soccer at the collegiate and professional levels.
Jeremy Roberts
Quality Inspector
Jeremy Roberts is a Quality Inspector with 8 years experience in repair and inspection of Navy and commercial ships. He is certified for Level II Visual Inspection (VT), Level II Liquid Penetrant Inspection (PT) and Level II Magnetic Particle Inspection (MT). A local to the Hampton Roads area, Jeremy spends his off time with his wife and 4-year-old son kayaking, swimming and surfing.
Dwayne Dearborn
Project Manager
Dwayne is one of our Project Managers on our Production Team. He has a long history in Management and extensive experience managing and supporting major ship alterations, maintaining Connector QA Qualifications, as well as electrical shipboard installations. He also holds Adult First Aid Certifications. During his non-managing hours, Dwayne can be found beachside or spending valuable time with his family.
Scott Finnie
Team Leader
Scott’s experience began with twenty-one years of active duty with the United States Navy serving as a Quality Assurance Inspector with assignments including three aircraft carriers, ships maintenance facility, instructor duty, and overseas tour at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba security detachment. His experience holds a broad range of supervisory positions with a great deal of focus on Quality Assurance and Project Management. US Naval Certifications also include but not limited to, VSRA Safety Qualifications, Shipboard Interior Communications Electrician, Safety Technician, Certified Navy Law Enforcement Specialist and Certified Navy Instructor. Scott’s non-working hours are often spent working on projects around the house and throwing darts with friends.
Albert Lambert
Project Leader
Al began his waterfront experience with the United States Navy over twenty years ago, adding to his experience over the years as a Steel Worker Welder, Sheetmetal Mechanic moving forward as a Dry dock Supervisor. As a Team Lead with AIT, he uses a great deal of his expertise to lead our team through a vast array of projects.
Alicia Pimienta
Account Specialist
Alicia is the Account Specialist for our accounting department. She has a long history of Accounting that consists of accounts receivables, payables, and general ledger. She has an associates degree in business administration from Strayer University. She is a team player willing to help any way to get the job done. In her spare time, she enjoys attending church, shopping, traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Teena Lawson
Comptroller
Teena grew up in Logan, West Virginia, married her high school sweetheart, and traveled the world during his twenty-two years of service in the U.S. Air Force. She has two sons and four grandsons, which she adores. Their last assignment brought them to Langley AFB in July 1991 after her husband returned from Desert Storm/Operation Provide Comfort. Before joining AIT, she worked in accounting and various positions for over thirty-five years with private corporations, the U.S. Government while stationed overseas, and the last twenty-five plus years working for government contractors in the Hampton Roads community. She has extensive accounting and contracting experience with the Department of Defense (Air Force, Army, and Navy) and Department of State contracts, as well as Virginia local and state governments.
Jonathan Pena
Team Leader
Jonathan is a 1st Class Marine Electrician with 15 years of experience. With an ample knowledge in the preparation of electrical terminations, repair, maintenance, troubleshooting, wiring and installation of electrical systems and devices aboard the vessels of United State Navy and Coast Guard. A native of Puerto Rico, Jonathan is bilingual and while not at work he enjoys spending time with his wife and four children fishing and boating.
