Jonathan Pena
Team Leader
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.
Cheryl Sawyer
Vice President of Administration / AFSO
Cheryl joined the AIT team more than 10 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. Cheryl’s other involvement in the ship repair industry is her volunteer service with the American Maritime Modernization Association (AMMA) where she has assisted with membership, business development, host’s the annual dinner and quarterly socials for the last 10 years. She also serves on the board as Secretary. The arrangement of monthly membership meetings with local elected officials has become an important event in the maritime industry and the advocacy work of the organization. The management of all social media pages and website provides the marketing structure for the members and others who have an interest in this industry. Cheryl is very active in interfacing on behalf of AMMA with the congressional leaders on small business and industry concerns. Cheryl was elected to the Board of Directors in 2017.
Other Professional Affiliations and Volunteer Industrial Experience include:
- Virginia Ship Repair Association (VSRA)
- Port of San Diego Ship Repair Association (PSDSRA)
- American Maritime Modernization Association (AMMA)
- Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce
- Board Member National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB)
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.
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.
Earl Proetzel
Cost Analysis/WAF Coordinator
Mr. Proetzel reports directly to the Vice 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.
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.
Bob Demerly
Welding Program Manager/ Warehouse 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.
Matthew Masciangelo
Quality Assurance Manager
Matt Masciangelo has been a member of the AIT team for 6 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.
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.
Corey Whetsel
Team Lead
Corey Whetsel is a Team Leader with more than 14 years of experience in troubleshooting, testing, and repairing mechanical systems. He joined AIT in 2019 as a Mechanic and quickly became a valuable asset to the company moving into the Team Leader position working CMAVs. Corey is Competent Person, PAI, and scaffolding qualified. While not at work, Corey enjoys going boating and fishing.
Edna Quinsay
Account Specialist
Edna Quinsay joined AIT & Surge Force on April 4, 2019, as a Sr Accountant. Edna has always been fascinated with numbers and has a deep passion in helping small business owners manage their financial growth. With a strong and successful accounting background, Edna provides expert advice, professionalism, and attention to detail. She has 25 years of Accounting experience. Previously, she worked with NAVSEA as a Procurement Analyst where she learned the procedures and processes of government contracts. Edna is a Team Player who is always willing to learn something new and always accomplishes her work before the end of the day. She closely interacts with our purchasing department/production & project managers.
Nick Nicastro
Safety Manager
Nick Nicastro is from Chesapeake, VA, and started with AIT December 2018. He previously has 10 years in the maritime industry as a diesel mechanic, C13 waterjetter, and NBPI paint inspector. During his employment with AIT, he was quickly promoted to a Team Lead position and with hard work and dedication, he was also promoted to Safety Manager. His goal is to assure compliance with OSHA requirements and help workers reduce on-the-job hazards and prevent injuries and illnesses. Nick’s favorite part of his career is making sure employees are safe and have a safe working environment.
Michele Lewis
Human Resources/Benefits Manager
As the newest member to the team, Michele joins AIT as our Human Resources/Benefits Manager. With over 20 years’ human resources, payroll, and benefits experience, Michele provides the knowledge and guidance to all those who work in the organization. Originally from Northern Virginia, she has made her home in Virginia Beach. When she is not working, you can find her hanging out at the beach with her four-legged buddy, Ne-yo.
Pat Lemery
Production Manager
Pat started with AIT 2 years ago. He has a decade of experience in operation, maintenance, planning, and supervision of HM&E systems between serving in the Navy as an Engineman and in the ship repair industry as a First-Class Mechanic. As the Production Manager at AIT, he plans, tracks, and executes the daily operations on all Complex and Non-Complex avails.
Miranda Jenkins-Holland
Comptroller
Miranda joined Advanced Integrated Technologies in November 2019 and serves as the Comptroller for AIT and Surge Force. Miranda is an innovative and driven accounting professional with over 19 years of diverse finance and government contracting experience, in the small to mid-sized business sectors. She specializes in financial modeling, cash flow management, cost accounting, and budgeting/forecasting. Miranda is actively pursuing her B.A. in Business Administration at Strayer University. In her spare time, she enjoys evening bike rides with her family, traveling, and red wine varietals.
Gabe DeJesus
Project Manager
Gabe is a Project Manager with expertise in structural repair, maintenance, and safety. A TCC Alumni, he graduated Cum Laude in the Maritime Technologies program. Gabe joined the Navy in 2005 where he proudly served as a Boatswain’s Mate and completed four major deployments onboard USS Mason, USS Mesa Verde, and NNSY. Since his separation from the Navy in 2014, he has taken various shipyard roles such as Shipyard Competent Person, Safety Specialist, and Structural Supervisor. Gabe is native from Puerto Rico and enjoys spending time with his loved ones, working out, and going to the beach.
Kevin Buie
Team Lead
Kelvin was born in Bennettsville, South Carolina. He enlisted in the United States Navy in August of 1997, where he worked as a Non-Nuclear Machinist Mate. He received technical certifications in Air Conditioning & Refrigeration System, Valve Maintenance Repair, Cargo/Weapon Elevator Maintenances, and Hydroelectric-Machinery Mechanic, also graduate with an Associate Degree in Applied Science for Mechanics and Maintenance from Thomas Edison State University. He retired after 22 years of honorable service as a Chief Machinist Mate Petty Officer and soon thereafter was recruited to join the team of AIT-MARINE as a Team Lead. He enjoys spending time with his family and working on small handyman projects around the house.
Cody Bancroft
Team Lead
Cody has been with AIT for two years. With over 8 years’ experience as a Habitability Specialist, Cody started as 1st class Sheet Metal Mechanic and recently moved into the position as Team Lead. When he is not working, he enjoys traveling to new and exciting places.
Corey Bancroft
Team Lead
I started in the shipyard in 2008 fresh out of high school. I started off as a helper for about a year before I took to my trade of sheet metal. I quickly learned and moved up in the trade with experience from berthings, and heads, to structural vent. In 2018 I began my career at AIT Marine as a 1st class sheet metal mechanic. After a year with AIT, I was moved to a Team Lead. I am married with 2 kids. In my time off me and my family love the outdoors anything from kayaking to camping.
