Collaborative Initiatives
Meet The Team
Steven A. Schutte
Managing Director, CEO
Background
Steve holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Cincinnati and a J.D. from California Western School of Law, specialized in Intellectual Property.
Area of Expertise
Telecommunications / Intellectual Property
Professional Experience
- 20+ years
- Midwest Television – telecommunications
- Professional / Technical Consultant to the Finance / Investment Industry
Jorge A. Jiron, MIS
Chief Operating Officer / CIO
Background
Jorge holds a B.S. in IT from Pt. Loma Nazarene University and a M.B.A in Finance and Operations Management (Quantitative) from National University, San Diego.
Area of Expertise
IT Applications, Infrastructure
Professional Experience
- 25+ years
- IT Director, One Industries
- Lead IT/Project Manager – Solutions Consultant
- Department Manager, IT Liaison – Allianz Capital Management / Nicholas–Applegate
- MIS Assistant Director, American Red Cross, San Diego
Valerie Lee Schutte
Director, Business Development / CMO
Background
Valerie holds a Bachelor of Arts In Journalism / Marketing from San Diego State University and is certified in Digital Design by the University of San Diego.
Area of Expertise
Financial Marketing
Professional Experience
- 25+ years
- Allianz Capital Management / Nicholas –Applegate
- Investment Advisory / Marketing –Design Consultant
J. Douglas Ellena
Technical Advisor
Background
Doug holds a Bachelor of Science, ECE degree from Carnegie Mellon University and a Masters of Science, ECE degree from Virginia Tech.
Area of Expertise
Low-power, IoT Electronics
Professional Experience
- 25+ years
- Sr. Elecrical Engineer – PPI / Bluefin Innovations
- Sr. Elecrical Engineer – Base 2 Engineering
- Sr. Elecrical Engineer – QED / CTI
- Sr. Elecrical Engineer – 3SI
Stephen Blasch, PMP
Technical Advisor
Background
Stephen holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the Virginia Military Institute, Master of Arts in National Strategy from the Naval War College, and Master of Science in National Resource Strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.
Area of Expertise
Military / Defense
Professional Experience
- 20+ years as a military officer leading organizations up to 500 personnel, specializing in aviation
- Three years as a defense contractor supporting aircraft carrier and Joint Strike Fighter programs
- One year as an instructor and consultant at Defense Acquisition University (current position)
Raoul A. Novak
Technical Advisor
Background
Raoul holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Management, Carnegie Institute of Technology.
Area of Expertise
Manufacturing
Professional Experience
- 45+ years
- President, CMP Group
- Managing Director, California Manufacturing Technology Centers, Inc.
- Vice President , Maxon Corp. Inc.
- Director of International Operations , Smith Tool, Inc.