About AGI

Consultants

Partners

Deirdre B. Jacob

Dee has always marched to a different drum beat and been successful in getting others to follow a new pathway to rapid success. A manager at Procter and Gamble for 18 years, she further developed the Production TOC applications in the areas of chemical processing and high speed packaging for P&G all over the world there.

Besides implementing some of the first TOC supply chain applications in consumer products in the world, she brought the beginnings of the TOC Critical Chain concept into application into consumer products. In health care, beauty care, household cleaning, soap and detergents, she led many applications involving the use of TOC from creating strategy, decreasing time for product development, improving facility design and project execution, to product rollout and capacity increases. Utilizing an integrated approach with many of the TQM techniques that evolved into Lean Six Sigma, Dee was able to build rapid consensus and bottom line results in a just a few years – credited with positively impacting the bottom line at $500 million.

Upon leaving P&G in 1991, she joined AGI as a partner and introduced TOC into the South Africa and Australasia markets, as well as to numerous clients in North America and Europe. She continues to lead the development of the TOC Project Management application into the multi-project environment and its use in a variety of environments from product development to construction to the test and evaluation of the some of the most sophisticated technologies in Department of Defense, as well as the integration of the TOC Thinking Processes into Strategic and Operational Planning. Her success comes from her hands on approach, her understanding of what it takes to achieve organizational transformation and her ability to transfer capability to clients to enable them to improve and sustain.

Besides being a world renowned expert in TOC Project Management, TOC Thinking Processes, AGI Leadership Strategy Process, she is the chief architect of AGI’s Leadership Strategy Process, SDAIS deployment models and VELOCITY Approach for the integration of Lean Six Sigma and TOC. She was elected Managing Partner of AGI in 2005 and has led AGI in that capacity since 2006.

A sought after speaker, Dee is coauthor, with Suzan Bergland of AGI and Jeff Cox (coauthor of THE GOAL) of the new business novel, VELOCITY, published December 29, 2009 by Simon & Schuster.

Dee is a graduate of Lafayette College, as well as the University of Tennessee’s Executive Excellence Center Statistical Process Control and Design of Experiments. She was trained by Dr. Shingeo Shingo in SMED and Poka Yoke; Dr. Richard Schoenberger in World Class Manufacturing and both Dr. Juran and Dr. Deming. She is a founder and lifetime member of the Theory of Constraints International Certification Organization and holds all six TOCICO certifications.

Suzan Bergland

Suzan has worked with numerous organizations to help them improve their bottom-line results and to create a sustainable competitive advantage. As a Manager at Cryovac Division Sealed Air Corporation for 20 years, she held various positions in both Information Systems and Quality Assurance. During the last half of her career at Cryovac she implemented a Continuous Improvement training curriculum that included courses in Lean, Six Sigma and the Theory of Constraints (TOC). In addition, she facilitated strategy and improvement efforts at all levels of the organization. One of her last assignments at Cryovac involved leading the effort for synchronizing the supply chain for one of their major product offerings. These efforts resulted in increasing throughput and eliminating a major market constraint.

Upon leaving Cryovac, Suzan joined with David Bergland and became the Managing Partner of TOC Solutions, LLC, a Certified Associate of the Avraham Y. Goldratt Institute, LP. During this time Suzan and David worked with organizations of all sizes to implement TOC solutions to improve their bottom line.

In 2005 Suzan joined the AGI-Goldratt Institute as the Vice President of Implementation Services. During this time she led the effort to fully integrate TOC with Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in a way that truly creates breakthrough performance. In 2006 she became a Partner and is currently serving as the President of the North American Group.

A sought after speaker, Suzan is coauthor with Dee Jacob of AGI and Jeff Cox (coauthor of THE GOAL) of the new business novel VELOCITY – Combining Lean, Six Sigma and the Theory of Constraints to Achieve Breakthrough Performance, published on December 29, 2009 by Simon & Schuster.

Suzan holds a Bachelors degree from Furman University, a Masters degree from Converse College, and a Masters degree in Quality Management from Loyola University in New Orleans. She is a founder and lifetime member of the Theory of Constraints International Certification Organization (TOCICO) and holds all six TOCICO certifications (Supply Chain Logistics, Thinking Process, Holistic Strategy, Project Management, Finance and Measures and Fundamentals). She is also a member of APICS and ASQ and holds three ASQ Certifications: Certified Quality Manager, Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), and Certified Quality Auditor (CQA). She is a Jonah’s Jonah and has extensive experience in implementing all aspects of the TOC Body of Knowledge. She has also had considerable experience with Lean, Six Sigma and Total Quality Management (TQM) in addition to leading AGI’s work in integrating these methods with TOC.

Dr. Eric De Smet

Eric has more than 15 years of experience backed by a track record of successful business development and implementation using the Theory of Constraint Thinking Processes, in the areas of strategic planning, supply chain management, production, product development, engineering, maintenance, project management, and marketing and sales in Asia, Europe, and the United States. Prior to joining AGI, Eric held CEO positions in various companies in Europe, Asia and the United States, as well as VP positions in multi-national corporations.

He received his early education in Belgium where he obtained a degree in Electrical Engineering and a degree in Computer Science. He further broadened his global knowledge and obtained an MBA in the UK (Scotland) and a Doctorate in the United States.

Eric is a founder and lifetime member of the Theory of Constraints International Certification Organization and holds all six TOCICO certifications.

Dale Houle

Dale has devoted most of his professional life to developing, implementing, and disseminating the Theory of Constraints (TOC) to include the TOC Thinking Processes and their related applications in the areas of strategy, intelligence, sales, operations, distribution, supply chain, finance, accounting, human relations and project management. He is an acknowledged TOC Expert in Production/Manufacturing and Distribution.

Dale has designed, developed and led implementations with both military and commercial clients. He spent two years as Project Team Lead and Technical Lead implementing an enterprise-wide approach for achieving and sustaining Cost-Wise Readiness with a Department of Defense client. The effort involved the total logistics chain integration of organizational, intermediate and depot levels of maintenance with retail and wholesale supply and transportation activities. The designed purpose to reduce cycle times, identify opportunities for increased time on wing, and reduce total delivered costs was achieved.

He has led commercial clients in developing integrated market strategies to position themselves to address significant market opportunities; and in business strategy development to identify and capture market opportunities, as well as needed changes in manufacturing, logistics, transportation, marketing and sales, and measurements to capture those opportunities.

Dale has extensive experience in the implementation of TOC-based manufacturing/distribution system design resulting in significant improvements in customer service and order fill rates, while reducing cycle times, inventories needed to support customer requirements, and finished goods inventory.

Dale earned MS and BS degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Bridgeport.

Hugh Cole

Hugh has been associated with AGI since 1993. As VP, Solutions Development, his focus involves developing, teaching and implementing constraint-based solutions in a manner that is customized to provide bottom-line results to the client. The overarching process follows the AGI Model of Strategy, Design, Activate, Improve, and Sustain (SDAIS). Relevant aspects of TOC – from the strategic use of the TOC Thinking Processes to the tactical implementation of its various logistical applications – provide the foundation for the solutions. Working across both the private and government sectors, from maintenance and repair operations (MRO), to production, distribution, project management, marketing, and sales, Hugh has applied TOC to such diverse industries as electronics, chemicals, food processing, metals, printing, fabrication and textiles.

As part of his responsibilities, Hugh educates others to become TOC Experts, certifying them in the areas of TOC Supply Chain Design and Deployment. He is a frequent lecturer and speaker in universities and professional organizations.

Prior to his association with AGI, Hugh worked in industry for more than eighteen years holding both line and staff positions in production, distribution, engineering and marketing. Over this period of time his responsibilities covered a wide range of activities – from Plant and Production Management, to Engineering, to Operations Analysis, to Director of Operations over multiple plant facilities.

Hugh has a BS in Engineering Management, Mechanical Engineering emphasis, and a Professional Degree in Engineering Management from Missouri University of Science and Technology.

Bob Jacob

Bob has been involved in consulting with and implementing constraint-based solutions with commercial clients and the Department of Defense since 1996.

He has significant experience in managing projects and has participated in the development of the TOC Portfolio Management Application and Expert Training Program. He is also active in course and training development in Critical Thinking and Supply Chain Management. Bob has worked with clients in the profit and non-profit sector.

His over 20 years of experience in running both profit-oriented and non-profit organizations including his own construction company, makes him personally well aware of their many problems and frustrations dealing with vendors, suppliers, and customers.

Bob is highly regarded as a TOC consultant and is frequently asked to speak at professional organization meetings and conferences.

He received a Bachelor of Arts from Lafayette College and a Masters of Divinity from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary.

Executives

Masaki Hisamichi

Masaki San has been associated with AGI since 1999 as the head of the TOC cluster at Japan Research Institute (JRI), AGI’s Executive Business Partner in Japan. As the first AGI-certified Jonah and Supply Chain expert in Japan, he has led many TOC Supply Chain implementations in Japan.

In early 2010, Masaki San left JRI and became president of AGI-Goldratt Institute Japan.

Prior to his involvement in TOC, Masaki San was involved in business process re-engineering and ERP implementations as a senior SAP certified consultant. Masaki San holds a BS, Mechanical Engineering from Ibaraki University in Japan and attended the American Management Program (AMP) at Japan America Institute of Management Science in Hawaii USA.

Stephen (Steve) Simpliciano

Steve has been with AGI-Goldratt Institute since 1993. His primary focus has been applying constraints-based management in Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO), air operations, weapons system development, and ship design. He is retired from the US Air Force where he achieved extensive experience in the aircraft maintenance and logistics disciplines. As an acquisition professional, Steve held certifications in Acquisition Logistics, Test and Evaluation, Program Management, and Communications-Computers Systems.

Steve received his Bachelors of Science degree in Physical Sciences from California State University San Francisco, and his Masters of Aeronautical Sciences from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Bruce Watson

Bruce joined AGI after working 20 years at Nike in various technical and senior leadership positions. His work often involved cutting edge technologies and division level re-engineering efforts including HR performance and incentive programs. He was successful in using TOC based project management in IT and leading several of Nike’s first and highly successful TOC supply chain implementations.

He has 25 plus years of leadership experience and practical knowledge in electronics, software, textiles, plastics, rubber, metal, and aircraft repair. Functional experience includes product development, global sourcing, manufacturing, raw material and parts supply, warehousing, and IT systems including CRM, PDM, ERP/MRP and warehouse control.

Fukushima Yasuhiko

Fukushima San has been associated with AGI since 1999 when he, together with Masaki San, fostered the Executive Business Partner Relationship between Japan Research Institute (JRI) and AGI.

In early 2010, Fukushima San became Vice President Business Development of AGI-Goldratt Institute Japan.

Prior to joining AGI Japan, he had been involved in Business Development and Sales in the Information Technology field for the past 19 years, holding senior executive positions in companies such as Oracle Japan K.K., Manugistics Japan K. K., Mapics Japan K.K., and SAP Japan.

Fukushima San holds a Bachelors of Law from Meiji University in Japan.

John Zahora

John has over 25 years of experience in process improvement activities utilizing TOC and LSS. He has been a driving force in developing a useable method to integrate TOC and LSS and is active at developing TOCLSS integration course material. He has successfully applied TOCLSS to production, project management, supply chain, marketing, sales and strategic planning.

He is a certified Six Sigma green belt, Lean Expert, a licensed Covey facilitator and has a broad experience leading plant wide implementations of Lean and Six Sigma activities.

Prior to his association with AGI, John worked in industry for more than twenty years holding both line and staff positions in production, engineering and marketing. Over this period time his responsibilities covered a wide range of responsibilities from Director of Operations to Business Unit General Manager.

Consultants

Kathleen (Kathy) Austin

Kathy has been associated with AGI since 1991 where she has been involved in consulting with and implementing constraint-based solutions for military and commercial clients. She is active in course development in Critical Thinking, Portfolio Management, and Supply Chain Management.

Prior to her work with AGI, Kathy spent 12 years on active duty with the US Air Force, working in Acquisition Project Management and Manufacturing Management.

She has an MS in Logistics Management, Manufacturing & Contracting from the Air Force Institute of Technology, and a BSBA in Management & Decision Sciences from the University of NE at Omaha.

Dale Dille

Dale has been with AGI- Goldratt Institute since 2004 and is active in consulting, teaching and on-site deployment of TOC and Focused System Improvement solutions. Since joining AGI, Dale’s primary focus has been implementing Supply Chain Management constraint-based solutions, mostly supporting military clients.

Prior to joining AGI Dale spent 34 years with the Department of the Navy as a civilian working in all aspects of MRO - Aviation Maintenance. Dale’s last ten years with the Department of the Navy were spent in various executive management positions.

Dale has degrees in General Studies- Machine Tool Technology, Industrial Engineering and Business Management.

Gary Gestwicki

As a Consultant with AGI, Gary provides knowledge and intuition transfer of Theory Of Constraints (TOC), Lean, and Six Sigma to sustain continuous systems improvement.

Prior to joining AGI, Gary spent 22 years on active duty with the USMC focusing on the logistical movement of air-launched weapons systems and naval aircraft armament systems.

Gary Hargrove

Gary is an employee of the AGI - Goldratt Institute residing in Jacksonville, FL. He has been associated with AGI since 2003. His focus includes implementing and teaching constraint-based solutions with an emphasis on Supply Chain Management. Gary has applied his skills to both Intermediate and Organizational levels of maintenance throughout the Department of Defense.

Prior to his employment with AGI, Gary retired from the Navy as a Chief Petty Officer. His last assignment was at NAVAIR Patuxent River, MD where he was working with the Naval Aviation Enterprise introducing MDP and Supply Chain Management to the Navy and Marine Corps.

Gerald (Gerry) Hoffman

Gerry has been associated with AGI - Goldratt Institute since 1992. As Senior Consultant his focus consists of teaching, implementing and developing constraint based solutions in a manner customized to client needs with an emphasis on Supply Chain Management and the Thinking Processes. Gerry has applied his skills in the Public and Private sectors and in for-cause and for-profit organizations.

Before joining AGI, Gerry worked in industry for 22 years in the financial, operations and human resource disciplines. Immediately prior to joining AGI, he served as VP Finance for a Fortune 500 subsidiary.

Gerald (Gerry) Kendall

Since 1993, Gerry has dedicated his efforts to helping organizations find and address their leverage points for improvement. He has extensive senior management and consulting experience dealing with issues of change management and organizational strategies, including project management, labor relations, production logistics, marketing, sales, operations and human resource development. He has worked with the senior executives of a wide range of industries including medical products and services, shipbuilding, aluminum and steel production, high technology, food production and electric and water utilities. These efforts have included extensive facilitation of workshops, on-site consulting and implementation efforts, development of training and consulting materials, delivering presentations and speeches and writing of books. Gerry is frequently invited to speak about the holistic approach to managing a business.

Gerry is a graduate and silver medal winner of McGill University, and author of the books Viable Vision, Project Portfolio Management and the PMO, Securing the Future, Strategies for Exponential Growth Using the Theory of Constraints and Dentistry With a Vision.

Bob Mendenhall

Bob has been associated with AGI – Goldratt Institute since 1998. As a Senior Consultant, his focus has been teaching and implementing constraint-based solutions in the Public and Private Sectors. His emphasis has been the Thinking Process Roadmap and its application to the SDAIS and DMAIC models for improvement and sustainment in Production, Distribution and Portfolio Management.

Prior to joining AGI, Bob’s work in industry included Engineering development, Project Engineering, and Program Management.

He holds an MS in Controls and Dynamics, a BS in Aeronautical Engineering from Purdue University and is an ASQ certified lean six sigma black belt.

Kim Peute

Kim’s training and experience in program and project management spans both the government and commercial sectors. She became active in the application of constraint-based solutions starting in 2005, first in Marine Corps logistics and then in Air Force developmental flight test. She joined AGI at the start of 2010, and as a Consultant, she is active in teaching, developing and implementing constraint based solutions in the area of Portfolio Management for both government and commercial clients.

Kim holds a MBA from Webster University and a BA in Political Science/Spanish from the University of Northern Iowa.

Gordon Whitehead

Gordon has been associated with AGI – Goldratt Institute since 2008. As the Software Solutions Manager, he oversees design, development, and implementation of supply chain software.

Before joining AGI, Gordon held leadership positions in various industries, which include assignments as the VP IT Operations in the health care services industry, IT Director for a fortune 500 retail and manufacturing organization, and as the VP of Business Development for a software development and consulting firm. He has worked for organizations such as Nike, and served as an officer in the United States Marine Corps.

Gordon holds a Doctorate in Management from George Fox University, an MBA from the University of Phoenix, and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Oregon State University.