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Posts classified under: Expert Witness Directory

RTI Group, LLC. > Expert Witness Directory
22
Oct
Date October 22, 2024

011134 Marine Vessel Operations and Safety



This expert has over fifty years experience in the marine industry and has authored Vessel Operations and Safety Manuals for four organizations.  He has forty years of experience as Marine Surveyor, Consultant and Marine Appraiser; of which, twenty years is in operation of Inland Tow Boats, Offshore Tug Boats, including ATB’s, Lift Boats, Crew Boats, OSV’s and Passenger Vessels, up to 250 passengers, on inland and near coastal waters.

His experience extends to management of steel, aluminum, wood and FRP ship repairs.




Academic Background

  • United States Coast Guard, National Search and Rescue School

  • Marine Accident Reconstruction School


Additional Credentials and Licenses

  • National Association of Marine Surveyors – Certified Marine Surveyor, National President, 2010-2012

  • Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors – SMS/Accredited Marine Surveyor and Charter Member, VP Membership 2007-2008.

  • American Society of Appraisers USPAP Course (Renewed 2009)

  • Master of Towing Vessels, 200 Ton Power Driven Passenger Vessels, and 100 ton Sailing Vessels on Near Coastal, Inland, and Great Lakes waters, 12th issue

  • Tankerman – Grade B & ALG (Retired 10/4/01).

  •   Reviewer- Gulf Coast Fishing Vessel Safety Manual

  • CCSU, Water Pollution Control


Professional Experience

  • RTI Group, LLC, Annapolis, MD, Marine – Vessel Operations and Safety Consultant, 2010 – present.

  • Private company,  Houston and Corpus Christi, Texas. Marine Surveyor and Consultant – Perform condition, value, salvage, and damage surveys on tugs, barges, OSV’s dredges, dry-docks, U.S.C.G. inspected passenger vessels, trawlers, motor yachts, and sailing vessels for underwriters, lenders and buyers.  Conduct litigation support assignments on personal injury, damage, and fraud investigations for insurers and attorneys.  Time has included occasional trips as Master, or Trip Pilot, on tugs, ATB’s, towboats, passenger vessels, and managing dry-dock and repair operations of a Corpus Christi shipyard, and managing operations of two Marine Towing companies.  1967 – Present

  • Texas parks and Wildlife Department, Austin, Texas Project Surveyor, Battleship “TEXAS” Restoration Project – Prepared ship for tow to shipyard and trained volunteer crew of line handlers and pump operators. Wrote repair specs. for majority of topside repairs including steel replacement and coating system.  Served as “Master” for historical tow.  Coordinated dry docking with shipyard dock manager. Supervised crew of marine surveyors/inspectors during major overhaul at Todd Shipyard, Galveston. 1988 – 1989

  • Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Rockport, Texas Marine Supervisor Coastal Fisheries Division – Developed the design, wrote construction specifications, and served as owners’ representative during construction of modern fisheries research vessel.  Developed Safety and Operations Manual for Fisheries Division boat operators.  Originated training program for boat operators. 1987 – 1988

  • Redfish Bay Terminal/Shipyard, Aransas Pass, Texas, Vice President, General Manager -    Designed, acquired permits, supervised construction and managed a modern oil support terminal and vessel repair yard on lower Texas Coast.  Shipyard performed haul out repairs on vessels up to 170 tons and dockside repairs on larger vessels.  Supervised all bids and estimates on steel, aluminum, FRP, and wood vessels.  Developed new method of blister repair on FRP boats.  Managed a tug and crew boat company during this time, supervising all operations, maintenance, and dry-docking of vessels, also developed Safety and Operations Manuals for these vessels. 1980 – 1986

  • Otis Engineering Corp., Middle East Division, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia – Operations Manager – Supervised operations and maintenance of a six unit fleet of self-propelled Lift Boats and oil field service vessels in the Arabian Gulf.  Developed Safety and Operations Manual, instituted modernsafety program, negotiated and supervised all shipyard repairs of vessels, including drydocking, also inspected construction progress of new Lift Boats being built in Singapore.  1975 – 1979

  • Swift Ships, Inc., Corpus Christi, Texas, Port Captain – Served as Master and Port Captain of vessels carrying up to 250 passengers, on Inland and Near Coastal Waters. 1971 – 1975

  • Relief Captain and Tankerman – Served on Near Coastal and Inland towing vessels while developing Dixieland Marine, Inc.  1961 – 1971.

  • Anderson Petroleum Transportation, Houston, Texas, Crew/Captain, Coastwise Tugs – Started as deckhand and became captain of coastwise tugs.  (Service interrupted by two years service in U.S. Navy.) 1953 – 1961


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Author rtiAdmin
22
Oct
Date October 22, 2024

011120 Aviation Traffic Control and Radar Expert



Aviation Traffic Control and Radar Consultant with over thirty-five years experience with the Federal Aviation Administration.  This expert was appointed by the Secretary of Transportation to develop and lead an independent safety oversight organization to oversee the United States air traffic control system.

He directed and revamped emergency operations for the FAA following September 11, 2001 and has extensive experience as an FAA spokesperson with the national media, congress, and at high-visibility public hearings.

This expert has top-secret security clearance with sensitive compartmentalized information (SCI).




Academic Background

  • University of Virginia, Darden School of Business, “Leading in a Connected World,” November 2004.

  • University of Virginia, Darden School of Business, “Mastering Visionary Leadership,” April 1993.

  • Federal Executive Institute, “Leadership for a Democratic Society,” October 1989.

  • FAA executive and managerial training: Managerial Effectiveness, 1982; Management Objectives, 1983; The Managers Course, 1984; Executive School, 1985; Executive School Phase II, 1986; Managerial and Supervisory Effectiveness, 1988; Commitment to Mastery, 1989; Congressional Testimony Workshop, 1990; Effective Mediation, 1996.

  • Air Traffic Managers Course, August 1984.

  • ATC Orientation Course, Terminal, January 1984.

  • ATC Operational Remembering and Listening, July 1983.

  • OJT Techniques for Air Traffic Control Specialists, April 1983.

  • Supervisors’ Course, May 1979.

  • Facility Instructor Training, February 1978.

  • Fundamentals of Supervision May 1976.

  • Computer Theory and Operations for Air Traffic Control, February 1974.

  • Terminal Interim Training Course, August 1971.

  • West Virginia State College, 1969.


Professional Experience

  • Consultant in aviation-related matters specializing in domestic and international air traffic standards and procedures, RTI Group, LLC, Annapolis, MD, 2006 to present.

  • Under the Secretary of Transportation, established and organized a new position within the FAA to oversee and regulate the agency’s air traffic control system. The position provides oversight over the largest and most complex air traffic system in the world (over 175,000 takeoffs and landings every day).  Oversees daily operations, audits of field facilities and employee performance, and ensures safety through reviews of national procedures and programs, 2004-2006.

  • Director of Emergency Operations for the FAA.  Following 9-11-01, was responsible for designing and building an emergency operations center to house the FAA and Transportation Security Administration (TSA).  The 24/7 operation with state-of-the-art secure and non-secure communications capabilities instantaneously links the FAA, TSA, military, security and law enforcement organizations, 2001-2004.

  • Director for the Office of Air Traffic System Effectiveness, responsible for overseeing the performance of more than 600 air traffic control facilities nationwide. Also responsible for investigating aircraft accidents and supporting the Department of Justice in litigation against the federal government.  Served as principal witness at National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) hearings on several high-profile accidents, including Korean Air 801, Egypt Air 900, and TWA 800.  Responsible for media briefings and testified before Congress on air traffic matters relating to major accidents. Helped lead the team that orchestrated the grounding (and subsequent resumption) of all flights in the United States following 9-11-01 attacks, 1990-2001.

  • Manager of the FAA’s Eastern Regions Air Traffic Division with jurisdiction over approximately 3,500 employees who were responsible for providing all air traffic control services for New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and District of Columbia, 1987-1990.

  • Various management appointments overseeing air traffic control towers in Erie, PA and Newark, NJ, 1971-1990.


 

Recognitions

  • Secretary of Transportation Medal for Meritorious Service and Sacrifice related to the terrorist attacks of 9-11-01, July 2003.

  • FAA senior executive performance awards: 2004, 2003, 1994 and 1991.

  • FAA management awards:  1987, 1986, 1985 and 1984.


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Author rtiAdmin
22
Oct
Date October 22, 2024

011145 Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics



Civil engineer specializing in structural dynamics, wind and earthquake engineering. His research interests include various aspects of structural dynamics, system identification, flow-induced vibration, earthquake engineering, and wind engineering.Working in collaboration with another professor, he established an experimental research program on aero-elasticity and aerodynamics of civil engineering structures using the low-turbulence Corrsin wind tunnel at Johns Hopkins.

This expert has collaborated on a number of bridge aerodynamics projects, including the aerodynamic analysis of the Baytown (Houston) Bridge, the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge in San Francisco, the Central Bridge in Cincinnati, the Kap Shui Mun Bridge in Hong Kong, the Seohae Bridge in Korea, and the Carquinez Straits Bridge in California.  His long-standing interest and involvement in wind related problems associated with long-span bridges has led more recently to active involvement in stay vibration problems associated with cable-stayed bridges.




Academic Background

  • Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, May, 1986

  • Master of Science (Civil Engineering), California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, June, 1981

  • Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) (Hons.), The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand, May 1980


 

Professional Experience

  • Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics Consultant, RTI Group, LLC, Annapolis, MD, 2006-pesent

  • Dean, Whiting School of Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, August 2004 – present

  • Professor and Head, Dept Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, July 2002 – August 2004

  • Professor and Chairman of Civil Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, July 1999 – June 2002

  • Professor of Civil Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, July 1995-June 1999

  • Associate Professor of Civil Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, July 1991- June 1995

  • Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, January 1986-June 1991


 

Consulting Experience

Various consulting experience: 1987-2004, including stress analysis, aero-elastic analysis, static and dynamic finite element analysis, train passage analysis, wind retrofit, dynamic measurement, aerodynamic investigation, field vibration testing, wind load, cable-stayed bridge dynamic and aerodynamic concerns, communication towers, stability analysis, vibration measurements, wind loss modeling, and seismic evaluation/risk analysis, etc.

 

Awards and Fellowships

  • JHU Alumni Association Excellence in Teaching Award, 2001

  • Elected founding executive secretary, International Association for Bridge Aerodynamics, 1999-present

  • International Editor of the Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, 1999-present

  • Erskine Fellow, University of Canterbury, 1999

  • ASCE Huber Research Prize, 1997

  • NSF Presidential Young Investigator Award, 1989

  • Maryland Young Engineer of the Year, (Maryland Engineers Week Council), 1988

  • George Owen Teaching Award (Johns Hopkins University), 1987 [Presented annually by the senior class for outstanding teaching and devotion to undergraduates.]

  • Smith and Louise Lee Memorial Fellowship (Caltech), 1980

  • Fulbright Travel Award (N.Z.), 1980

  • William J. Goodfellow Memorial Prize for Engineering (N.Z.), 1979

  • Senior Hulme Scholarship (N.Z.), 1979

  • William Georgetti Scholarship (N.Z.), 1979

  • Auckland University Annual Prize for Civil Engineering, 1979

  • Auckland University Senior Prize in Engineering, 1977, 1978, 1979

  • Robert Pond Teaching Award (JHU Whiting School of Engineering), 1991


Society Membership

  • American Society of Civil Engineers–Member

  • Dynamics Committee, Engineering Mechanics Division

  • Seismic Effects Committee, Structural Engineering Institute (Associate Editor, J. Structural Engineering, June 1993‑May, 1996; Chair, 1997-2000)

  • Dynamic Effects Technical Administrative Committee, Structural Engineering Institute Chair, 2000-2002)

  • Wind Effects Committee, Structural Division (secretary 1992-1995)

  • Aerodynamics Committee, Aerospace Division

  • American Associate for Wind Engineering (Board of directors 2002-2005)

  • National Society of Professional Engineers (Scholarship Chair, Baltimore Chapter 1990‑93, Vice President, Baltimore Chapter 1991‑93)Earthquake Engineering Research Institute

  • Sigma Xi

  • Tau Beta Pi

  • Aerospace Division Executive Committee 2002-2007

  • Board of Directors, Maryland Section, 1996-1997


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Author rtiAdmin
22
Oct
Date October 22, 2024

011157 Fire Test Technician



He is a Fire Test Technician with over 20 years of experience, specializing in testing and studies related to the performance of equipment and materials associated with fire and explosion related failures.  He is experienced in small and large scale testing, and evaluation to determine ignition sources, flame spread rate, failure modes, heat flux, temperature, heat transfer, smoke generation, and fire suppression. He is also knowledgeable in the evaluation of fire detection and suppression systems.  He has performed experimental and standard studies/testing related to product development.

He has provided expert testimony in the court of law.




Academic Background
• UC Davis, Certificate in Fire Protection Engineering, 1998
• Chabot College, Hayward, CA; AA degrees in Electronic and Computer Technology, 1983
• U.S. Navy, Millington, TN; Aviation Machinist Mate Jet (A) School, 1974
• Livermore High School, Livermore, CA; Graduated in 1973

Professional Experience
• RTI Group, LLC, Annapolis, MD, Fire Test Technician, March 2016-present.

• Consultant, Livermore, CA, 1981-Present
Consulting services involving all aspects of testing (designing, coordinating, fabricating, and operations) related to fire, explosions, and equipment performance and failure.  Provides analysis of test and accident data in determining probable cause and origin of fire or explosion.  In addition, provides analysis in fire spread, damage patterns, material failure, equipment failure, and fire management systems.  Provided computer generated graphics of data (graphs, tables, etc.) and drawings for analysis, deposition, and court room presentations, and reports.
Conducted inspections to determine the cause and origin of fires involving single and multiunit dwellings, commercial and industrial building and/or complexes, gas and electrically powered vehicles, and a private substation. Performed fire inspections of domestic, commercial, and industrial electrical and/or electrical mechanical equipment and components.  Studied and tested fire related events involving aircraft, automobiles, electrical equipment, batteries, wiring, buildings, building material, and propellants.  Has worked on accidents involving fire, smoke, explosions, electrical arcing, electrical over-load, static discharge, welding, piloted ignitions, smoking materials, oxidizers, corrosion, and other nonspecific fire causes.  Conducted compliance reviews to determine if electrical equipment, buildings, and systems are in compliance with various codes and standards.He has given depositions and testimony related to the examination of evidence, experimental and testing, cause and origin of the fire, damage patterns, and equipment failure.
• Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, 1984-Retired
From 1981-1984, worked as a contractor at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) employed by Butler Service Group out of Sunnyvale, CA.  Between 1984 and 2007, worked as a Department of Energy (DOE) contractor employed by the University of California and from 2007 until retirement, worked as a DOE contractor for Lawrence Livermore National Securities (LLNS).
Between 1981 and 2004 he conducted fire testing and safety analysis for various DOE programs and conducted small and large-scale fire experiments to evaluate and determine the performance of materials, fire models, energized and un-energized electrical wires and cables, building and ventilation systems, and fire management systems (fire detectors, sprinkler systems, etc.).  Also performed training of fire fighters and testing personal protection equipment. He has written Operations Procedures, Operational Safety Procedures, Facility Safety Procedures, National Environmental Protection Act documents, project proposals, test plans, and reports.
From 1997 to 2006 he supported the Yucca Mountain Program, continued to conduct fire testing, and fire hazard analysis for nuclear weapon systems and DOE waste facilities. Duties associated with the Yucca Mountain Program involved the design, fabrication, and setup of materials testing and analysis related to the corrosion of various metal alloys.  He provided similar support to the National Ignition Facility (NIF) laser program.
Between 2006 and 2010 worked for the NIF project as an inspector for electrical assemblies, wire harness, electrical cables, and clean room certifications.  He changed the NIF electrical standards for wire and cables from unique DOE specifications to industrial standards and specified electrical testing standards for cable and harness assemblies.  Also performed inspection of large optics used in the NIF beam lines.

• Ed Chovanes Ford, San Leandro, CA, 1977-1980
Worked in the new car department as a utility/installer technician receiving and preparing new cars for delivery.

• U.S. Navy VFP-63 NAS Miramar, San Diego, Ca; rating ADJ-2, 1973-1977
Duties included the fueling and de-fueling, troubleshooting, inspection, adjustment, power turn-up, and scheduled and unscheduled maintenance of jet aircraft.  He was a supervisor, training petty officer, safety petty officer, and ground turn-up NATOPS instructor.

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Author rtiAdmin
22
Oct
Date October 22, 2024

011258 Gas and Electric Utility Operations



This expert specializes in gas and electric utility engineering, construction, maintenance, operations, safety, and human performance improvement. His experience has a particular emphasis on gas and electric distribution and vegetation management operations. This expert has over 25 years experience within the utility industry.




Academic Background

• Georgia Institute of Technology, Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (Cooperative Program), June 1982

• The Rutgers Program for Management Development, 1993

• The Leadership Baltimore County Program, 1995

 

Professional Experience

• RTI Group, LLC, Stevensville, MD, Gas and Electric Utility Operations Expert, 2016 - present

 

• Private company - Principal (2015 - Present)
Providing operations, safety, human performance improvement, engineering and management consulting to the gas and electric utility sectors and the vendors, contractors, suppliers and consultants who serve them. Highly successful engagements with:

  •  A global management, process and IT consulting firm - facilitating the transfer of overseas engineering and operations methodologies and technologies to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of electric utility operations in the United States and Canada.

  •  A regional utility construction and maintenance company - providing post-incident investigation and root cause analyses and recommendations surrounding human performance, error prevention, standards, procedures, administrative controls, training, qualifications, safety programs and leadership effectiveness.

  •  A leading national gas utility construction, maintenance, and operations company - exploring and developing the addition of a stand-alone utility consulting capability to the firm’s current offerings.

  • The second largest vegetation management company in North America - investigating and deploying safety, operating and accountability improvements to field operating regions.

  • An industry leading special effects provider, specializing in integrating cutting edge laser effects with other entertainment elements and serving clients across North America and Europe - deploying safety, operating, human performance, training and development improvements.

  • Three international industry advisor networks serving the capital investment and consulting communities - providing senior executive management consulting on utility engineering, construction, operations, and supply chain processes.


 

•Baltimore Gas and Electric Company – Baltimore, Maryland,

Vice President (Exelon) – BGE Special Projects (2014)
Executive leadership of strategic, operational and organizational initiatives affecting BGE and the other Exelon Utilities. Those initiatives included:

  •  Alignment and standardization of processes, organizations and technologies to deliver the consolidated dispatch of Gas Emergency Response, Electric Emergency and Outage Response, and Revenue Cycle (Customer) field operations, including the merging of emergency preparedness and support and dispatch center functions in Baltimore and Philadelphia.

  • Alignment and standardization of contractor administration and contractor field management processes.

  • Support of utility merger integration activities (Exelon/Pepco Holdings).


 

Senior Vice President (BGE) / Vice President (Exelon) - Integrated Field Services (2007 to 2014)

Executive leadership of the integrated field services team, BGE’s largest division. Provides direction, sponsorship and administration of the 1,450 organic utility employees and 2,000 contractor employees engaged in gas and electric transmission, substation, distribution and meter construction, operations and maintenance activities.

Notable areas of executive competence and achievement:

  • Leadership of construction, maintenance, operations and maintenance of the gas, electric, transmission and substation assets within BGE’s 2300 square mile service territory and service 1.25 million electric and 750 thousand gas electric and gas customers.

  • Safe, efficient and effective execution and control of complex gas and electric Capital ($600+ Million) and Operations and Maintenance $690+ Million) annual programs.

  • Achievement of utility industry top decile OSHA personnel safety performance.

  • Industry leading achievements in human error performance improvement including development of NERC-endorsed Human Error Prevention toolkit for use by field technicians in critical bulk power substation environments.

  • Executive leadership of significant incident (crisis) management, including performing Executive Storm Management roles in response to Maryland impacts of Hurricanes Floyd, Isabel, Irene and Sandy, a number of major ice and snow events, and the Eastern Derecho storm of 2012. Through effective planning and operations, BGE has not experienced a major gas system incident during my executive tenure.

  • Innovation and development of BGE ‘center of excellence’ model for combined gas and electric operations under single executive sponsorship. Extensive cross training and cross utilization of craft personnel for Advanced Metering (SmartGrid) deployment, gas emergency response and electric primary and secondary repair and restoration.

  • Establishment and nurturing of effective alliance arrangements with contractors in every utility field discipline – transmission, substation, vegetation management, electric distribution, gas distribution, SmartGrid and legacy metering and gas and electric new business.


 

General Manager – Gas and Electric New Business (2005 to 2007)
Senior Management leadership of initiation, engineering, design and construction of all gas and electric industrial, commercial and residential new business installations.

 

General Manager – Distribution Construction, Operations and Maintenance (1999 to 2005)

Senior Management leadership of electric distribution project and program management, construction, maintenance, operations and vegetation management of all overhead, urban underground and suburban underground electric distribution systems.

 

Chief Distribution Engineer (1995 to 1999)
Senior Management leadership of comprehensive and enterprise-wide electric distribution standards, methods, equipment, materials, procurement and special studies engineering functions.
o Director – Information Technology Management - Transmission and Distribution (1994)
Senior Management leadership of information technology support and project teams supporting the electric transmission and distribution operating organizations.

 

Manager – Distribution Construction, Operations and Maintenance - Howard Service Center (1990 to 1993)
Regional leadership of gas and electric distribution project and program management, construction, maintenance and operations for Howard, Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties.

 

General Supervisor – Northern Operations (1989)
Regional leadership of distribution testing, damage prevention, gas system corrosion control, and local reliability engineering for Baltimore, Carroll, and Harford Counties.

 

Supervisor – Northern Customer Engineering (1988)

Regional supervision of gas and electric new business engineering and design and cost estimating for Baltimore, Carroll and Harford Counties.

Various electrical and industrial engineering assignments (Associate Engineer, Engineer and Senior Engineer) of increasing complexity and responsibility (1982 to 1987)

 

 

Professional Associations and Activities

• Board of Directors, Parents Anonymous of Maryland 1993-1997

• Board of Advisors, Little Sisters of the Poor (St. Martin’s Home) 1999-2001

• Board of Directors - James Rouse Entrepreneurial Fund 2005 – 2007

• Executive Sponsor, BGE Red Cross Blood Donor Program, 2011-2014

• Board of Directors, Jobs, Housing, Recovery of Baltimore 2011-present

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Author rtiAdmin
22
Oct
Date October 22, 2024

011210 Electrical Engineering Consultant, Fire and Explosion Investigator



A licensed Professional Engineer in Electrical Engineering and Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator with over ten years experience conducting forensic engineering investigations.  He has conducted consumer product testing and analysis in support of product development, design modification, and recall consideration.

He conducts investigations involving electrical consumer products including appliances, tools, computers, extension cords, and surge protectors; electrically ignited fires; electrical grounding and electrical shock; electrical commercial and industrial equipment including electric motor operated pumps, fans, and HVAC units; electrical power generation and distribution, including switchgear design, installation, and maintenance; code compliance of building and special installation wiring for various sites, including marinas and fairgrounds; and conduct of work on electrical systems, including lockout/tagout procedures and other OSHA requirements.

 

A highly regarded educator, he taught Electrical Engineering at the U.S. Naval Academy for six years, demonstrating his expertise in teaching subjects ranging from basic circuits to power distribution and system characterization, while also mentoring independent design projects. Students and colleagues alike praised his ability to distill complicated subjects into key points and to explain them in easily understandable terms, a skill appreciated by clients and juries.  His investigative approach is methodical and thorough, referencing codes and standards where appropriate, and offering opinions and conclusions based on verifiable evidence.

He has conducted investigations from initial site inspection through code and standards review, evidence and exemplar testing.   As a court-qualified expert witness, he has given trial and deposition testimony supporting his findings.




Academic Background

  • M.S., Electrical Engineering, Tufts University, 1994

  • B.S., Physics, United States Naval Academy, 1992

  • Certified Fire and Explosion Investigation Program, National Association of Fire Investigators, 2004


 

Professional Experience

  • Senior Electrical Engineering Consultant, RTI Group, LLC, Stevensville, MD, 2013-present

  • Senior Electrical Engineer, Flaherty Engineering Consulting, LLC, 2009-present

  • Electrical Engineering Faculty, United States Naval Academy, 2006-2012 Courses/subjects taught: Electrical Circuits, Power Generation and Distribution, Electrical Motors, Power Supply Design, Fiber Optical Communications, Signals and Systems

  • Consulting Electrical Engineer, CED Investigative Technologies, Inc., 2006-2012

  • Senior Electrical Engineer, CED Investigative Technologies, Inc., 2003-2005

  • Optical Engineer/Laser Safety Officer, Lumera, Inc., 2001-2003

  • Nuclear Propulsion Plant Engineering Instructor, Trident Training Facility, 1999-2001

  • Strategic Missile Officer and Quality Assurance Director, USS Florida (SSBN 728), 1997-1999

  • Shift Maintenance Coordinator and Engineering Watch Officer, USS Florida (SSBN 728), 1996-1999

  • Naval Nuclear Propulsion and Submarine Training, United States Navy, 1994-1995


Licensing and Registration

  • Licensed Professional Engineer, District of Columbia, License No. PE901659

  • Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator, National Association of Fire Investigators

  • Naval Nuclear Propulsion Engineer


 

Professional Associations and Activities

  • Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

  • National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

  • National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI)


Areas of Expertise

  • Electrical consumer products including appliances, tools, computers, extension cords, and surge protectors

  • Electrically ignited fires

  • Electrical grounding and electrical shock

  • Electrical commercial and industrial equipment including electric motor operated pumps, fans, and HVAC units

  • Electrical power generation and distribution, including switchgear design, installation, and maintenance

  • Residential and commercial building wiring

  • Electrical control systems

  • Conduct of work on electrical systems, including lockout/tagout procedures and other OSHA requirements


 

Case Experience

  • Investigated numerous residential and commercial building fires potentially caused by wiring faults or appliance failures

  • Evaluated switchgear design defects which contributed to a severe electrical shock accident

  • Numerous evaluations of fire-damaged surge protectors and power taps

  • Determined whether specific work practices contributed to electric shock accidents

  • Determined the cause of a fire in an electric drag racer

  • Evaluated remote operation system for an industrial crane

  • Evaluated code compliance of building and special installation wiring for various sites, including marinas and fairgrounds


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Author rtiAdmin
22
Oct
Date October 22, 2024

011268 Commercial Helicopter Pilot and Flight Instructor



Summary
He is a commercial helicopter pilot, qualified by a combination of flight time, experience, and demonstrated management skills.  He is competent and knowledgeable in the field of aviation with a proven and verifiable flight and safety record.  He is a capable, reliable pilot presenting a positive professional image.

Certifications and Flight Times
• Commercial Pilot - Helicopter
• Instrument Rating – Helicopter
• CFI – Helicopter
• Private Pilot – ASEL
• Part 107 UAS (Drone) Pilot
• Helicopter:  7,400+ hours
• Turbine Helicopter:  5,100+ hours
• Instruction Given:  2,000+ hours
• Night:  545 hours unaided
• Cross Country:  2,300+ hours
• ASEL:  253 hours

Helicopters Flown
• Bell 206 B and L Models
• R22 & R44
• Schweizer 333
• Enstrom 280C




 

Professional Experience
• RTI Group, LLC, Annapolis, MD, Commercial Helicopter Pilot and Flight Instructor, 2018 – present.

• Private Company – July 2011 to Present. ENG Pilot – Pilot/Reporter for TV News and Traffic.  Parts 135 and 91 operations.

• Private Company – October 2009 to Present.  Part 141 Chief Flight Instructor/Part 135 Pilot – Part 141 Chief Flight Instructor for a large helicopter flight school; Bell 206B3 pilot on a single-pilot Part 135 certificate (until 2011).  Bell 206 L instructor pilot.

 

• Helicopters, Inc., Fort Meade, MD – August 2007 to October 2009.  ENG/Ferry Pilot – Parts 135 and 91.  Flew Bell 206 L4 for television news and traffic (morning pilot for Chopper 7 from August 2007 through April 2009).  Ferried helicopters between contract cities: served as back-up pilot in locations throughout the US as required.  Extensive flight time within the DC SFRA and waiver flights in the FRZ.

 

• Lear Siegler Services, Inc., Fort Rucker, AL – February 2007 to August 2007.       Instructor pilot – Provided primary flight training to Army officers enrolled in Initial Entry Rotor Wing training course.  All training conducted in the TH-67 Creek (Bell 206 B).

 

• American Helicopters, Inc., Manassas, VA – May 2005 to February 2007. General Manager, Chief Flight Instructor, Pilot – Manager and Chief Flight instructor for a helicopter company and Part 141 flight school.  Conducted recurrent training for company pilots and flight instructors.  Conducted FAR Part 91 flights, sightseeing flights and photography missions.  Flew as ENG pilot for Sky 9 News Copter (WUSA-TV).

 

• Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters, Tusayan, AZ – February 2005 to May 2005. Line Pilot – Flew helicopter tours at the Grand Canyon.  Bell factory approved training course for the 206 L3.  Parts 135 and 91.

 

• Bay Bridge Helicopters, Stevensville, MD – 2001 to 2005.  Pilot – Conducted aerial photography flights throughout Maryland and the East Coast.  Flight Instructor – Founded Bay Bridge Helicopters Flight School.  Conducted initial and advanced helicopter flight training from Bay Bridge Airport inside the ADIZ.

Academic Background
• Pennsylvania State University, Monaca, Pennsylvania 1.5 years – majored in Communications.

• Defense Information School, Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana, US Navy Journalism and Broadcasting Courses.

• Tidewater Community College, Chesapeake, Virginia, Advanced Radio/TV Production

• Advanced Helicopter Concepts, Frederick Maryland, Private and Commercial Helicopter Training.

• Palm Beach Helicopters, Lantana, Florida, Certificated Flight Instructor Training (Part 141).

• US Army Methods of Instruction, Fort Rucker, Alabama, Instructor Pilot Qualification.

 

Professional Associations and Activities
• Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters – 4 months (2005); Tour Pilot
• Helicopters Inc. – 9 years (2007 – 2009 and 2011 – 2016); ENG Pilot
• American Helicopters – 2 years (2009 – 2011); Chief Pilot – Single Pilot Certificate

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Author rtiAdmin
22
Oct
Date October 22, 2024

011218 Commercial Pilot and Flight Instructor



A commercial pilot and licensed flight instructor with over 50 years’ experience in the flying and piloting of numerous types and sizes of aircraft.  His aviation background also includes service in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserves; private operation of his own FAA approved flight school, air taxi, air charter, air ambulance, aircraft rental and leasing company; experience as an Instrument Rated FAA commercial pilot; and as a licensed Flight and Ground Instructor. He also has extensive investigative background in antitrust litigation involving fixed base operator and aircraft dealer, as well as complex litigation versus international parties. He has served as an expert witness in aviation cases, and represented numerous pilots and aircraft companies in FAA and NTSB proceedings.




Academic Background

  • University of Tennessee College of Law, Knoxville, TN, Doctor of Jurisprudence, J.D. Law, 1976

  • West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, M.S. Industrial Relations, 1967

  • West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, B.A. History, Physics, Chemistry, 1963

  • U.S. Navy School of Pre-Flight and U.S. Navy School of Flight, Pensacola, FL, 1964


 

Additional Academic Activities / Honors

  • FAA Wilbur and Orville Wright Master Pilot Award May 2014

  • Graduate Cessna Factory Pilot Schools – Cessna 337, Cessna 340, Cessna 414, and Cessna 421, (1970- 1976)

  • Flight Safety International, Wichita, KS, 1986-2011

  • Cessna 425 Professional Pilot Proficiency Initial and four Recurrent Trainings; and

  • Cessna 441 Professional Pilot Proficiency Initial and ten Recurrent Trainings,

  • SIMCOM, Dallas, TX,

  • Cessna 441 Recurrent Training – latest April 2014; two recurrent training programs – 2012 and 2013.


 

Professional Experience

  • RTI Group, LLC, Annapolis, MD, Commercial Pilot and Flight Instructor Consultant, November 2014 to present.

  • Owned and operated Exec Air, Inc., Morgantown, WV and Executive Airways, Inc. Knoxville, TN, an FAA approved flight school, air taxi, air charter, air ambulance, aircraft rental and leasing company that accumulated over 25,000 accident-free flight hours in eight years, 1968-1976

  • Aircraft dealer, Knoxville, TN, 1970-1976

  • Extensive investigative background in antitrust litigation involving fixed base operator and aircraft dealer.   Complex litigation versus international parties in fatal Hawker crash. Expert witness in aviation cases. Represented numerous pilots and aircraft companies in FAA and NTSB proceedings.

  • U.S. Navy Active Duty, Naval Air Station Pensacola Florida; NAS Agana, Guam; 1964-1966, NAS Miramar, California 1963-1967.

  • U.S. Navy Reserve at NAS Marietta, Georgia and NAS Cecil Field, Florida 1967-1972


Professional Associations and Activities

  • Licensed to practice law by Tennessee Supreme Court, 1984

  • Admitted to Tennessee Appellate Courts, United States District Courts, United States Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals since 1984, filed briefs with United States Supreme Court.

  • Member Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association

  • Member Experimental Aircraft Association

  • Extensive Familiarization Tours:

  • Cessna factory, Wichita, Kansas; Piper Aircraft Factory; Lock Haven, Pennsylvania; and Vero Beach, Florida

  • Grumman-American Factory, Cleveland, Ohio

  • McDonnell-Douglas Factory, St. Louis, Missouri

  • Numerous U.S. Naval Air Stations, U.S. Air Force Bases, and seven U.S. Navy Aircraft Carriers.


 

Pilot Licenses/Certificates/Ratings

  • Medical Certificate Second Class, February 2014

  • FAA Commercial Pilot – Airplane single-engine, multi-engine land; Instrument Rated, 1967

  • FAA Ground Instructor – 1968

  • Pilot-in-Command time in over 47 aircraft, and Flight time in 20 others; total flight time over 13,000 Hours, 1636 as Flight Instructor. Flight time began 1964 first solo in the United States Navy T-34 A and has continued until the present for over 50 years. No accidents or violations.

  • Flight Instructor – Gold Seal – Revalidated, February 2014 – License #1641226

  • Ground Instructor – Basic, September 1968

  • Instrument rating – June 1967

  • Commercial Pilot – single engine/multi-engine land, June 1967

  • Flight Instructor – Gold Seal – single engine land, Multi-engine land, October 1966

  • Private Pilot – Multi-engine Land, March 1966

  • Private Pilot – Single Engine Land, June 1965

  • F.C.C. Restricted Radio Telephone Operator, October 1964

  • First Solo – U. S. Navy T-34A, March 1964

  • International Flight Experience – over 90 flights to Mexico to 11 airports; also Canada, Guam, Saipan, Rota, Tinian Islands, Hong Kong, Japan, Philippines.


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Author rtiAdmin
22
Oct
Date October 22, 2024

011253 Airport Runway Engineer



Airport runway engineer is internationally-known on the subject of runway friction measurement and analysis.  Included in his 43 year NASA career, he served as NASA’s Program Manager of Joint NASA/Transport Canada/FAA Winter Runway Friction Measurement Program aimed at harmonizing ground vehicle friction measurements under adverse weather conditions and identifying most acceptable and reliable relationships to aircraft stopping performance under similar runway conditions.

He has directed hundreds of aircraft braking performance test runs on different contaminated runways and conducted thousands of tire/pavement braking, steering, and free rolling test runs at NASA Langley’s Aircraft Landing Dynamics Facility.

While at NASA, he supported aircraft accident investigations for National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), U. S. Navy and Air Force, NASA, Portuguese Investigation Authority, Swiss Federal Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, and the Canadian Aviation Safety Board.  He has consulted on over 40 aircraft accidents and several highway vehicle skidding accidents where loss of tire friction was a suspected contributing cause.




Academic Background

Bachelor of Engineering Science, University of Portland, Portland, OR, 1963

Professional Experience

  • RTI Group, LLC, Airport Runway Engineer, 2012 to present

  • Self Employed 2007 to present

  • NASA Distinguished Research Associate, effective 2008

  • Grumman Aerospace, Bethpage New York, 1973 – 1974 NASA Exchange Program with the Grumman Corporation (now Northrop Grumman)

  • NASA Langley’s Aircraft Landing Dynamics Facility, 1964 – 1967

  • NASA Langley Research Center, Structural Dynamics Branch,  1963 – 2007

  • Bureau of Public Roads in Northwest, Road Surveyor, 1960 – 1962


Other Professional Experience

  • Helped facilitate arrangements to continue annual tire friction workshop at the Larson Transportation Institute, Penn State University, State College, PA starting in June 2009.

  • Swales Aerospace (NASA Langley contractor) 2007

  • USAF, Army and NASA C-17 Semi Prepared Runway Operations (SPRO) II Program

  • Provided consulting services for the Canadian Department of Justice concerning a fatal transport aircraft accident

  • Helped evaluate and solve Shuttle Orbiter landing gear problems including nose gear stability, friction and load bearing characteristics of various non-rigid (soil) runway landing sites

  • International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Runway Study Group, Member of U.S. Delegation


Professional Affiliations

  • Member of ASTM Committees E17 on Vehicle-Pavement Interface

  • ASTM Committee F09 on Tires

  • SAE A5 Landing Gear Committee

  • AIAA, AAAE R & D Committee, Member Emeritus of Transportation Research Board

  • AFD90 Committee and Member of International Friction Pavement Association




Promotion

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Author rtiAdmin
22
Oct
Date October 22, 2024

011115 Real Estate and Property Management



Real estate and property management expert has a CPM® PCAM ® CMCA® with over forty years of management experience in both residential and commercial properties.

A graduate from the University of Maryland with honors with a degree in Business Management and a minor in Economics. He holds the following certifications and licenses: Certified Property Manager (“CPM”), as designated by the Institute of Real Estate Management (“IREM”); Professional Community Association Manager (“PCAM”), as awarded from the Community Associations Institute (“CAI”); Certified Manager of Community Associations (“CMCA”), as designated by the National Board of Certification for Community Association Managers (NBCCAM); licensed real estate agent in Maryland; and a licensed Property Manager in the District of Columbia. He has authored numerous publications, taught various classes and seminars, and has spoken at many invited presentations.

He has served as an expert witness for cases in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia.




Academic Background

• University of Maryland, B.S. with honors in Business Management, and a minor in Economics, 1974

 

Registrations and Licenses

• Certified Property Manager (CPM) as designated by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM)

• Professional Community Association Manager (PCAM) as awarded from the Community Associations Institute (CAI)

• Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA) as designated by the National Board of Certification for Community Association Managers (NBCCAM)

• License District of Columbia Property Manager

• License Real Estate Sales Agent, Maryland

 

Awards and Honors

• Montgomery County, Maryland, Commission on Common Ownership Communities

o National Achievement Award by National Association of Counties (NACO)
o Innovative County Program Educational Videos on Best Practice, 2014

• Washington Metropolitan Chapter of Community Associations Institute (WMCCAI)
o Elected to Hall of Fame in 2015

 

Professional Experience

• RTI Group, LLC, Annapolis, MD, Real Estate and Property Management consultant, 2016 to present.

• President & CEO, private company, 1981 to present

• Director of the Property Management, Brenneman Associates, Washington, DC, 1978 to 1981

• Buyer & Merchandise Manager, 7th Heaven Fashion, Washington, DC, 1977 to 1978

• Property Manager, Shannon & Luchs Condominium Management Division, Rockville, MD, 1975 to 1977

 

Professional Associations and Activities

• M350, Manager and The Law, April 3-4, 2014, Baltimore/Pikesville, MD

• M320, High rise Maintenance & Management, December 6-7, 1012, West New York, NJ

• M330, Advanced Insurance & Risk Management, June 3-4, 2010, Alexandria, VA

• M310, Management Company Administration, Sept. 28-29, 2007 Alexandria, VA

 

 Teaching Activities:

o Moderator and Facilitator for Training in Real Estate Management topics along with OSHA Training for Zalco Realty Inc.

o Emergency Preparedness & OSHA, Seminar and Training, Silver Spring, MD, March 21, 2007

o Writing a Request for Proposal & OSHA, Seminar and Training, Bethesda, MD, March 19,2008

o How do things work? Building Systems & OSHA, Seminar and Training, Bethesda, MD, March 25, 2009

o How do things work – Part 2?  Building Systems & OSHA, Seminar and Training, Bethesda, MD, March 3, 2010

o Community Communication Tools & OSHA, Seminar and Training, Bethesda, MD, March 30, 2011

o Enhancing Your Communication Skills & OSHA, Seminar and Training, Bethesda, MD, March 22, 2012

o An Ounce of Prevention; Emergency Plans & OSHA, Seminar and Training, Silver Spring, MD, March 21,2013

o Replacement Reserve Studies & OSHA, Seminar and Training, Silver Spring, MD, March 11, 2014

o Aging Building Infrastructure & OSHA, Seminar and Training, Bethesda, MD, May 7, 2015

o Management Strategies for Protecting Our Communities & OSHA, Seminar and Training, Bethesda, MD, April 14, 2016

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Author rtiAdmin
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