Our Leadership Team
At Hepburn and Sons LLC, we are trusted leaders in the Defense industry, providing acquisition program management and operational expertise to the U.S. government and the Department of Defense. Our team is made up of dedicated professionals with unmatched technical knowledge, domain expertise, and business acumen.
President, Chief Executive Officer
SCOTT HEPBURN
Scott D. Hepburn is a Co-Founder, Principal, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hepburn and Sons LLC. With a robust education consisting of a BS in Finance with a Minor in Economics from Virginia Tech and a Masters in Finance from The George Washington University School of Business, Scott has driven the company’s success through his expertise in financial analysis, business development, business operations, and strategic planning. Before founding Hepburn and Sons LLC, Scott served in various roles in finance and management in the civilian federal government sector as a financial management analyst for the General Services Administration (GSA) Assisted Acquisition Services Portfolio and in management consulting as lead for the Capital Planning and Investment Control (CPIC) team for the US Patent and Trademark Office, Office of Chief Information Officer (OCIO) as a member of the Grant Thornton LLP team. Predating his current role as CEO of Hepburn and Sons LLC, Scott served for 12 years as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the company where he developed the business development, bid and proposal, and client management processes from the ground up and restructured and strategically grew the company into three independent business operation divisions. The U.S. Government, commercial industry, and local government partners recognize Scott for his thought leadership and business acumen. As CEO, Scott lives the company's core values. He is passionate about giving back to the community by developing and leading the company-sponsored, State of Virginia-recognized professional internship program for high school and college students and serving in multiple leadership roles as Trail Life VA-1914 Founder and Troop Master, City of Manassas Economic Development Authority Treasurer, and Manassas Baptist Church Finance Committee Member.
Principal, Chief Financial Officer
ERIC HEPBURN
Eric Hepburn is a Co-Founder, Principal, and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Hepburn and Sons LLC. Eric earned a BSBA in Finance with a minor in Economics at Longwood University and before co-founding the company, he gained significant experience in the business and finance industry by serving in billing and accounting roles at Gray Hawk Systems and Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC). Eric is a known expert in Deltek CostPoint Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and in the areas of accounting, financial functions, and contracting including a thorough knowledge and experience in the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations (DFAR). Serving as CFO since the company was founded, Eric has led the execution of all internal business functions. In this role, Eric led the acquisition and standup of new company accounting software with an expense and timekeeping interface to become DCAA compliant while creating an entirely new business entity. His leadership in the financial functions includes bid and proposal, budgeting, banking, and pricing. Under contracting functions, Eric leads negotiation, review, execution, and administration and organization of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) data as well as overseeing the development of all pricing efforts for multimillion-dollar proposals that involve myriad engineering, consulting, and R&D opportunities. In addition to his role as CFO, Eric is passionate about the role of small business in the fabric of our Nation and therefore, serves as a Board Member of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce.
Principal, Chief Marketing Officer
SAMANTHA HEPBURN HERTEL
Samantha Hepburn Hertel is a Co-Founder, Principal, and the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Hepburn and Sons LLC. Samantha earned a BS in Sociology from George Mason University and has over a decade of experience in the corporate sales space, ending as a senior sales executive with Marriott International. Since the company was founded, Samantha has spearheaded all corporate branding efforts, social media engagements, Congressional liaison, as well as all government and corporate customer relations and marketing efforts including the planning and execution of all company participation in professional conferences, associations, and symposia. In addition to her executive role within the company, Samantha has served in numerous industry roles including serving as Vice Chair and Chair of the American Society of Naval Engineers (ASNE) Flagship Section, winning section of the year multiple years in a row, and served as Marketing Director for the American Shipbuilding Suppliers Association, assisted with corporate development for ASNE, and was an Ambassador of Donations & Sponsorships for the National Museum of the Surface Navy.
Vice President of Engineering Support Services
JEFF SINCLAIR, PMP
CAPT Jeff Sinclair USN (Ret) is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, and has a Masters of Public Administration from Troy State University. He served in the Navy for over 27 years as a member of the Surface Warfare Officer Acquisition Corps, and his Commands included USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), Patrol Coastal Squadron One, and Surface Training Systems (PMS 339). Following his retirement in 2018 he joined Gryphon Technologies (formerly CDI Marine) where he served as a Capture and Operations Center Manager for a diverse portfolio.
Chief Information Officer
FRANK KOYE
CDR Frank Koye, USN (Ret) graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with his BS in electrical engineering and completed post graduate studies in nuclear engineering and business. His experience includes defense and national security with Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, and Serco including supporting the Navy, Army, Air Force, and international partners. As a naval officer, he worked in submarine and surface warfare, naval aviation, intelligence, and special warfare. As CIO, he ensures compliance with cybersecurity and IT regulatory compliance. Principal investigator for expert witness cases with regards to maritime and Navy matters.
Director of Strategic Development
ROB MEDVE
CDR Rob Medve USN (Ret) is a graduate from Ohio State University with a BS in Industry and Product Design (BSID) and graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a MS in Systems Engineering and Technical Management (MSSE). He is the Director of Strategic Development for Hepburn and Sons LLC, where he assists the company with developing and executing partnership strategies for technology development transition. He also assists with creation of company long-range goals, and helps identify new technologies to be considered for the company portfolio.
Director of Technology Transition
PATRICK LEWIS, Ph.D., PMP
Dr. Patrick Lewis has a BS, MS, and PhD in electrical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh. His experience includes engineering research and development in power electronics and electric power systems with a focus on power density, modularity, and SWAP-C Navy electrical systems integration. Past employment includes power electronic drives and power systems engineering with Curtiss Wright Electro Mechanical Division, Mitsubishi Electric Power Products Inc., and General Electric Power Conversion Naval Systems. He originally joined Hepburn and Sons LLC in 2019 as an Electrical Engineering Manager in the Technology Transition Division and has been instrumental in leading the engineering team and growing the portfolio.
Director of Human Resources
CHAZ BALKENBUSH
Chaz Balkenbush earned her Leadership and Management degree at Bluefield College located in Bluefield, Virginia. She is a Human Resources and Talent Acquisition expert and provides consultation to management on strategic staffing plans, compensation, benefits, training and development, budget, and labor relations.
Director of Finance and Accounting
MARK HETZ
Mark Hetz earned a BSBA and MBA in Finance from the University of Pittsburgh. He has over twenty years of experience in corporate finance, accounting, and government contracting. Since 2018, he has been the Director of Finance and Accounting for Hepburn and Sons LLC. In this role, he leads the budgeting/forecasting, pricing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, and audit functions.
Senior Manager
CHUCK JOHNSON
CAPT Chuck Johnson USN (Ret), is a graduate of Villanova University and has a Masters Degree in Operations Analysis from the Naval Postgraduate School. He served for 30 years, having Command of USS McCampbell (DDG 85), and Destroyer Squadron 31. Chuck has been with Hepburn and Sons since 2021, supporting NAVSEA 21 and their efforts with Bridge Integration and Ship Control Systems.
Senior Manager
FRANK GIANOCARO
CDR Frank Gianocaro, USN (Ret.) holds a BS (with Distinction) in Aerospace Engineering (Astronautics) from the U.S. Naval Academy. He served in the Navy nuclear power program for 26 years as both an enlisted Sailor and an officer including tours as the Reactor Electrical Assistant during the DWIGHT D EISENHOWER (CVN 69) RCOH and as XO of NPTU Ballston Spa. In addition to seven sea tours on aircraft carriers, amphibious ships, cruisers, destroyers, and frigates, he planned and conducted testing on the Navy’s newest ship classes including the LPD 17, LHA 6, JHSV, and DDG 1000 while serving at Commander Operational Test & Evaluation Force.
Materials Science Senior Manager
STAN BOVID, Ph.D.
Dr. Stan Bovid has provided engineering solutions and analysis to industry and government agencies for over 18 years. He holds advanced degrees in Mechanical Engineering (MS) and Materials Science & Engineering (MS, PhD) from North Carolina State University and The Ohio State University, respectively, with Professional Engineering licensure in Ohio and North Carolina. Dr. Bovid maintains expertise in broadly applicable materials engineering fields including structural mechanics, fatigue and fracture, material selection and design. His career experience has included non-profits, automotive, academia, government, and small business where he held roles including Chief Scientist and Director of Research. Upon joining Hepburn and Sons LLC in 2023 as Materials Science Senior Manager, Dr. Bovid has responsibility for the materials science technology portfolio and supports cross-discipline growth and development.
Senior Manager
JOHN BIDDLE
John Biddle is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy where he earned his BS in Aerospace Engineering. During his 10 years in the Navy he served as the Electrical Officer and Assistant Chief Engineer onboard the USS Farragut (DDG 99), the Assistant Chief Engineer of USS Oak Hill (LSD 51), and the Executive Officer of Navy Operational Support Center San Jose, CA. As a member of the Engineering Support Services division of Hepburn and Sons, John supports NAVSEA 05T’s research and development of fleet energy initiatives.
Senior Capture Strategist
MIKE BENNEY
Mike Benney graduated from Miami University with a BS in Finance and was commissioned as a Naval Officer through the ROTC program. He served in the Navy for 7 years, completing 3 deployments. After leaving the Navy, he joined NAVSEA 21 (PMS 339) where he served as the MPT Modernization Project Manager for 6 years. He then joined Sellers & Associates where he served as an Operations Center Manager. As the Senior Capture Strategist, he is responsible for identifying and pursuing opportunities that fit within the company goals and vision for the future.
Senior Electrical Systems Engineering Manager
TIMOTHY BARNHART
Timothy Barnhart, PE has a BS in Marine Engineering from the United States Merchant Marine Academy and an ME in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering from the University of Virginia. His experience includes working for the US Navy on various shipbuilding contracts, vibration and acoustics testing, and as a member of the program office in PEO Ships. For a while he led the Project Management Office at the Arconic Technology Center in prioritizing their technology portfolio. At General Electric Power Conversion, he was a project manager in R&D for the development of medium voltage power electronics and oversaw numerous power system and automation upgrades for naval and industry customers. He also managed the systems engineering team for GE Power Conversion in Pittsburgh before becoming their Manufacturing Operations Leader in overseeing all production for their facility in Imperial, PA. He joined Hepburn and Sons LLC as a Senior Systems Engineering Manager in the Technology Transition Division to bring his experience in engineering management to a growing team of engineers.
Our Subject Matter Experts (SME)
Mission Engineering SME
TIM CRONE
CAPT Tim Crone USN (Ret) is a graduate of the US Naval Academy has a MS in National Security Policy and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College as well as a MA in Justice, Law, and Society from American University. Tim served in the Navy for over 27 years, with 7 years in Command at sea and ashore. He is a member of the acquisition workforce and brings his experience of leading two Navy major programs (PMS 470 / PMS 443) during his Navy tenure. Tim joined Hepburn and Sons following his retirement from the Navy in 2018. He also serves on the executive committee for the Maritime Sustainment Technology and Innovation consortium (MSTIC).
Material Science SME
DAVID RICE, FASM
David Rice is a graduate of the Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School (Machinist) and a Materials Engineering graduate of Virginia Tech. He retired from Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) in 2019 after a career that spanned more than 45 years. David held various leadership positions at NNS. He was responsible for Research & Development Programs funded by ONR/ManTech, the National Shipbuilding Research Program (NSRP), ONR, DARPA, SBIRs, and other funding organizations. David is currently a member of the Materials Science and Engineering Department Advisory Board at Virginia Tech. He served as Co-Chairmen for Virginia’s Advanced Materials Sector Steering Committee and is a past chairman of the Executive Steering Committee for the Navy’s ManTech Composite Center. David served as the NSRP Ship Design & Materials Technology Major Initiative Team Leader.
Naval Engineering SME
TODD PELTZER, P.E.
CDR Todd Peltzer, PE, USN (Ret.) graduated from MIT where he earned a BS in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, an MS in Mechanical Engineering, and the degree of Naval Engineer. He served in the Navy for 20 years as an Engineering Duty Officer and Salvage Officer, developing expertise in project management, ship repair, ship salvage and towing, and systems engineering. Prior to joining Hepburn and Sons in 2020, he gained broad experience over two decades in the private sector managing defense-related science and technology research programs. A licensed Professional Engineer, he is a member of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, the American Society of Naval Engineers, and the National Society of Professional Engineers. He has written, published, and presented extensively throughout his career.
Systems Engineering SME
DANNY GEORGIADIS, Ph.D.
Dr. Daniel Georgiadis has a BS in electrical engineering, a MS in Leadership, and PhD in Systems Engineering. He began his career as an electrical apprentice in 1998. He joined civil service for the US Navy in 2001 in electrical and systems engineering having served at multiple duty locations including NSWC Panama City Division, Pentagon OPNAV N95, PEO LMW, PEO LCS, and PEO SUB where he served as the Acquisition Manager for Undersea Defensive Warfare Systems. He joined Hepburn and Sons in 2015, and is a part time Sr. Engineering Consultant. Dr. Georgiadis was instrumental in starting the company’s Technology Transition Division. He is also the Director of Systems Engineering and Professor at Florida State University.