Subject Matter Experts

To address the need for experienced-based knowledge required in program/project management, APPEL provides Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to support project teams. APPEL SMEs are world-class professional educators who hold expertise in project management, systems engineering, leadership and process improvement.

As practitioners, APPEL Subject Matter Experts bring real-world experience into programs and projects, providing unique insight and the ability to integrate concepts with application. Utilizing their experience and the practical knowledge, SMEs offer assistance in increasing project performance and accomplishing mission success. APPEL serves as a clearinghouse of world-class expertise for project teams.

APPEL Subject Matter Experts include:

Dr. Richard C. Douglas has more than 25 years of training, training development, facilitation, and leadership experience. He is a Senior Consultant responsible for delivering instructor-led training, facilitation and consulting services to clients. Dr. Douglas is a retired Air Force officer, where he worked primarily in education and training. He has also been a training developer and manager, working for corporations like Corrections Corporation of America, AT&T, and the University of Phoenix.

Dr. Michael S. Freeman has more than thirty 35 years of experience in systems and software engineering of aerospace systems. He is an SEI candidate Lead Appraiser, and led the ARC Engineering Process Group during its formation and served as a member of the NASA Software Working Group. He has provided systems engineering support to several major NASA systems including the International Space Station, the Hubble, and the Spacelab program. When the NESC was established, he was selected as the NESC Chief Engineer and member of the NESC Review Board. He continues to support the NESC Software Super Problem Resolution Team.

Raymond L. Kile, PMP has more than 35 years experience as a project manager, systems engineer, and professional trainer for industry and government organizations. He is nationally recognized expert in software estimating and developed the DoD’s Revic cost model widely used by more than 1,000 organizations for estimating and managing development projects. As a U.S. Air Force Reservist, he initiated and participated in many national software initiatives. He is a frequent speaker at seminars and industry workshops on a wide variety of topics related to project management. Mr. Kile has led numerous CMMI appraisals up through Maturity Level 5.

Dale S. Mietla has more than 25 years of consulting experience working with large government and commercial organizations in transforming their operations and systems to meet changing market demands. As an experienced enterprise architect, business/systems analyst, and professional facilitator, he brings structure, clarity, and new insights to complex business and information system challenges, and effective methods and techniques for designing creative and achievable solutions. Mr. Mietla continues to innovate and improve consultative approaches that help clients architect their organizations to deliver exceptional value to their stakeholders, most recently with the successful roll-out of the NASA iTA/TWH program.

Robert J. Pomietto has more than 30 years experience in systems and software development processes and environments encompassing all phases of the system development life cycle (systems engineering, software engineering, and program management) of large complex systems, from strategic automation planning through implementation and maintenance of business and operational systems. As an SEI authorized Lead Appraiser and Evaluator, he has participated in and led numerous SEI software capability evaluations and SCAMPI appraisals, including Maturity levels 4 and 5 for intelligence agencies, other government agencies, and commercial clients.

Albert J. Truesdale has more than 30 years of experience in systems engineering and software intensive system development related assignments. His experience in the United States Army required detailed planning, requirements development/analysis, system design, test, and systems and software project management responsibilities. Mr. Truesdale currently has executive oversight for the integration of the systems engineering, program management, and process improvement activities for CSM. Mr. Truesdale is a CSM Lead Systems Engineering Assessor, and SEI-authorized CBA IPI and CMMI Lead Appraiser.

James T. Whalen has more than 30 years of experience in Systems Engineering as a lead systems engineer, project manager, technical manager, functional manager, and Chief System Engineer. He has authored a number of System Engineering Handbooks and guides. He was a founding member and past Chapter President of the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of INCOSE. Mr. Whalen has extensive teaching and consulting experience in the areas of Project Management, Software Management and System Engineering.

Robert B. Wheeler has more than 30 years experience of increasing responsibility and successful achievement in management of business units engaged in complex projects involving high technology. A unique blend of business management and information technology expertise gained through experience with IBM World-wide, consulting to large international companies, and support to small business.