Business Leadership
Mr. Loran Ambs
Chief Technology Officer
As Chief Technology Officer, Mr. Ambs applies a 15 year background in leading-edge technologies for military applications to the U.S. Military's urgent material needs. At the Army's Rapid Equipping Force (REF), Mr. Ambs has led a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers working to assess emerging technologies for rapid deployment. Additionally, he has worked as part of the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization (JIEDDO), assessing technologies and strategies for counter-terrorism efforts. His contributions to these efforts have included the development of technologies in Persistent Surveillance and Dissemination Systems (PSDS2), directed energy neutralization systems, synthetic aperture radar, long-range x-ray imaging, air-borne change detection, vehicle and personnel screening systems and lethal reconnaissance.
Mr. Ambs holds a Master of Science in Geophysics from the University of Houston and an Advanced Certificate for Post-Master's Study from Johns Hopkins University. He is a 1976 graduate of Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science in Geology.
Mr. Ambs holds more than twenty U.S. patents.
Hope Farmer
Vice President, Human Resources
In this role, Ms. Farmer leads the people functions for Ideal Innovations, Inc. in accordance with the practices of the Corporation. Ms. Farmer oversees a team of talented Human Resources professionals in the development and implementation of human resources policies, programs and services covering employment, compensation, benefits, performance, employee relations, recruiting and retention, and compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws for over 300 employees worldwide.
As Vice President of Human Resources, Ms. Farmer has more than 18 years of experience in Human Resources. Her experience covers all functional areas of Human Resources. She joined Ideal Innovations Inc. in 2005 and has 7 years experience in DoD contracting.
Prior to this role, Ms. Farmer held increasingly responsible leadership roles in 4 other companies.
Ms. Farmer is a member of the Society for Human Resources Management.
Carl Lipsit
Vice President, Acquisition and International Programs
Carl joined I3 to serve as the Vice President, Acquisition and International Programs. He had a distinguished career with the U.S. Army serving in a wide variety of Acquisition positions including Program Management, Contracting, and operational assignments and is certified Level III in both Program Management and in Contracting. He retired as a Colonel from the U.S. Army where he last served as Project Manager, Soldier Weapons. Among his other assignments during his Army career were Commander, Wiesbaden Contracting Command; Chief, Defense Cooperation in Armaments; Assistant Project Manager Abrams Tank System; Department of the Army Systems Coordinator for Patriot Advanced Capability-3; and Contracting Officer for the Longbow Apache. He also completed a Training With Industry Program at Hughes Aircraft Company in the Missile Systems Division.
He earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration from the University of Florida, a M.A. degree in Procurement and Acquisition Management from Webster University, and a M.S. degree in Strategic Studies from the Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, PA.
Ivan Quinn
Vice President, Physical Access Operations
As the Vice President for Physical Access Operations, Mr. Quinn is directly responsible for program planning to include schedule, cost, and activities consisting of, but not limited to assigning, directing, controlling, & approving the work of Tactical Biometric Systems (TBS) data center staff. He works with Government and contractual leaders to evaluate and implement software to support Biometric Identification System of Access (BISA) and Biometric Automated Toolset (BATS) modifications. Additionally, he is responsible for managing and maintaining a Program Management Plan (PMP) and Risk Matrices, overseeing personnel decisions and supporting organizational changes that may have an impact on data center resources. Furthermore, he liaisons with company personnel to execute project controls, contracts, human resources, security and other functional support entities in the execution of his TBS contractual responsibilities.
Mr. Quinn brings 10 years of Physical Security expertise, including a broad knowledge of biometrics collection and data center operations. Additionally, Mr. Quinn has over 4 years of experience with Smart Card technology involving the BISA Card Management System (CMS). Finally, as the BISA Development Lead, Mr. Quinn supported an increase of over 800% in Smart card production in the Card Management Office, all while overseeing BISA's first DOD Information Assurance and Accreditation (DIACAP) and the development and stand-up of the BISA Unclassified Local Area Network (ULAN).
Mr. Quinn is a veteran of the United States Air Force and of both Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) campaigns as a U.S. Air Force Non-Commissioned Officer. Mr. Quinn was named the United States Air Force's Security Forces Airman of the Year for 2004. He holds an Associate Degree of Applied Science, a Bachelor of Arts Degree and a Master of Science Degree.
Dr. David Simon
Chief Scientist & Vice President, Special Programs
As the Chief Scientist and Vice President of Special Programs, Dr. Simon applies a background in Engineering and Innovation to efforts that fall outside of established business areas, or have non-standard approach or execution requirements. Since joining I3 in 2006, Dr. Simon has led S&T efforts for customers such as the Army's Rapid Equipping Force in areas including weapons, communications, covert exploitation, vehicle integration, language translation, on-board power, advanced night vision, armor solutions, camouflage systems, unique sensors, and other classified programs. In previous positions, Dr. Simon has focused on multiple topics, including the design and development of vehicle passive, active and semiactive suspension systems, blast-resistant systems for military vehicles, and innovative platforms for isolating crew members and equipment on fast attack boats.
Dr. Simon holds Bachelors, Masters, and Doctoral degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech, is a licensed Professional Engineer in Virginia, a patent holder, a member of numerous professional organizations, and has received the I3 Innovator award in 2006 and 2008.
Ken Vance
Vice President, Identity Management
As Vice-President of Identity Management for Ideal Innovations, Inc., Mr. Vance serves as Subject Matter Expert on DoD biometric data, biometric transaction management, DoD ABIS, Next Generation ABIS (NG ABIS), and inter-governmental data sharing. He is active in policy and standards development for the DoD biometric program.
In addition, Mr. Vance has over fifteen years of software engineering, database programming, and data/systems analyst experience, which he utilizes to respond rapidly to Government requirements with novel, cost-effective results.
Mr. Vance has helped develop solutions for a variety of projects which are then integrated into the DoD-wide biometrics enterprise, including a prototype DoD ABIS Transaction Manager, the Biometric Identification System for Access (BISA) program, the NG ABIS, and the DoD watchlist. He enjoys diverse and challenging tasks and has experience in managing talented individuals who produce successful results.
Mr. Vance holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from West Virginia University. He has one patent granted from his work.
Mr. John deGruyter
Director of Information Technology
As the Director of Information Technology (IT), Mr. deGruyter is responsible for planning, coordinating and directing all operational activities of the IT department. He leads a team of skilled technicians in researching, identifying and deploying effective technology solutions in order to accomplish the company’s overall business objectives in an efficient manner.
Mr. deGruyter brings over 12 years of IT experience to the company. He began his professional career in the United States Marine Corps, where he served as a computer specialist and became the non-commissioned officer responsible for maintaining ongoing IT operations within the First Marine Regiment. He later spent time supporting IT operations for Marine Air Support Squadron 2 (MASS-2). While serving in the Corps, Mr. deGruyter supported hundreds of Marines and helped plan and deploy multiple combat exercises. Prior to joining I3 in 2006, Mr. deGruyter worked as a network technician at Accurate Systems, where he performed security risk assessments, system implementation and technical repair.
While in the Marine Corps, Mr. deGruyter attended Computer Science School in Quantico, Va. He later earned his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Shepherd University and is currently working on his Master’s degree in Information Security Engineering from SANS Technology Institute. He also holds a Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) in Intrusion Analysis and Network Penetration Testing.
Mr. David S. Ferrell
Director of Business Development
Mr. Ferrell is the Director of Business Development for Ideal Innovations, Inc. and serves as Deputy to the Senior Vice President of Business Development. He is responsible for identifying and qualifying new opportunities, planning for the capture of future business, and managing customer and teaming relationships.
Prior to joining the company, Mr. Ferrell worked as the Vice President of Business Development for Army Systems & Requirements in the Electronics and Intelligence Operating Group for BAE Systems. He also functioned as the Director of Business Development for BAE Systems in Nashua, New Hampshire, working on infrared, laser and sensor systems for missile technology. He led the efforts for the Readiness & Sustainment and Advanced Science and Technology groups. In addition, Mr. Ferrell served as Director of Business Development for Systems, Studies & Simulation, Inc, SY Technology, Whitney, Bradley and Brown (WBB) and Assurance Technology Corporation.
Preceding his business career, Mr. Ferrell served in the US Army in both Armor and Aviation branches, commanding units in Vietnam, stateside, and in Germany while completing his career as the Chief of scout/attack helicopters in the Army Staff, G3 ODCSOPS, HQDA (Pentagon).
Mr. Ferrell graduated from Marshall University in History and Political Science and from Webster University with a Masters degree in Business Management. His military career includes graduation from Armor Basic and Advanced Courses, Army Flight School, Cobra School, the Command and General Staff College and the Army War College.
Patricia Hickey
Controller
As Controller, Ms. Patricia Hickey is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day activities of the accounting and finance functions including AP, billings and AR, payroll, expense reimbursement and time management, month-end close process, financial reporting and coordination of audits.
Prior to joining I3, Ms. Hickey was the Director of Finance and Treasurer for a government funded international non-profit organization where she was responsible for all accounting, financial and contract administration functions. She brings over 15 years of experience in financial management, contract administration and international project management.
Ms. Hickey holds an MA in International Studies and Economics from the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at Johns Hopkins University and a BA from Trinity College.
Derrick Spearman
Director, Facilities and Security
As the Director of Facilities and Security, Mr. Spearman is directly responsible for planning, developing and implementing all facility and security policies and procedures for Ideal Innovations, Inc as well as the day-to-day functions of the department. He serves as the direct link between I3, various government agencies and other cleared companies for all security related issues. He is keenly aware of security requirements and is experienced in the maintenance of the operational security of the facility, its mission, and methods used to control and protect national security information.
Prior to joining I3, Mr. Spearman was the Facilities and Security Manager for McNeil Technologies, Inc. During this position, he managed a department which supported the company’s growth from 700 cleared personnel to over 1400 in less than two years. He developed procedures which enabled the successful acquisition and transition of two cleared companies. Mr. Spearman began his professional career as a United States Marine from 1990 to 1998 and brings over 13 years of professional experience in the field of administrative and security management in both military and government contract areas. He is a DOD Certified Facility Security Officer.
Mr. Spearman holds a B.S. in Management from National-Louis University.
Mr. Andrew K. Wichmann
Associate Corporate Counsel & Patent Attorney
As the Acting Corporate Counsel for Ideal Innovations, Mr. Wichmann is responsible for providing legal counsel on all aspects of company operations. In this role he routinely advises on issues concerning government contracts, intellectual property, commercial transactions, ethics and internal compliance, employment law, international trade, and corporate organizational and secretarial matters. Mr. Wichmann is particularly focused on the intellectual property aspects of company business. He directly handles all corporate patent prosecution, licensing, and related intellectual property issues.
Before joining Ideal Innovations, Mr. Wichmann was a law clerk for the U.S. Department of Energy within the Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Technology Transfer and Intellectual Property. In this position, he assisted in prosecuting patent applications, supported the U.S. Department of Justice in infringement litigation, and assisted in trademark and domain name strategies.
Mr. Wichmann graduated cum laude from North Carolina State University with a B.S. in philosophy. He received his law degree from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law. While in law school, he served as Book Review Editor of the Journal of Law, Philosophy & Culture and completed the International Business and Trade Program at the Uniwersytet Jagiellonski in Kraków, Poland. Mr. Wichmann is a member of the Maryland and Virginia bars and is registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Chief Technology Officer
As Chief Technology Officer, Mr. Ambs applies a 15 year background in leading-edge technologies for military applications to the U.S. Military's urgent material needs.
Vice President, Human Resources
In this role, Ms. Farmer leads the people functions for Ideal Innovations, Inc. in accordance with the practices of the Corporation.
Vice President, Acquisition and International Programs
Carl joined I3 to serve as the Vice President of Acquisition and International Programs.
Vice President, Physical Access Operations
As the Vice President for Physical Access Operations, Mr. Quinn is directly responsible for program planning to include schedule, cost, and activities consisting of, but not limited to assigning, directing, controlling, & approving the work of Tactical Biometric Systems (TBS) data center staff.
Chief Scientist & Vice President, Special Programs
As the Vice President of Special Programs, Dr. Simon applies a background in Engineering and Innovation to solve cutting-edge problems.
Vice President, Identity Management
As Vice-President, Identity Management for Ideal Innovations, Inc., Mr. Vance is a Subject Matter Expert on DoD biometric data, biometric transaction management, DoD ABIS, Next Generation ABIS (NG ABIS), and inter-governmental data sharing working as a Senior Project Manager for many I3 endeavors.
Corporate Department Leadership
Director of Information Technology
As the Director of Information Technology (IT), Mr. deGruyter is responsible for planning, coordinating and directing all operational activities of the IT department.
Director of Business Development
As the Director of Business Development, Mr. Ferrell is responsible for identifying and qualifying new opportunities, planning for the capture of future business, and managing customer and teaming relationships.
Controller
As the Director of Finance, Ms. Patricia Hickey is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day activities of the accounting and finance functions.
Director, Facilities and Security
As the Director of Facilities and Security, Mr. Spearman is directly responsible for planning, developing and implementing all facility and security policies and procedures for Ideal Innovations, Inc.
Associate Corporate Counsel & Patent Attorney
As the acting Corporate Counsel for Ideal Innovations, Mr. Wichmann is responsible for providing legal counsel on all aspects of company operations.
