Executive Team
Rene B. LaVigne
President and Chief Executive Officer
Rene LaVigne has over 25 years of sales, marketing, operations, finance and accounting experience in the information technology and financial industries.
Prior to joining Iron Bow Technologies – formerly Apptis Technology Solutions (ATS) - Rene was president of Northrop Grumman Computing Systems, a federal systems integrator. He began employment with Northrop concurrent with its acquisition of Federal Data Corporation (FDC) and led the transition and integration of the business. He previously held the position of senior vice president managing FDC's Systems and Technology Group.
Before focusing on the information technology industry, Rene spent 10 years with Ernst & Young in Los Angeles, CA, and Washington, DC, developing his financial and business management foundation in the public accounting, auditing and business advisory service markets. These experiences helped to shape and formulate his ability to analyze, assess and summarize critical business decisions and potential strategies.
Rene received his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Loyola Marymount University in 1983. He is a Certified Public Accountant and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He served as President of the Washington, DC Chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants in 1993-94. Rene has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Technology Council of Maryland since 2002, and was a founding Member and Chair of the Prince George's Technology Council. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Prince George's Community College Foundation and Chairman of the Board at Doctors Community Hospital, and former board member of the Prince George's Chamber of Commerce and Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation. Additionally, Rene serves on several corporate boards and advisory groups.
Stu Strang
Senior Vice President of Sales
For over 25 years, Stu Strang has been marketing information technology to the federal government and business sectors. As Senior Vice President of Sales, he manages 100 sales and sales support professionals and strategically positions the team to align with current opportunities.
During his career, Stu has worked with clients in virtually every major civilian, defense and intelligence agency of the U.S. Government, as well as many top regional businesses. This diversity of experience brings an understanding of the unique technology, timing and compliance needs of all Iron Bow Technologies clients — whether the goal is to drive missions, or profits.
Prior to Iron Bow Technologies, Stu served as Vice President of Sales for ATS, where he worked with the sales team to develop business within federal government and commercial sectors. Before joining ATS, Stu served in sales leadership positions selling exclusively to the federal sector at Northrop Grumman Computing Systems and Federal Data Corporation.
Stu earned his Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from James Madison University in Virginia.
Marc Mercilliott
Vice President of Technical Services
With nearly 20 years of experience working for prominent government IT providers, Marc Mercilliott is a versatile technology leader with focused expertise in consulting services and large-scale IT operations. As Vice President of Services, Marc guides the technology direction of Iron Bow Technologies ensuring that the company's offerings leverage industry innovations, align with client needs and are seamlessly delivered.
Marc has held senior management responsibilities in every phase of technology delivery, including marketing, business development, design, implementation, operations and support. This brings a broad perspective to Iron Bow Technologies's solutions delivery. He is committed to leveraging expertise and best practices in each area to ensure consistent positive client experiences and results.
Prior to Iron Bow Technologies, Marc served as Vice President, Public Sector Services & Programs for ATS where he managed a $20 million program portfolio delivering IT services and infrastructure support to defense, civilian and commercial clients.
Before ATS, as Senior Director of Northrop Grumman's Networking & Security Services organization, Marc led the growth of consulting services business to over $35 million in annual revenue. He has also held senior management or technical positions at PRC, DynCorp, Wang and Martin Marietta.
Marc achieved a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Management with a secondary concentration in Business Management from the University of Maryland.
Charles Curran
Chief Financial Officer
“Charlie” Curran is a seasoned financial professional with eighteen years of experience in the government contracting and information technology sectors, with focused expertise in IPOs and acquisitions. As Chief Financial Officer, he is responsible for Iron Bow corporate accounting and finance department functions.
Prior to Iron Bow, Charlie served as Senior Vice President of Finance for Apptis, Inc. He also held positions as Vice President of Finance at Mantech and Controller at GTSI. He began his career at Price Waterhouse, where his clients were primarily in the Information Technology or Government Contracting sectors, including IBM Federal Systems and American Management Systems.
Charlie is a CPA and achieved a B.B.A. in Accounting from James Madison University.
Ken Everist
Director of Operations
Ken Everist is an operations and management executive with 20 years of focused experience in global supply chain management for IT solutions providers and VARs that serve the federal marketplace. As Director of Operations for Iron Bow, he is responsible for purchasing, customer service, order management, distribution and post-sales support.
Prior to Iron Bow, Ken served as Vice President of Pricing and Vice President of Supply Chain for GTSI. He also worked as Vice President of Sales and Marketing at SOFTMART and Senior Vice President of Supply Chain Operations and Product Merchandising at Microwarehouse.
Debbie Yassine
Director of Human Resources
Debbie Yassine has nearly 20 years of business experience, providing leadership in the areas of operations and Human Resources, in both commercial and government contracting markets.
Early in her career, Debbie gained a broad skill set as a business development and operations consultant, providing leadership to organizations experiencing severe challenges or rapid growth. She focused these skills into providing effective leadership in the area of Human Capital management for companies of all sizes including global organizations with multi-national human resource functions.
Educated at George Mason University, Debbie is recognized with the industry’s highest certifications in Human Resources, as well as being recognized as one of a few individuals in the world to hold the Global Professional Human Resource honors.
Juli Zeffert
Director of Marketing and Communications
Juli Zeffert is a marketing communications and business development executive with focused expertise in the Federal IT sector as well as experience in the commercial finance, political and non-profit sectors. As Director of Marketing and Communications, she leverages 20 years of experience to plan and direct Iron Bow branding, advertising, public relations, events, partner marketing and communications.
Prior to Iron Bow, Juli served as a senior marketing executive with Apptis. During her career, she has worked in management positions at The White House, the USO and a number Wall Street firms. In business development roles she has generated millions of dollars for private and public sector entities.
Juli achieved her B.A. from the University of Delaware and studied economics at the University of London.
Sales Leadership
Tony Celeste
Director of Intelligence and Defense Agencies Sales
Tony Celeste has nearly 30 years of sales management and leadership experience with over two decades specifically focused on providing high-technology solutions for both commercial and government customers. As Director at Iron Bow Technologies, he is responsible for driving business and expanding solutions offerings to support the Intelligence Community and Defense Agencies.
Prior to Iron Bow, Tony served in senior leadership and sales positions with Apptis Technology Solutions as well as several major original equipment manufacturers including Xiotech Corporation, SGI Federal and Digital Equipment Corporation.
Tony holds a Bachelor of Science, Business and Management from University of Maryland and is a member of the Aerospace Industries Association, the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association, the National Military Intelligence Association and the Information Technology Association of America.
Rick Garbett
Director of Department of Treasury and U.S. Courts Sales
As Director of Civilian Sales, Rick Garbett brings over 20 years of experience in the business of providing technology solutions and products to non-military government organizations. He leverages a diverse background that combines sales, program management and contracts management expertise to offer clients a well-rounded perspective on how to best design, manage and procure mission-aligned IT.
During his career, Rick has delivered solutions to most civilian agencies including Departments of Energy, Justice, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, and Labor, as well as many major independent federal agencies. He held senior positions at Worldwide Technology, Northrop Grumman/Federal Data Corporation and small to mid-sized federal contractors.
Rick earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Villanova University.
John R. Hanifan
Vice President of Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Sales
With nearly 30 years of experience working in the government IT market, John Hanifan has extensive experience in business development, large program capture, sales and operations with major government IT integrators. As Vice President, John leads worldwide sales, services and operations for DoD and VA client initiatives.
Prior to Iron Bow Technologies, John served as Vice President, Regional Operations for Apptis Technology Solutions (ATS) where he managed sales, services and infrastructure support to defense, civilian and commercial clients.
Before ATS, as Executive Director West Region of Northrop Grumman's IT CS organization, John led the growth of the West Region business from $13 million to over $200 million in annual revenue. He has also held senior management positions at GE Capital Federal Systems and GTSI.
Darren Hannam
Director of Commercial, State and Local Government Sales
As Director of Commercial, State and Local Government Sales, Darren Hannam brings 15 years of experience in providing strategic and technical consulting to Iron Bow Technologies clients in support of efficient and cost effective business solutions.
During his career, Darren has delivered solutions in support of global, legal, association/non-profit, higher education and professional services clients. Prior to his current position with Iron Bow Technologies, Darren was the Commercial Team Leader for ATS and a Senior Account Manager for NextiraOne and Staples Communications.
Darren earned a Masters of Business Administration from James Madison University with a focus in finance and technology management in 1998 and holds Bachelor of Science Degrees in Business, Psychology and Political Science.
Patrick McConnell
Director of Civilian Agencies Sales
As Director of Civilian Sales, Patrick McConnell brings nearly 30 years of experience providing technology solutions and products to civilian government organizations. He leverages a diverse background that combines sales, engineering and operations expertise to offer clients a well-rounded perspective on how to best integrate IT for evolving government infrastructures.
During his career, Patrick has delivered solutions to virtually every civilian agency in the U.S. Government as well as most major independent agencies. Prior to Iron Bow Technologies, Patrick held senior management positions in engineering and operations as well as sales management positions at Worldwide Technology, Verizon and MCI.
Patrick earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and Finance from the University of Maryland.
Scott Sanner
Director of Partner Alliances
As Director of Partner Alliances, Scott Sanner is responsible for leading the team that builds and grows relationships with our technology manufacturer partners. He and his team drive the tactical and long-term partner strategy for all practice disciplines; are responsible for year over year growth with those partners; and support account teams as a liaison with manufacturers.
Scott possesses sixteen years of experience working in the Federal IT sector. Prior to Iron Bow, he held increasingly responsible positions in Partner Alliances with Apptis. He also spent several years in management positions at Northrop Grumman and began his career at NASA / Goddard Space Flight Center.
Scott earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC).