STAFF

Alphabetical Listing by Last Name

• Edward Bok, Project Consultant
• Karen Davis, Executive Administrative Assistant
  
• William J. Desciak, Executive Director
  
• Jayne F. Evans, Staff Accountant
  
• Eric J. Esoda, CPA, Managing Director
  
• Randy D. Freas, Business Solutions Advisor
  
• Leo Gilroy, Project Manager, Growth Coach
  
• Robert M. Harding, Project Consultant
  
• Keith Harry, Business Solutions Advisor
• Gerald Giza, Project Manager
  
• Anthony Manorek, Engineering & Technology Director
  
• Nancy Markovich, Client Services Coordinator
  
• Maureen Mulcahy, Project Manager - Lean Enterprise
• Patrick J. Murphy, Business Solutions Advisor
• Donald A. Olszewski, Program Director
  
• Paul Peter Olszewski, Information Technology Consultant
  
• Joe Radick, Project Manager - Lean Enterprise
• Cindy L. Smith, Project Analyst
  
• Charlie Vaccaro, Business Development Consultant
  
• Robert Zaruta, Director Business Growth Services

Edward Bok, Project Consultant

With 32 years of experience in operations and quality management, Ed is certified in JIT Principles by APICS, is a RAB certified Quality Management Systems Auditor (QMS-A), and has passed the ISO 14001 Auditor exam. He is also a NEPIRC-certified instructor of Lean Principles and Lean Enterprise tools.

A specialist in TQM, ISO, QS-9000, SPC, MRPII, problem solving, and root cause analysis, Ed has provided training and consulting services to over 100 companies. Prior to working in the consulting field, he served in private industry as a Foreman, Engineer, Engineering Manager, Plant Manager and Division Total Quality & Productivity Manager where he acquired extensive experience working with over 150 employee teams, implementing TQ tools (Cost of Quality, PC, SPC, DOE, JIT, etc.), and developing Quality Steering and Quality Improvement Councils. Additionally, he has developed and directed the implementation of Total Quality processes, as well as key productivity programs at all division levels.

In addition to developing two patented inventions, Ed is the recipient of the GTE Warner Award and major customer performance awards. He has also served as a featured speaker at ASQ, APICS, IMC Society, and Pennsylvania Business Forum meetings. Ed holds a Bachelor’s of Metallurgical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Toll Free (800) 654-8960 Ext. 351

Karen Davis, Executive Administrative Assistant

In addition to being the Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director, Karen is the key coordinator for all Board of Directors activities, meetings and reports. Karen also serves on NEPIRC’s marketing committee. With more than 20 years of experience in graphic design, she is responsible for the development, design and distribution of all in house organizational marketing publications including pamphlets, flyers, newsletters, advertising and annual reports, and acts as event coordinator for both on-site and off-site special events. Recently Karen has expanded on her duties by working directly with NEPIRC’s clients, providing assistance to them in brand identity, design and development of collateral materials and Web site design.

Direct (570) 704-0004
Toll Free (800) 654-8960 Ext. 111

William J. Desciak, Executive Director

Bill Desciak has unparalleled experience in the areas of sales, management, grant administration, economic development and human resources. Bill was one of the guiding forces behind the development of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center, Inc. (NEPIRC) and since its inception in 1988 has served as NEPIRC's executive director. Under his guidance, NEPIRC has played a key role in the region's economic development, providing critical services to nearly 50% of the region's manufacturing companies. The organization was the first of its type to achieve ISO 9000 certification.

It's impossible to summarize the more than 30 years Bill has spent developing tools and programs that enhance the competitive abilities of area manufacturers. Never content to rest on his laurels, Bill is still committed to keeping area manufacturers ahead of the rest and manages NEPIRC with eye on the future, directing the NEPIRC staff to develop new programs and initiatives that address the continually-evolving manufacturing environment.

Direct (570) 704-0007
Toll Free (800) 654-8960 Ext. 114

Jayne F. Evans, Staff Accountant

Jayne Evans serves as NEPIRC’s Accountant and is responsible for all routine accounting transactions including cash disbursements and accounts payable, invoicing and accounts receivable, payroll and benefit administration, and fixed asset management. Jayne helps clients resolve any invoicing or payment questions and is responsible for processing payments for all third-party projects. Jayne’s ability, accuracy and insight help NEPIRC upper management make prudent financial decisions with respect to acquiring resources, investing in technology, providing project financing options to clients, and pricing its services. Jayne helps NEPIRC preserve its financial strength, develop and implement sound financial internal controls, and maintain its compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Jayne has been with NEPIRC since 1994.

Direct (570) 704-0005
Toll Free (800) 654-8960 Ext. 112

Eric J. Esoda, CPA, Managing Director

As Director of Operations, Eric Joseph Esoda is responsible for making sure that client engagements are staffed with the best-suited NEPIRC specialists, that all engagement objectives are being met, and that all NEPIRC clients are being served to their complete satisfaction. Eric is also responsible for the ongoing professional development of NEPIRC staff, the continuous improvement of NEPIRC services and the design and launch of new productivity improvement services that will keep regional companies competitive and moving in the right direction. As a certified Lean Manufacturing instructor and Pennsylvania Certified Public Accountant, Eric is also responsible for assisting in the delivery of Lean Manufacturing services, financial assistance and analysis services, and certain strategic planning services in conjunction with members of NEPIRC’s new Business Growth Services area. Eric also serves as NEPIRC’s Director of Finance/CFO.

Eric is a magna cum laude graduate from the University of Scranton, where he received a B.S. Degree in Accounting, and finished among the top 10 students in his class from Binghamton University’s School of Management graduate program. His former employment includes experience as a small business consultant for the U.S. Small Business Administration and several years with the international accounting and consulting firm KPMG, where he worked within the financial institution and steel industry lines of business.

Eric returned to his hometown of Scranton, Pennsylvania in 1998 and joined NEPIRC as its Controller. Prior to becoming NEPIRC’s Director of Operations, he served as its Director of Finance & Administration.

Eric’s commitment to quality client service and his dedication to the businesses of the region in which he grew up show through in all the work he does for NEPIRC and its clients. He takes a personal interest in each project he oversees and does all he can to help NEPIRC, its staff and its clients continue to prosper and grow.

Direct (570) 704-0012
Toll Free (800) 654-8960 Ext. 116

Randy D. Freas, Business Solutions Advisor

Mr. Freas joined the NEPIRC staff in 2008 to enhance and expand our coverage throughout the Northern tier. Randy has over 30 years of professional experience in the private sector. He has worked in R&D, manufacturing management and technology & business development. He also has a successful and extensive sales and marketing track record. He holds an A.A.S. in Industrial Electronics from Luzerne County Community College and has studied at Roanoke College and Wilkes University. A NE Pennsylvania native, Randy brings a unique skill set to assist our clients with problem solving, product/process improvement and enhancement as well as sales and market strategy to improve top-line growth.

Direct (570) 704-0037
Toll Free (800) 654-8960 Ext. 141

Leo Gilroy, Project Manager, Growth Coach

Leo Gilroy joined the staff of NEPIRC as a Project Manager in the Business Growth Services group. Leo’s career encompasses over twenty years of diverse industrial and DoD experience with professional positions in engineering, product/business development, marketing and sales. He is highly experienced in building relationships, understanding customer requirements and leading teams to meet common objectives. Additionally, Leo has extensive international marketing and sales experience that includes working with organizations in Europe, the Far East and Southeast Asia. Leo’s area of responsibility includes innovation and creative thinking, marketing strategy and product development. His goal is help manufacturers create a sustainable competitive advantage by developing highly differentiated, value-added new products.

Leo graduated from Temple University, where he obtained a B.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology. Additionally, Leo graduated magna cum laude from the University of Scranton, with a Masters Degree in Business Administration.

“Today, more than ever, innovation is critical to competitiveness. With the pace of innovation heating up, any enterprise that fails to replace 10% of its annual revenue stream, with new products, is likely to be out of business within five years.” Economist, September 2003

Direct (570) 704-0031
Toll Free (800) 654-8960 Ext. 135

Keith Harry, Business Solutions Advisor

Mr. Harry joined NEPIRC in 2008 as a Business Solutions Advisor. As a former Sales Professional in the HVAC Service Industry for the past twenty years, he brings a wealth of knowledge and business sales experience to our organization.

Keith has been instrumental to many organizations in reducing operating costs and improving operating efficiencies ranging from equipment replacement to process improvements. His knowledge of Northeastern Pennsylvania includes experience working with commercial, industrial and institutional clients.

Keith’s role at NEPIRC is to meet with the CEOs and upper management of existing clients and potential new clients to discover their main business concerns and develop customized solutions. He is also responsible for helping clients capture the financial benefits of their projects with NEPIRC to ensure that they are getting satisfactory return on their investment with us.

Direct (570) 408-9640
Toll Free (800) 654-8960 Ext. 139

Gerald Giza, Project Manager

Gerry joined NEPIRC in December of 2006 as a Project Manager for implementing LEAN initiatives. He brings more than 25 years of manufacturing experience as a Manufacturing Engineer, Advanced Technology Engineer, Manufacturing Manager, and Plant Manager. He has provided training and implementation for various process improvements in metal fabrication, wood furniture, paint & powder finishing, electroplating, and environmental compliance. Gerry is well versed in assessing manufacturing processes to identify opportunities for improvement, developing continuous improvement plans, and implementing results oriented programs.

A native of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Gerry holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University and a number of continuing education programs.

Direct (570) 704-0019
Toll Free (800) 654-8960 Ext. 120

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Robert M. Harding, CPIM, CIRM, Project Consultant

Robert is an APICS-certified professional who brings over 20 years of senior management experience to his NEPIRC engagements. His prior positions with an international capital equipment manufacturer and a prominent Pennsylvania-based tool manufacturer have provided him with great experience, and noteworthy successes, in reducing manufacturing costs, improving product and service quality, streamlining logistics and supply chains, and increasing customer satisfaction. As a former Plant Manager, Bob applied Lean Enterprise concepts to significantly reduce overall administrative costs, compress lead time by 30% in one facility and nearly 50% in another, avoid $800K in annual costs by reconfiguring facility layouts, and cut scrap by 30%. Bob has successfully installed quality-at-the-source initiatives within companies, designed takt time pull systems and implemented plantwide continuous improvement strategies. Bob has also assisted companies with strategic planning, ERP system implementations and capital equipment purchase plans.

Bob’s unique personality, experience and fondness for manufacturing make him a real asset to NEPIRC and to NEPIRC’s clients. He efficiently and effectively brings big-company experience and proven business solutions to the region’s smaller manufacturers.

Bob’s education includes an Associate Degree from Excelsior College, APICS CIRM and CRIM certification, and a number of continuous education programs, including Motorola Six Sigma training, Rath & Strong Lean Manufacturing training and Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME) Lean training. Bob’s areas of expertise include Lean Enterprise, Lean Office, Strategic Planning, Shopfloor Layouts, Inventory Management and Supply Chain Integration.

Toll Free (800) 654-8960 Ext. 352

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Anthony Manorek, Engineering & Technology Director

Tony Manorek 's ability to stay one step ahead of manufacturing management practices makes him one of the key reasons you can count on NEPIRC to help your small to medium-sized company. He has 36 years of experience in manufacturing engineering and consulting. His background includes a BS and MS in Industrial Engineering from NJIT and a MBA in Operations Management from Rutgers University. Tony is an APICS CPIM certified and is also an RAB certified Quality Management Systems Auditor (QMS-A).

Tony has been with NEPIRC since its inception in 1988. Since joining NEPIRC, he has developed some of NEPIRC’s most successful innovations, including its High Impact Lean Enterprise Model (HILEM), first ISO 9000 Network and Best Manufacturing Practices Network. More recently, Tony has been nationally recognized as being a leader in reintroducing the principles of Training-Within-Industry (TWI), a key component of the Toyota Production System, to Pennsylvania companies.

Tony is one of the area's leading experts on Lean Enterprise Management and Kaizen programs. He is certified to instruct all of NEPIRC’s Lean Enterprise programs. Tony also represents NEPIRC on a national panel currently working with the Manufacturing Extension Partnership to develop training and implementation programs that will allow manufacturers to meet the emerging AME/SME/Shingo Lean Certificate requirements. He spends most of his energy bringing advanced management and manufacturing methods to his clients through Lean training, implementations and consulting services.

Direct (570) 704-0018
Toll Free (800) 654-8960 Ext. 119

Nancy Markovich, Client Services Coordinator

Nancy recently joined the NEPIRC staff as an Administrative Assistant. She has over 15 years experience in workforce development and training. Her career experience includes workforce development and contract training for manufacturing companies located in NE Pennsylvania, needs assessment, business plans, professional certified CEU training programs and the development and marketing of training programs for professional organizations. Before joining NEPIRC, Nancy held the positions of Assistant Director for the HSC Training Institute and Career/Occupational Coordinator in the Continuing Education Department at Luzerne County Community College. She holds a Bachelors Degree in English from East Stroudsburg University.

Direct (570) 704-0003
Toll Free (800) 654-8960 Ext. 110

Maureen Mulcahy, Project Manager - Lean Enterprise

Maureen Mulcahy is a recent addition to NEPIRC's staff of professionals in the Lean field. In her position as a Lean Enterprise Project Manager, Maureen's focus is on helping businesses increase their productivity, competitiveness and profitability. Before joining the NEPIRC team, she was the Administrative Project Manager at BENCO Dental Company, Wilkes-Barre. Her career experience includes the development and deployment of Lean process improvement, Customer Satisfaction measurement programs and Teleservices department start-ups, Lean 101, Kaizen Basics and Kaizen Leadership training, Lean Enterprise, Value Stream Mapping basics and mapping for Business Processes. Maureen holds a bachelor of Business Administration degree from Wilkes University and an associates Applied Science degree in Commercial Photography from Luzerne County Community College.

Direct (570) 704-0029
Toll Free (800) 654-8960 Ext. 127

Patrick J. Murphy, Business Solutions Advisor

Mr. Murphy brings a wide range of business experience to his client interactions. As a former sales professional for a regional manufacturer, Patrick worked his way up from entry-level sales to a multi-state Sales Manager position and eventually to an International Sales Manager post. His career then led to a Corporate Vice President role, wherein he became responsible for sales, operations and the overall financial performance of his division. As a result of his experience, Patrick understands the entire spectrum of manufacturer concerns, from growing the top line to controlling costs.

Patrick's role at NEPIRC is to meet with the CEOs and upper management of existing clients and potential new clients to discover their main business concerns and develop customized solutions. He is also responsible for helping clients capture the financial benefits of their projects with NEPIRC to ensure that they are getting satisfactory return on their investment with us.

Patrick holds a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from the University of Scranton and a Masters of Public Administration Degree from Marywood University. He resides in Scranton with his wife and three children. We share in Patrick's continued support of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Program of Lackawanna County.

Direct (570) 704-0036
Toll Free (800) 654-8960 Ext. 136

Donald A. Olszewski, Program Director

Mr. Olszewski joined NEPIRC in 1993 and brings over 20 years of manufacturing and process improvement experience to all of his educational programs, on-site implementations and client engagements. Donald holds a BS in Psychology from King’s College and an MA in Psychology with a minor in Statistics from the University of Dayton. Donald’s expertise in quality systems and ISO 9000 is unmatched within the region. He has successfully completed Registrar Accreditation Board (RAB) ISO 9000 Lead Auditor and ISO 14000 Lead Auditor training courses and has since helped over 50 NEPIRC clients implement management systems under ISO 14001, AS 9001, OHSAS 18001 and ISO/TS 16949.

Donald is also a certified instructor of Lean Manufacturing principles and has assisted clients with numerous Lean implementation projects. His particular areas of interest are Value Stream Mapping at both the shopfloor and office levels, 6-S Systems and Setup Reduction theory, training and implementation.

Donald received Six Sigma Black Belt training from the Athon Group and became a certified Manufacturing Breakthrough Leader by completing Osram Sylvania's rigorous Process Quality Improvement (PQI) Six Sigma program under the guidance of John L. Schoonover, PQI Program Director and Senior Breakthrough Leader.

Direct (570) 704-0017
Toll Free (800) 654-8960 Ext. 118

Paul Peter Olszewski, Information Technology Consultant

Paul joined NEPIRC in 1999, after a notable career in the private sector. His experience introducing small businesses to the benefits of information technology stretches back nearly as far as small business applications have existed. As owner and operator of Computer Facts, Inc., he has been helping business owners in northeastern Pennsylvania since 1985.  Paul graduated from Luzerne County Community College with a Associate in Applied Science degree and from Temple University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.

Paul recently completed a Lean Office Certificate Program at the University of Michigan.

Paul's responsibilities include e-Business, Lean Office and internal networks. And no, he and Don aren't related.

Direct (570) 704-0027
Toll Free (800) 654-8960 Ext. 123

Joe Radick, Project Manager - Lean Enterprise

Joe Radick is a professional with over 20+ years of manufacturing management experience. He has served as Operation Manager and Production Manager for local World Class Manufacturing organizations. In his last position he has served as the Lean Enterprise leader directing training and implementing Lean, 6S, TWI, KAIZEN events, and various other continuous improvements with exceptional results. He has been instrumental in supervisory and team training improving performance in throughput, Safety and Quality metrics.

Joe is a graduate of King’s College, Wilkes-Barre, PA, where he obtained a B.S. Degree in Data Processing within the Business Administration program. He has completed study at the University of Tennessee on Lean principles and attended Goal/QPC training.

Direct (570) 704-0024
Toll Free (800) 654-8960 Ext. 121

Cindy L. Smith, Project Analyst

As NEPIRC's Project Analyst, Cindy is responsible for providing other staff members with the information they need to help NEPIRC achieve its mission and vision. Cindy analyzes the levels of project-related financial impact reported by NEPIRC’s clients and thereby helps upper management identify the services that seem to be most beneficial to clients. Cindy also monitors client satisfaction survey results, seminar and training event evaluations, and client impact survey results to ensure that NEPIRC is providing high-quality consultative services to its clients. Cindy regularly reports on client geographic, industry and size characteristics to assist management in making sure that a wide variety of companies are taking advantage of NEPIRC’s services. Cindy also helps maintain NEPIRC’s ISO 9000 registration, updates NEPIRC’s client and consultant databases, and verifies that all required project documentation is in order. Cindy has been with NEPIRC since 1990.

Direct (570) 704-0025
Toll Free (800) 654-8960 Ext. 122

Charlie Vaccaro, Business Development Consultant

As Business Development and Training Consultant, Charlie’s role within NEPIRC includes establishing and building solid business relationships with manufacturers as well as assessing and identifying the training activities best suited to meet our client’s needs. 

Charlie is a graduate of Bethel College, Tennessee where he received a B.S. Degree in Business Management. Charlie’s prior experience includes the positions of Director of Training with HSC Training Institute, Kingston, and Workforce Development Coordinator for LCCC. His experience includes providing professional workforce training for regional businesses as well as assistance in the areas of staffing, training program development and continuous employee development.

Direct (570) 704-0035
Toll Free (800) 654-8960 Ext. 113

Robert Zaruta, Director Business Growth Services

In 2002, with the goal to better establish strategic business relationships with companies, the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) created nationally the Professional Business Advisor (PBA) program. Robert Zaruta was selected for the program based on his previous business ownership, management, and consulting experience. Robert successfully participated in various trainings to become certified as a PBA representing NEPIRC.

“As a Professional Business Advisor, it begins with me acquiring a solid understanding of your company’s business including the marketplace you compete in and the issues and challenges facing your organization. It is my personal goal to develop a trusted relationship that enables me to work side by side with management on your company’s big picture – implementing solutions that address every aspect of your company’s operations and yield immediate as well as long-term, sustainable benefits.”

Robert has also helped companies bring clarity and direction to their goals, strategies, and action plans. Specifically, he has assisted owners and management teams in developing and implementing strategic plans and can help your company become a strategy-focused organization. “The strategic plans that result from my involvement are not binders collecting dust, but rather workable, highly visible tools that can be used everyday to implement existing strategy and to link strategy to operations and people’s jobs. The fact is a strategy-focused organization is better able to make the changes necessary to compete and to take advantage of changing business conditions and new opportunities.”

Robert is also qualified to assist your business grow its top line through Sales Training and Sales Management services. Robert has a proven record of accomplishments in sales, sales management, and sales training working with premium products and services across multiple, highly competitive industries. “How and where your sales people sell can go along way in reversing any downward trends you may be experiencing in sales and/or your selling prices and margins. Sales success today is about creating demand for existing products and services through relationship building, solution selling, and strategic account marketing.”

Robert is a graduate of King’s College, Wilkes-Barre, PA, where he obtained a B.S. Degree in Business Administration with minor studies in Economic and Information Systems. Prior to joining NEPIRC in January of 2000, Robert held management positions with international and regional companies in the employment staffing, electronic security, telecommunications and computer industries.

Direct (570) 704-0028
Toll Free (800) 654-8960 Ext. 126

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