Leadership
Alix James,
CEO
Alix's first job with Nielsen-Kellerman was soldering Cox Box boards in the Kellerman basement as a senior in high school (founder Richard Kellerman is her step-father). Since her soldering rarely met co-founder Paul Nielsen's standards, she headed off to Yale University where she studied English, Economics and rowing, winning the Sprints on the Varsity Crew and participating in development and selection camps as a sculler. Penn Law School, marriage and a move to the West Coast intervened in her rowing career.
After practicing law in California for three years, she opted for motherhood and rejoined NK as General Counsel and Marketing Manager. In small companies, you wear a lot of hats! Twenty years later, Alix has worked in almost every department at NK and led many facets of the company's growth and is now the CEO. When she's not working or traveling for NK, she can be found at home with her two teenage boys and three dogs, rowing her single or various team boats at Vesper, or on the back of one of her two horses trying to master the intricacies of dressage.
Sales & Marketing
Katie Godfrey, Director of Sales & Marketing
Katie joined the NK team in 1999 after graduating from Temple University. A four year coxswain for the Temple women's crew, Katie continued to coach rowing after graduation and through a rowing contact was offered the job at NK. Selling wind meters sounded just odd enough for her, so she joined the NK team.
Katie works with dealers from all over the world and is constantly on the road traveling to trade shows and learning about the many ways our customers use their Kestrels and sports electronics. Through her customers, she's become a certified Wildland Firefighter (thanks to the Colorado Wildfire Academy); has taken multiple hang gliding flights (thanks to Kitty Hawk Kites); has shot many big guns (thanks to Special Agent Jin Kim and our great friend Todd); and gone skydiving (thanks to Sky Dive New Jersey) - just to name a few adventures!
Katie has won medals in five World Championships as a drummer for the USA Dragonboat team. She is constantly being followed closely by Dazey, her SPCA mutt, who gets to come to the office and boathouse every day.
In 2008, Katie married the love of her life, Tim, who now works at NK too. Coxswain, drummer, NK Manager, Wildland Firefighter, World Traveler, fondue fan and wife…In 2010 Katie added another title to her diverse list of roles; mom. Katie and Tim welcomed their first son, Isaac, into their family in February 2010.
Ben Churchill, Rowing Sales Manager
Ben Churchill is the Rowing Sales Manager with solid experience and passion for the sport. When Ben was hired at NK in 2007, he served as the Technical Support Manager for NK answering all your product questions, comments and concerns. Knowing the products inside and out makes Ben a perfect fit as the face of NK Rowing.
Not one to hide behind a lap top and phone, Ben is regularly visiting boathouses and regattas to demonstrate new products, help wire boats, or just answer questions. Ben's loveable bull dog puppy, Hugo, is a favorite in the office and you can even catch the little ball of wrinkles tagging along at the boathouse.
Liz Spina, Kestrel Sales Manager
Liz came to NK in 2011 already familiar with NK products through her time as an "Orangewoman" on the Syracuse University Varsity Women's Rowing Team. Liz has a degree in Mechanical Engineering and has been a very fast study on the technical features of the Kestrel line. She loves learning everything she can about the various markets that rely on the Kestrel as an essential tool and enjoys traveling to trade shows and meeting our great Kestrel customers and dealer partners.
When she is not selling Kestrels, Liz Spina, previously Liz Henwood, is constantly going on excursions with her new husband, Danton. She delights in trying new things and will attempt anything once; on her most recent adventure, she ate frog legs in Bermuda for the first and probably last time. She has a soft spot for Philly cheesesteaks from the city where she was born and raised and always finds time to gather with friends and family.
Meg Keating, Brand and Marketing Manager
Meg joined the NK team in 2011. She began her career in Marketing as an intern for the Philadelphia Flyers and 76ers. After graduating from Widener University with a degree in Business Management and a concentration in Marketing, Meg spent three years in the professional services industry as a Marketing Coordinator. Looking to get back into a company where she'd be able to meet and talk to the customers firsthand, Meg saw NK as a great opportunity. She works on the copy for ads for the different markets and enjoys traveling to tradeshows to meet all the customers that use NK's products.
She's famous for putting ketchup on her ketchup and is always up for a new adventure. Meg tried paddle boarding for the first time and let's just say her balance needs some work. On weekends, Meg is either spending time with family, singing (not so great) karaoke with friends or volunteering at the local SPCA in Delaware County. In fact, that's where Meg fell in love with Lyla, her boxer mix puppy, and knew she had to take her home.
Art & Web Team
Chad Kaufman, Art & Web Director
Chad has always had an artistic eye and a passion for web design. While attending the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Chad interned at a design consultancy firm. The internship led to a full-time position working with non-profit organizations and educational institutions where he designed print material and participated in web development. After learning about an opening at NK in 2009 that would challenge him to think outside the box, Chad decided to apply and was hired the day after his birthday. We think that was a pretty cool present all around.
Chad always pictured himself living in the city so we think it's kind of funny that his home is in Lancaster, PA aka farmland. Ironic as it is, once he made the move, he admits there is nothing more relaxing than an escape to the country and spending time with his wife Jenna, and their two golden retrievers, Nala and Macy. On weekends you're likely to find Chad and family at his in-laws' summer house where they enjoy boating and wakeboarding.
Karen Matthes, Graphic Designer
Karen started at NK in 2011. While attending the Art Institute of Philadelphia, she interned in NYC for Family Circle Magazine. After graduation, Karen held a long-term temp. position for Burpee Seed Company where she designed catalogs and seed packets. She enjoys working at NK because there are so many markets where she can apply her creativity which include designing the annual calendar, catalogs, and other collateral material.
Even though she was born and raised in South Jersey, she fell in love with the city of Philadelphia while attending art school and lived there for 5 years. She was sad to leave when she moved back to the suburbs but is always looking for reasons to return for a night out to spend time with old friends. Another one of her favorite places is the beach and would love to live there year-round if she could. When Karen isn't working, she's training for races; she tries to participate in several 5K's a year and actively trains for half-marathons. With Karen's background comes a passion for art, she loves photography and is even designing her own line of athletic greeting cards. Like everyone else at NK, she is a dog lover and absolutely adores her dachshund, Bailey.
Fred Caceres, Web Developer
With about 10 years of experience in web development, Fred was a great fit when he joined the NK team in 2011. With a MIS degree from Drexel University, Fred excels in the creative process of laying out all of the pieces to make a successful website. He has worked with TransUnion, where he started in the Special Handling Department and was asked to build two database systems which helped streamline processes within the company. After that experience he built an e-commerce site fishpetlove.com with over 7,000 products. Fred has also worked as a PHP/Web consultant to various clients in the accounting, legal, and property management fields such as the Wentworth Group and Vertex Inc.
Living just around the corner from NK, he enjoys working so close to home. When he's not at work, you can be sure that Fred is spending time with his son, Wesley. One of Fred's favorite past times is playing the guitar, with over 25 years of experience we can't wait to hear him show off his skills at our next party.
Customer Service Team
Mary Giovanetti, Senior Customer Service Representative
Prior to starting at NK, Mary spent over 10 years in automotive sales. Looking for a career change, she saw NK as a new and exciting opportunity. Since joining the team in 2007, Mary has worked her way up to Senior Customer Service Rep. In addition, Mary has become a go-to resource for all things. If you need something, whether it's a pen, paperclip, or picture of her mother-in-law, you can count on Mary having it in her purse. With her energetic personality, Mary not only takes care of customer inquiries, she also looks out for the staff's needs at NK, keeping track and ordering the office supplies. She ensures all customer and dealer orders get where they need to be when they need to be there. To better relate to her customers, Mary plans to take up shooting to learn more about one of NK's largest markets, the military.
In her spare time, Mary enjoys spending the weekends at the Jersey shore with her husband at their Beach house. She's always looking forward to the next exciting travel opportunity and a chance to see something new.
Tommy Loomis, Rowing Customer Service Representative
Since the Kestrel was first manufactured, Tommy has been in contact with NK's unique technology due to his father selling the components which the device utilizes. He was formally introduced to NK when he was hired to DJ Nielsen-Kellerman's open house for the opening of their new facility in Boothwyn, PA in 2004. After this event he became their informal in-house DJ year after year for the annual NK Christmas luncheon. Becoming fascinated by the mutually respectful relationship NK had with its staff, Tommy had made it a personal goal to one day officially join the ranks of NK.
Tommy graduated Rutgers University in May 2010 where he played Division 1 Rugby but immediately found that job-hunting during a recession is very challenging. Ultimately he gained employment at a Marketing Fulfillment Firm in Delaware in the fall of 2010. But in 2011, when he heard of a job opening in the works at NK, Tommy leapt at the opportunity and achieved his goal.
Residing in New Jersey, Tommy is an avid year-round surfer, braving below freezing temperatures in the winter with a 6mm wetsuit (and Kestrel in hand!). He has also been involved in the Woodland String Band Mummers Association in Philadelphia his entire life and serves on the Board of Directors. Furthermore, Tommy still DJs for anyone willing to hire him.
Technical Support
Ben Nielsen, Technical Support
Ben graduated from University of Delaware in 2009 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and 3 years of collegiate rowing under his belt. He started working at NK in the technical support role in December 2009 where he adjusted easily because all of his high school summers were spent on the production floor assembling many different NK products. During his various internships Ben worked with nearly every product and, for better or worse, assisted Paul Nielsen - his father - with several projects including developing PCB test fixtures, assembling pressure testers, and documenting numerous shortcuts on the CNC mill in the machine shop.
Soon after joining the NK Team, Ben moved to the Philly suburbs with his girlfriend Crystal and their 2 dogs, Buddy and Phoebe. Ben is a member of Undine Barge Club and can often be found on the Schuylkill River "messing about in boats."
Rachel Dubolino, Repairs/Returns Customer Service Representative
If you call NK, you will likely get a chance to talk to Rachel. A 2008 addition to NK, she previously worked for her family business. Rachel is passionate about sports…and crazy about Nascar! Particularly, The Philadelphia Flyers and baseball catch her attention. Like most employees at NK, Rachel is an animal lover. She has 3 crazy & spoiled cats, Goofy, Trooper and Gizmo, and considers them her kids.
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Engineering
Michael Naughton, Director of Engineering
Since Michael started at NK in 1995, he's had many jobs, including assembler, sales associate, product manager, and product development engineer. His current role is Director of Engineering, where he supports the talented engineering department in their maintenance of existing products and development new products.
Raised in Philadelphia, Michael started his rowing career at La Salle College High School, and continued to row at the University of Miami. He took up sculling while pursuing his Master's degree in Naval Architecture/Ocean Engineering at University of California at Berkeley. After graduation, he returned to Philadelphia to continue sculling at Undine Barge Club. He picked up a part-time job at NK to fill the time between practices, and had no idea that it would turn into a career! Meanwhile, he raced at Undine for seven years, and then switched to coaching in 2004. "To say rowing has been good to me would be an understatement. I've had the chance to row and coach on 5 continents, see most of Europe on behalf of NK, and make some very good friends along the way." Michael has also celebrated his wedding to Monika and birth of two sons, Max and Leo. Along with their French bulldog Morris, they enjoy a great life in the suburbs of Philadelphia.
Rick Plavcan, Senior Design Engineer
Rick joined the NK engineering staff in 2004. He has a BS in electrical engineering and computer science from Drexel University. Life before NK included (among other projects) designing high frequency satellite electronics for RCA/GE and developing optical parts recognition hardware for Moore Push-Pin Co. When Rick came on as a Designer Engineer at NK, he took one of our most ambitious project s - the SpeedCoach XL, and two years later it was released to rave reviews. When not working odd hours at NK, Rick and his wife Angela can be found chasing their pets and kids around the house.
Phil Schlosser, Engineer
Phil began working at NK in 2006 while he was living in Vermont. Since his location would make his commute the longest in the company, Phil worked remotely until 2008 when he moved right around the corner. Phil is a graduate of University of Vermont where he earned his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and his master's degree in computer science. Phil initially was brought in because of his background in making gliding instruments which was a niche at NK at the time. After NK put their focus on other areas, Phil began working on the rowing side of our products. He even took up the sport to better learn the market and as it turns out, he really likes it.
In his free time, you'll find Phil rowing at the Wilmington Boat club. He's also a big fan of eating peanut butter straight from the jar and hanging out with his cat, Crazy Eddie.
Tom Scott, Senior Software Engineer
Tom joined the NK engineering staff in 2011. He has a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from Penn State. His diverse background includes software and hardware development positions in the aviation, HVAC, petroleum and wastewater industries. He is working hard on new products and improvements in the Kestrel product line. Tom is an avid cyclist and shade-tree mechanic.
Glenn Marra, Electronics Engineer
Glenn has been with NK since 2006 when he started as an Electronics Technician and was responsible for repairing all the boards NK uses in the Kestrel units. After learning the ropes in the Engineering department laying out boards, Glenn moved up to Electronics Engineer where he now works on testing and new product design. He is currently finishing up his Engineering degree at the University of Delaware. Prior to coming to NK, he worked as a Repair Supervisor in the communications industry. He oversaw three repair departments which were all wireless switching networks.
When he's not busy laying out new product ideas, Glenn likes to hang out with his two children at his home in Delaware. Glenn also looks forward to playing competitive paintball where he has the opportunity to travel all over the country to play.
Dan Honeywell, Assistant Project Manager
Dan began his career with NK in 2008 as an intern while attending Lehigh University. During this time, he worked on the manufacturing floor and assisted in the Engineering Department. After graduating with a dual major in Product and Graphic Design and a minor in Mechanical Engineering, Dan was hired as a full-time assistant project manager. He is involved with both rowing and kestrel product lines but is primarily responsible for new product development and process creation.
Outside of NK, Dan enjoys snowboarding, fishing, and playing lacrosse. Dan was invited to play in the MLL, Major League Lacrosse, but turned down the opportunity to work. He currently plays in the American Lacrosse League, a post collegiate men's league, for GMH Philadelphia Lacrosse Club, who won the championship in 2010. He also is a big fan of his boxer, Roxy, who loves treats and walks!
Accounting
Dennis Williams, Controller
Dennis started at Nielsen-Kellerman in early 2011. He has a background in the aviation industry where he worked as the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis at Sikorsky Helicopter and as a Division Controller at Atlantic Aviation. Dennis was drawn to the position at NK because of the progressive management of the company, the team approach to solving problems, the company's use of lean manufacturing and lean accounting, as well as the flexible and fun environment. He was also drawn to the opportunity to work for a manufacturing company. Dennis received his undergraduate degrees in Accounting and Finance from University of Delaware and earned a Master's of Science in Engineering from the School of Engineering and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Dennis lives in Delaware with his wife Alexis, son Ed, and Buddy, their Jack Russell terrier. He also serves as a State Representative in the Delaware General Assembly. In his spare time Dennis serves on the Board for the New Candlelight Theatre, a dinner theatre in Arden, Delaware.
HR
Paula Whittaker, Human Resources Manager
Paula has been with NK since 2008. In her past life, Paula was responsible for HR and recruiting in the medical field. She is one of those rare people who ended up doing exactly what she studied in college - Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources from Temple.
One of her top priorities at Nielsen Kellerman is working towards the goal of making NK a "Best Place to Work." This includes hiring, benefits, salary administration, writing and administering policies, employee relations, training and just making NK's atmosphere enjoyable. Paula is an exceptional party planner and coordinates all of the events for NK from company picnics to Christmas parties to showers and more. She is the master of inventing creative reasons why we can have more celebrations with delicious food.
Paula is also Lean Certified from the DVIRC and works closely with Tim Phelps, the Production Manager, to keep learning more about Lean and how it can be used to improve NK's manufacturing and office processes. Paula is a mean andon and kaizen scribe.
On a personal note, she and her husband enjoy spoiling their two awesome kiddos by taking them out for adventurous day trips so that they can see everything there is to see. We know they've had a fun weekend when the story ends in the kids coming home caked in dirt!
Purchasing
Doris Ward, Materials Manager
Looking for a new opportunity, one of NK's suppliers referred Doris to NK back in 2009. She immediately took an interest in NK's products, lean manufacturing and dynamic staff and has been with us ever since. Doris went to Bowling Green State University in Ohio on a full-scholarship for field hockey and majored in Procurement and Materials Management. Since graduation, Doris has been in the electronics manufacturing industry either working in material planning, purchasing, management or sales. At NK, she is our go-to person for purchasing and always makes sure we have enough stock in-house to meet our customers' needs.
Doris lives in New Jersey with her husband, sons and two dogs. One of her lucky four-legged friends, Oscar, has the luxury of coming to work with her every day. When she's not at work, Doris looks forward to time on her boat where she relaxes and enjoys her weekends in the summertime.
Kim Tracey, Purchasing Assistant
Kim came to NK in 2009 when she took a break from school to decide which career path to pursue. Her Aunt, who coincidentally is Doris Ward recommended her for the position. Kim enjoys working at NK and is happy she came. Her primary role is to bring in the parts and materials that keep NK's production on track. She attended Cabrini College and was studying Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing; Kim plans to return this winter to finish up her degree. Before she came to NK she was a nanny to three adorable boys.
Outside of the office Kim enjoys spending time with her fiancé, planning her 2013 wedding and house hunting. She is also a die-hard Phillies fan, win or lose. She is a beach lover, a bit of a shopaholic, and loves hanging out with her friends and family who she doesn't see nearly enough. Since working at NK, Kim has also had the chance to row in the Dad-Vail regatta with other NK team members. She absolutely loved the experience and can't wait to do it again.
Facilities
Tim Godrey, Facilities Manager
Tim graduated from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut with a degree in History. Focusing all of his time on rowing, Tim worked as a general contractor and handyman on the side to pay the bills. In 2009, Tim started working part-time at NK as a contractor helping us with odds and ends and keeping up the facility. In 2011, he was brought on full-time and now does a mix of different things to keep the plant running smoothly. On the manufacturing floor, NK is always looking to make our processes leaner, so when a restructure of the cells is needed to streamline production, Tim is there to ensure it gets done. He enjoys his job because he gets to do something different every day, keeping him on his toes.
In addition to being married to NK's Sales and Marketing Manager, Katie, Tim is also a rowing coach. He's been rowing since 1996 and still goes out every once in a while when he's not chasing around his son, Isaac.
Production
Tim Phelps, Production Manager:
Growing up, Tim always thought he would major in Art but turns out he had a passion for something else, building and assembling parts to create a final product. In fact, Tim has been in the manufacturing industry his entire career. He's taken several courses and received certifications related to manufacturing from Drexel University, Rowan University, and Camden County College. As far as his background is concerned, you name it; chances are Tim has been involved in manufacturing it. He was attracted to NK in the winter of 2011 because of the company's commitment to lean manufacturing. His main focus at NK is to ensure production needs for the customers are met. In addition, he is always educating his staff on the principles of Lean.
Prior to coming to NK he worked for Swemco, a contract electronics manufacturer as the Continuous Improvement Manager. Before Swemco, Tim was the Director of Operations for Inductotherm Industries based in New Jersey.
When Tim isn't on the production floor, he is expressing his more artistic side on stage with his Pink Floyd tribute band, Liquid Puzzle. Residing in New Jersey, he also enjoys riding his chopper and spending time with his wife, 3 sons, and grandson.
IT
Brian Campanile, Systems Administrator
After he was out of school Brian realized he still didn't know what he wanted to be when he grew up, and after a few career changes, we're glad he ended up at NK in 2011. He graduated from Widener University with a double major in Accounting and Hospitality Management. Shortly after, he headed into AmeriCorps for a year. Next, Brian began working at Delaware Nehemaih Gateway in information technology and running EITC, a free tax credit campaign, he later switched to a Philadelphia company doing the same thing with a much shorter commute. Although Brian no longer works in accounting, he did take and pass the CPA exam. In addition, Brian worked for a company installing computer systems throughout the country.
When Brian isn't helping solve our IT woes, he's volunteering on the Board for a mental health organization, the Horizon House. His main responsibilities are raising money and making the community aware of the organization's mission. Brian also participates in several charity walks and runs throughout the year. He and his wife, Katie live locally with their two dogs, Tipper and Anna, and enjoying camping going on cruises, and traveling.
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