Who We Are
Managing Partners
Bob Mullen - robert.mullen@cortacgroup.com
Co-founder of CORTAC Group. Twenty-five years of experience as a systems engineer, program manager, and proposal manager for a variety of DoD, commercial, and international programs. Experience includes rotary-wing defensive avionics systems, C4-ISR systems, ERP Systems, a variety of military communications satellites and system architectures. BS in Physics from Principia College and completed the UCLA Executive Management program.
Jim
Helsper - james.helsper@cortacgroup.com
Co-founder of CORTAC Group. Thirty years of experience as a systems engineer, technical capture manager, proposal manager, and business strategy consultant. Well-known for helping clients expand into new business areas by defining innovative strategies and implementations. Worked for Hughes Space and Communications on military communication satellites, space-based sensors, anti-satellite systems, and a variety of classified programs. BA in Physics from UC San Diego and MS in Astronomy & Astrophysics from UC Santa Cruz.
Tom Eide - thomas.eide@cortacgroup.com
Co-founder of CORTAC Group. Twenty years of experience as a systems engineer, program manager, proposal manager, and merger and acquisition integration lead. Broad experience on a wide range of systems ranging from aerospace and defense to information technology and commercial software. Former USAF officer. BS in Astronautical Engineering from the USAF Academy and an MS in Telecommunications from the University of Colorado. Completed the Mergers and Acquisitions Program at the Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Client Delivery Team
Bill
Harris - bill.harris@cortacgroup.com
Twenty years of experience in strategic business planning, proposal leadership, program management, and systems/software engineering for DoD, other Federal, and commercial projects. Experience includes manned and unmanned ISR aircraft, defensive avionics, communications networks, guided ordnance, IT services, and ERP system implementations. BSEE from SUNY-Buffalo and MSEE from Binghamton University. Mergers & Acquisitions program at the University of Chicago.
Bruce Cooper - bruce.cooper@cortacgroup.com
Thirty-five years of experience as a systems engineer, capture team leader, program manager, and engineering executive. Experience includes a broad range of maritime and C3I programs at Hughes Aircraft, Raytheon, and L-3 Communications. Held key roles in the successful pursuit, capture, and execution of the JATAS, LPD-17 and DD-21 programs. BSEE from Northwestern, MS in Computer Science from Cal State-Fullerton, and Executive Program in Management Certificate from UCLA.
Darcie
O'Brien - darcie.obrien@cortacgroup.com
Fifteen years of experience in graphic design. Contributed as a graphics artist and graphics team lead supporting a variety of proposals for satellite, manned spacecraft, aircraft, electronics, and information systems proposals. Skill set includes Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Acrobat Pro, Autocad/Autodesk, and QuarkXpress. Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Colorado.
Dave Gaines - dave.gaines@cortacgroup.com
Twenty years of experience in acquisition management, information systems and software development, and proposal development. Retired USAF officer with DoD Level III certifications in Acquisition Program Management and experience as a Source Selection Evaluation Board Chair. Experience includes force protection and base security systems, maritime emergency response and protection, ISR systems, information systems design and development, and counter-IED jammers. BS in Engineering from the USAF Academy, MS in Software Systems and Information Resource Management, MBA in Finance, and PhD in Decision Science and Information Systems.
Dick Eassom - dick.eassom@cortacgroup.com
Thirty years of professional experience, with seventeen years experience in bid/proposal development and management as a Proposal Manager, Volume Lead, Writer, and Trainer. Published writer and presenter on bid/proposal management topics. Recognized expert in the use of Microsoft Word for proposal development. BSc, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, University of Leeds, United Kingdom. APMP-Foundation™ Level proposal management accreditation, APMP Fellow and APMP Founders Award recipient
Karol King - karol.king@cortacgroup.com
Twenty years of proposal experience for all major defense contractors on proposals for the DOD, NASA, FAA, other U.S. agencies, and international governments. Proposals cover large, complex development and modernization efforts, low rate initial and full rate production, IT/network support, and logistics/O&M work including base operations support services. Proposal support and products include proposal management, volume management, IMP and IMS, executive summaries, Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)/Dictionary, Statement of Work (SOW), risk management, key personnel resumes, white paper development, review team participation, and post-proposal response (ENs) development. Process proficiency includes development of strategies and win themes, outline development, storyboard/story map, draft and final text, and cross-reference/compliance matrices. B.A. University of Oklahoma.
Luke Snell - luke.snell@cortacgroup.com
SIx years of experience in graphic design. Served as a graphic designer, graphics team lead, and overall production lead. Also experienced in print design, information graphics, web design, corporate branding and identity, marketing collateral and advertising campaigns. Skill set includes Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat, Bridge, MS Office. BA in Graphic Design from Principia College.
Mark
Coleman - mark.coleman@cortacgroup.com
Twenty years of experience in proposal management, program management, product development, and operational turnarounds in the aerospace, electronics, telecommunications, and software industries. Experience includes avionics, ISR aircraft, IFF systems, naval ship integrated control systems, naval fast transports, military communication satellites, ballistic missiles, cellular and optical-fiber networks, and commercial software. Former USAF officer. BSE from Duke, MS in Aeronautical Engineering from MIT, and MBA from Sloan School at MIT.
Mike Bednarz - mike.bednarz@cortacgroup.com
Forty years of experience in program management and business development. Experience includes programs for all four US military services, NATO, foreign governments, and US defense contractors including space systems, fixed and rotary wing aircraft, ground weapons, and service contracts. Retired USAF officer having served as Deputy Director C-17 program, Director USAF Airborne Reconnaissance, and Director Electronic Combat Program Office. BS in Engineering Management from the USAF Academy, MS in Engineering Administration from SMU, and JD from the University of Texas.
Mike McCarthy - mike.mccarthy@cortacgroup.com
Twenty-five years of experience in program, proposal and operations management. Experience with foreign military sales and led a multi-national counter narcotics program with the US Government, Columbia and Peru. Former program manager with Sikorsky supporting US Navy, Coast Guard, and Foreign Military Sales. BS in Engineering from the US Naval Academy and an MS in Systems Technology.
Rick Darco - rick.darco@cortacgroup.com
Twenty-five years of experience in proposal/capture management, program management, and technical leadership on government and commercial programs. Experience includes space and aeronautical systems, intelligence operations, and nuclear proliferation. Recognized expert in past performance evaluations during DoD source selections and CPARs. Former USAF Officer. BS in Aerospace Engineering (University of Colorado) and an MS in Systems Management (Florida Institute of Technology). Advanced Program Management Course from the Defense Systems Management College.
Ron Gutt - ron.gutt@cortacgroup.com
Twenty years of experience in systems engineering, program management, intellectual property and contracts law, and operations management. Former USAF officer with weapon systems sustainment and acquisition experience. Actively practiced law as a patent attorney for over six years at two large general corporate law firms in Cleveland. Ohio. Registered to practice and in good standing before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. BS in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Michigan, MBA from University of the Incarnate Word, and JD from The Ohio State University.
Steve Norman - steve.norman@cortacgroup.com
Thirty years of experience as a project management professional on DoD, NASA, and DHS programs. Established expert in Program Planning and Control, Integrated Master Plans/Schedules (IMP/IMS) and Earned Value Management System (EVMS) processes and tools. Skill set includes MS Project Professional and Project Server, Milestone Professional, Primavera Project Planner (P3), Sure Track, Artemis, Micro Planner, Steelray, Risk Plus, MS Access, Visio, and a variety of EVMS tools. MS from SUNY-Stony Brook and a Project Management Professional (PMP) with MOS certification in MS Project.
Operations Team
Bill Funke - bill.funke@cortacgroup.com
Vice President, Business Development for CORTAC Group. Twenty years of experience in sales and marketing. Worked in various industries with large multi-billion dollar corporations leading sales teams to maximize customer relationships through improved customer intimacy. Strong background in brand building and leading organizations towards achieving goals while improving customer service and satisfaction levels. BA in Business Administration from Principia College.
Kate Farrell- kate.farrell@cortacgroup.com
Business Operations Manager for CORTAC Group. Responsible for invoicing, accounts receivable and operations support for CORTAC Group since its inception. Ten years of experience as a proposal production manager, corporate trainer, and technical writer. Managed the production of proposals for major aerospace & defense and IT programs across multiple industries. Developed and delivered software and proposal development training to employees and corporate clients. BS in Biology and BA in English from Western Washington University.
Doris Mullen - doris.mullen@cortacgroup.com
Benefits administrator and HR support for CORTAC Group. Supported a wide range of industries including interior design, clothing, automotive, documentary production as well as non-profit organizations. Won multiple awards for independent documentaries including a national award for a documentary used by the city of Los Angeles. Experienced in broadcast writing, editing, public relations and fund raising. BA in Journalism from Cal State University, Northridge.