Charles Mitchell, ’04, ’06

Charles Mitchell earned a Bachelor of Industrial and Systems Engineering from Auburn University in 2004, and a master’s degree in 2006.

Mitchell is a retired operations executive and lives in Melbourne, Fla. Throughout his career, Mitchell also held titles of director of operations, vice president of operations, and chief operating officer.

“My experience was 100 percent military and aerospace products - manufacturing, repairing and distribution,” explained Mitchell.

Mitchell added that his career highlight was being part of a leadership team that tripled a company’s top line performance in three years while improving customer satisfaction (i.e. product quality and on-time delivery). Mitchell said that he feels the Auburn University Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering prepared him well in his ability to effectively and pragmatically solve problems throughout his career.

Being a member of the Alumni Council offers Mitchell the opportunity to give back to his alma mater while sharing his knowledge of industry and leadership protocols.

Meeting his wife in his freshman year physics class is Mitchell’s favorite Auburn memory, as well as classes taught by Industrial and Systems Engineering Professor Emeritus Saeed Maghsoodloo.

“He was a no B.S. type of person,” Mitchell shared. “I loved it.”

Mitchell has been a member of the Industrial and Systems Engineering Alumni Council since 2017.

Jack Ogutu, ’13

Jack Ogutu earned a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nairobi in 2004 and a Doctor of Industrial and Systems Engineering from Auburn University in 2013.

Ogutu currently lives in Lancaster, Pa., and is an associate professor and occupational safety & environmental health program coordinator in the Department of Applied Engineering Safety & Technology at Millersville University.

“Being appointed the program coordinator for the Occupational Safety & Environmental Health Program at Millersville was a major career highlight for me,” Ogutu shared. “I had only been with the department for about three years by the time of my appointment.”

Ogutu said the Auburn University Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering and the Occupational Safety, Ergonomics, and Injury Prevention program were instrumental in his preparation for a faculty position.

“Having had the opportunity to work as both a teaching assistant and a research assistant helped prepare me as an instructor and a researcher,” Ogutu said. “I had the opportunity of working closely with or under the supervision of some of the best faculty the ISE department had.”

Ogutu decided to join the Industrial and Systems Engineering Alumni Council as a small way of giving back and sharing his time and expertise with the department.  

“I am sure my input, however small, will be valuable to the OSE program faculty and students in particular,” he said.

Ogutu has been a member of the Industrial and Systems Engineering Alumni Council since 2021.

Sarah Moore, ’18, ’20

Sarah Moore earned a Bachelor of Industrial and Systems Engineering from Auburn University in 2018, an Occupational Safety and Ergonomics Graduate Certificate in 2019, and a Master of Industrial and Systems Engineering in 2020. 

Moore currently lives in Huntsville, Ala., and is a software systems engineer for Dynetics, Inc., supporting one of the company’s defense contracts for unmanned aerial vehicles. Her job duties include simulation, verification, testing and documentation.

“I have had, by far, one of the shorter career tenures to my peers on the council, but I have been lucky enough to work on several amazing projects in my short time including designing interfaces for the Lunar Gateway Habitat, ensuring usability on the International Space Station, and risk management for the Dynetics Human Landing System,” Moore said.

Moore added that she feels her degree in industrial and systems engineering prepared her well for her career.

“ISE is a versatile major that applies to so many fields; professional and personal,” she said. “For anyone searching for the ‘right major,’ if they enjoy math and problem-solving, I would encourage them to check out industrial and systems engineering. With an ISE degree you can move into any industry to follow your passions.”

Moore said she has many special memories from her time as a student at Auburn, her favorite being when her husband proposed to her on Samford Lawn. She decided to join the Alumni Council because her time at Auburn was so special.

“I wanted to be able to give back to the program that gave me so much, and not just in a monetary manner,” she said. “Being able to use my knowledge and skills to continuously improve the ISE department seemed like the right choice.”

Moore has been a member of the Industrial and Systems Engineering Alumni Council since 2021.

Vergenia Shelton, ’96

Vergenia Shelton earned a Bachelor of Industrial and Systems Engineering from Auburn University in 1996 and also holds a Master’s of Engineering Management from the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Shelton currently lives in Scottsboro, Ala., and is the president of Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation ( INTUITIVE).

“As president of INTUITIVE, I am responsible for the daily operation and improvement of all areas within the company,” Shelton said. “I lead the company’s efforts in formulating and implementing the strategic plan. It is my role as president to lead the organization by creating, communicating and implementing the company’s vision, mission and overall direction. This includes working closely with executives to new hires and everyone in-between.”

Under Shelton’s leadership, INTUITIVE has been continuously named a “Great Place to Work” at the national level. Shelton’s additional career highlights include assisting with opening the INTUITIVE Planetarium at the US Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville in 2019, and she was one of 25 women to be selected for the 2020 Class of Women Who Shape the State conducted by This is Alabama.

Shelton said the Auburn University Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering provided her with a strong engineering foundation.

“Throughout my career, I have worked in many different areas including manufacturing, product design and development, analysis, and all aspects of business,” she said. “I believe the ISE program provides future engineers with the engineering fundamentals needed to expand and grow their careers across many different industries.”

Shelton chose to join the Alumni Council because she believes staying in touch with one’s alma mater is important and she wanted to give back to ISE and help students.

“Whether through scholarship fundraising, activity support or mentorship, the Alumni Council has allowed me to help shape the future for our incoming students,” explained Shelton. “Through the Alumni Council, I have been able to develop connections and stay up to date on changes and activities within the Auburn University system. As an alumni member, I have been able to expand my professional network, which can be advantageous when looking to partner with other companies or recruit new talent for our company. Lastly, I joined the Alumni Council because I am proud of the education I received at Auburn University. It’s important to keep the pride alive.”

Shelton added that one of her favorite Auburn memories was when the Auburn Tigers went 11-0 in the 1993 football season. She has been a member of the Industrial and Systems Engineering Alumni Council since 2021.

Dan Traynor, ’78

Alumni Council Past-Chair

Dan Traynor earned a Bachelor of Industrial and Systems Engineering, with the computer science option, from Auburn University in 1978.

Traynor retired as vice president and chief information officer from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in 2015. Highlights of his career as CIO included an organizational transformation aimed at improving the operational performance, asset condition, and business alignment of the information technology function.

Driven primarily by the success of the transformation, Traynor was recognized by Computerworld Magazine as a Premier 100 IT Leader for 2012 and was also named the 2012 Outstanding Industrial and Systems Engineering Alumnus by Auburn University.

Upon retiring from TVA, Traynor and his wife, Mical, sold their home in Chattanooga and bought homes in Auburn and Panama City Beach, Fla. They enjoy the beach as often as they can, while primarily residing in Auburn’s Grove Hill Subdivision.

When Traynor came to Auburn in 2012 to accept the Outstanding ISE Alumnus award, he spent time with engineering and ISE department officials. He said during this time he realized that his personal success was due in large part to the foundation built while at Auburn University.

“I resolved to give back, and late in 2013 my wife and I established the Traynor Family Endowed Scholarship, which was awarded for the first time in 2014,” Traynor said. “In 2015, I was invited by Jorge Valenzuela to become a member of the ISE Alumni Council. Seeing it as another opportunity to give back to Auburn, I enthusiastically accepted and have been serving on the council since.”

One of the reasons Traynor remembers his time at Auburn so fondly is that it is the place where he met his wife.

“During my senior year at Auburn, I worked part-time in the L-Building computer center, where struggling students would often ask me to help debug their coursework programs,” Traynor explained. “Mical would sometimes drop by to chat and pass the time. The L-Building was demolished a few years ago to make way for the Brown-Koppel Engineering Student Achievement Center. One casualty of that project was a little park bench where I first told Mical I loved her. The bench may be gone, but the memory of that special moment endures.”

Traynor has been a memmber of the Industrial and Systems Alumni Council since 2015.

Nancy Bissinger, ’73, ’10, ’15

Alumni Council Chair-Elect

Nancy Bissinger earned a bachelor’s degree in math from Auburn University in 1973. When she made the decision to begin graduate school, Bissinger chose to pursue a master’s degree in industrial and systems engineering.

Throughout the next four years, Bissinger experienced some life changes and left Auburn. When she left the graduate program, she had completed all of her graduate studies except her thesis.

“In 2009 I decided to fulfill a lifetime goal to finish the degree,” explained Bissinger. “It meant a lot to me that the industrial engineering department and the graduate school were willing to work with me to reach that goal.”

Bissinger went on to earn a Ph.D. in industrial and systems engineering in 2015.

Following graduation, Bissinger held a part-time post-doc position in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) until 2018. She prepared proposal documentation for the Master of Engineering Management degree program, produced the annual newsletter, and chaperoned a summer abroad trip.

Bissinger has retired from several different careers related to the field of technology since earning her first Auburn degree in 1973. She currently owns the company Electrical Sales Corporation. Her son, Brandon (’07), runs the day-to-day operations. The family business operates in the New Orleans area and specializes in telecommunications.

Bissinger is also the owner of a timber farm, with educational help from the forestry department at Auburn. She spends her time between Poplarville, Miss., and New Orleans, La.

During her time working with ISE through her post-doc position, Bissinger became more familiar with the department, met faculty, and learned about the role of the Alumni Council. This experience encouraged her to join the council.

“Watching them in action that spring was an inspiration to me,” she said. “I am always looking for a way to stay involved with Auburn and help to make the department more successful.”

A favorite Auburn memory for Bissinger is meeting her future husband on campus in 1974.

“I met my late husband in 1974 walking to class between Dunstan Hall and the shop buildings, where I taught Fortran,” she said.

Bissinger joined the Industrial and Systems Engineering Alumni Council in 2021.

Ashley Pearce, ’11

Ashley Pearce graduated from Auburn University with bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and political science in 2009 and went on to earn a Master of Industrial and Systems Engineering, with a focus in occupational safety, ergonomics and human factors, in 2011.

Pearce is currently the Safety & Health Assistant Manager at Mazda Toyota Manufacturing in Madison, Ala. Through her role, Pearce manages a team of five safety specialists and one medical specialist.

“We lead our company’s safety management system, which covers OSHA requirements, safety training, engagement, and program implementation, incident investigation and countermeasures, and proactive risk reduction activities,” Pearce said. “We also manage the on-site health & wellness center, a third-party medical provider that team members can see for both personal and work-related care, and a team of early intervention specialists, many of which are athletic trainers or degrees in biology or physiology and provide ergonomic assessments, posture coaching, work conditioning, and other musculoskeletal care for manufacturing team members.”

Prior to Mazda Toyota, Pearce worked for the Ergonomics Center of North Carolina at North Carolina State University and at Yamaha in Newnan, Ga. Through both experiences she developed a love of manufacturing.

“The manufacturing environment built on teamwork, problem solving, and employee empowerment and development, all towards a common goal creates opportunities for people to truly be the best that they can be.,” Pearce said. “I have been blessed to work in such environments, and now to be a part of building it at a brand-new company.”

Pearce said her education through the Auburn University Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering opened doors she didn’t know existed.

“I always knew I would be an industrial engineer when I grew up, but before I started in Auburn’s ISE program, I didn’t know what that really meant,” she said. “My ISE program took that general idea and gave me a better understanding of what it meant, introduced me to the field of occupational safety and ergonomics, then turned it into a goal I could work toward.”

Pearce remembers her time at Auburn fondly, from the excitement of running through the Jordan-Hare Stadium tunnel onto the field for pre-game as part of the Auburn University Marching Band, to her first ISE graduate class.

“After leaving that first class, I knew that this is what I am supposed to be doing and is where I needed to be to find my career,” she remembered. “There’s not much that compares to knowing that you’re in the right place, at the right time, and doing the right thing.” 

Pearce decided to be involved with the Alumni Council as a wait to maintain involvement with Auburn University and the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering.

“I’m grateful to be able to return to Auburn and continue to be a part of the Auburn University story,” she said. During my career, I’ve been in the position to hire three engineers/specialists, I’ve also worked with about six to eight co-op students. I hope to be able to share any insight I can as a hiring manager and also as a practitioner to help develop programs that will give Auburn engineers the best opportunities and advantages after graduation.” 

Pearce has been a member of the Industrial and Systems Engineering Alumni Council since 2021.

Debbie Flint, ’85

Alumni Council Chair

Deborah Flint graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Industrial and Systems Engineering degree in 1985.

Flint, a resident of Hoover, Ala., spent 25 years of her career in various engineering roles at the University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB) Hospital. She also spent time working as the business manager in the radiology department before retiring in 2010. Soon after retirement, Flint took a position in the ambulatory side of UAB Medicine.

“In 2012 we created the Performance Engineering Department at The Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital,” Flint explained. “Services since then have grown to provide industrial and systems engineering services for UAB Medicine ambulatory clinics and departments throughout the state of Alabama.”

Flint is the senior director of performance engineering for UAB Medicine Ambulatory Services. Her duties include leading a team of industrial and systems engineers to improve efficiency, throughput and resource utilization for ambulatory clinics and departments of UAB Medicine.

Her team has been an important resource to the hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our performance engineering team assisted leadership with multiple COVID related projects,” Flint said. “Some of the projects included performing computer simulations to design multiple mass vaccination sites on-site and in the neighboring communities, and projects aimed at streamlining workflow to maximize capacity for monoclonal antibody infusion sites.”

Flint said her education through the Auburn University Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering provided her with the skills and knowledge that she has applied in the healthcare industry for 35 years.

“In addition, ISE helped me develop invaluable life skills such as perseverance, teamwork, camaraderie, flexibility and time management,” she added. “I learned the value of relationships and have been fortunate to maintain long lasting friendships that began at Auburn!”

In 2020, Flint was awarded the Auburn University Industrial and Systems Engineering Outstanding Alumni Award. She decided to be a member of the Alumni Council because Auburn provided her with not only a wonderful education, but an incredible college experience. Some of those experiences include attending sorority functions and football games with the man that is now her husband and meeting Bo Jackson and Lionel “Little Train” James at a fraternity party.

“They were kind enough to give out autographs to all that asked them,” she remembered. “Ironically, my sons later named our two orange tabby cats ‘Bo’ and ‘Little Train.’

Flint has been a member of the Industrial and Systems Engineering Alumni Council since 2017.

Margaret Haack, ’83

Margaret Haack earned a Bachelor of Industrial Engineering degree from Auburn University in 1983. She earned a Master of Science in program management from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif., in 2002.

Haack began a career as a civilian engineer with the Department of Defense in Huntsville, Ala., soon after graduation and her 36-year career supported both the U.S. Army and the Missile Defense Agency.

“I attended Auburn before the ‘S’ was in the IE Department,” Haack said. “But even so, the beginnings of systems methodology were there, without the actual processes defined. My career took me on the path of systems engineering and program management. My Auburn education was very foundational for that career. Different teachings by various professors really pointed me to understanding the big picture of issues and what really matters.”

Prior to retirement from civil service, Haack served as the director of the Missile Defense Career Development Program (MDCDP). In this position, she was responsible for the recruitment, selection and training for a select group of new employees. Prior to this position, Haack served in various positions showcasing her ability as a systems engineer, test and evaluation engineer, project director, Pentagon action officer, engineering division lead, engineering supervisor, deputy product manager, and deputy chief engineer in various program management offices within the Missile Defense Agency and the U.S. Army Missile Research Development and Engineering Center.

Haack was a member of the U.S. Army Acquisition Corps and held Level III Acquisition Certifications in systems engineering, test and evaluation, and program management. Recognition during her career included numerous letters of commendation, U.S. Army Board-selection to the Naval Postgraduate School, the U.S. Army Superior Civilian Service Award and medal, and the Missile Defense Agency Exceptional Civilian Service Award and medal.

In addition to serving on the Alumni Council, Haack is a member of Alpha Pi Mu and 100+ Women Strong. She and her husband, Robert, a 1983 electrical engineering graduate, have been married for 38 years. They are avid Auburn supporters and members of the Ginn Society and Keystone Society, as well as the Auburn University 1856 and Foy Societies. They have two daughters, Allison, a 2009 ISE graduate, and Jessica Haack, a 2012 materials engineering graduate, and three grandchildren.

Haack said her last career assignment focusing on mentoring young employees inspired her to join the Alumni Council.

“I saw the opportunity to serve on the ISE Alumni Council as yet another chance to give back to Auburn and the department that got me and my oldest daughter started on our careers and hopefully provide some guidance to students as I could,” she said. “There is nothing better than being in that position to pass it forward.” 

Haack has been a member of the Industrial and Systems Alumni Council since 2015.

Russell Grissett, ’93

Russell Grissett earned a Bachelor of Industrial and Systems Engineering from Auburn University in 1993.

Grissett accepted a job with Sonoco Products Company upon graduating from Auburn and recently celebrated 29 years with the company. He is currently the president of Sonoco’s Global Flexible Packaging business and resides in Charlotte, N.C. 

Over the last 29 years, Grissett has held various operation and commercial leadership roles within Sonoco’s Consumer and Protective Packaging business. Prior to his current role, he was division vice president and general manager of Sonoco’s Global Protective Packaging business and general manager of Sonoco’s ThermoSafe division.

“I manage Sonoco’s global flexible business which includes locations in the U.S., Canada, Brazil and Malaysia, making flexible consumer packaging for food and healthcare products,” Grissett said.

Grissett said that Auburn and the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering prepared him well for his career.

“Auburn provided me a great engineering education while at the same time the practical skills related to operations research, project management, statics, Lean Manufacturing, and how to work effectively in a team environment,” he said.

He added that his experience is why he joined the Alumni Council.

“I wanted to participate in preparing the next generation of leaders graduating from this great program,” he said.

A highlight of his time as a student at Auburn includes Auburn’s win over Alabama in the 1989 Iron Bowl. He described it as the “best college game day experience ever.”

Grissett has been a member of the Industrial and Systems Alumni Council since 2022.

Brandon Haley, ’09

Brandon Haley earned a Bachelor of Industrial and Systems Engineering in 2009, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of South Florida in 2013.

Haley currently resides in Lakeland, Fla., and is the director of manufacturing operations for Publix. Haley earned his ISE degree after completing his Auburn football eligibility under Coach Tommy Tuberville from 2004-2007. An internship at Publix Supermarkets in the summer of 2008 has turned into more than a 12-year career for Haley.

“I am responsible for our two Fresh Kitchen Plants in Lakeland, Fla., and Deerfield Beach, Fla., as well as the development and construction of our newest plant in Atlanta, Ga.,” Haley said. “We are also in the process of transitioning the Deli Plant in Lakeland under my team in Q4 for this year. These plants produce the private label meals and deli items for our stores."

Throughout his career with Publix, Haley was awarded the 2015 Operational Excellence Award as general manager of fresh foods, and the 2015 and 2016 Safety Awards for running the operation with the most outstanding safety performance. In 2017, he was given the opportunity to lead the business development, design and implementation of Publix Tier 1 business initiative in starting up the Fresh Kitchen Operations.

“I was general manager of the initial plant in Lakeland and when we built our second facility in Deerfield Beach, I was promoted to director,” Haley said. “We have grown the business from a one-shift operation of 33 stock keeping units (SKUs) employing 50 associates to a 24/7 operation with 65 SKUs, employing approximately 1,200 associates.”

Haley said the Auburn University Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering prepared him well for his career.

“When I first arrived at Publix, the real-life experience through the course work from working in industry during my time as Auburn completing my coursework truly made it a seamless transition,” he said. “The process of exposing students to the practical application of what they are taught is the difference in preparation. I have seen several students come through over the years and you can tell which schools expose their students to industry.”

Haley’s highlights as a student at Auburn include ISE’s Senior Design and Six Sigma courses, being a part of the 2004 undefeated Auburn Football team, the 2007 most winningest class in football, and proposing to his wife in front of Sanford Hall.

Haley joined the Alumni Council as a way to give back.

“I want to give back and contribute to the success of the next generation,” he said.

Haley has been a member of the Industrial and Systems Alumni Council since 2022.

Eddie Rivera, ’15

Eddie Rivera earned a Bachelor of Industrial and Systems Engineering from Auburn University in 2015.

Rivera started his career as a college student in the College Program at Stars Tour at Disney World in 2012. After earning his degree, Rivera worked in the Industrial Engineering Department where he had the opportunity to consult on a wide variety of projects including Toy Story Land, Star Wars Land, Tron, the Disney Wish cruise ship and more.

“It was a magical highlight to my career,” Rivera said.

Rivera recently made a change in his career this year when he joined the service and hospitality team as a senior integration leader at the Chick-Fil-A Support Center in Atlanta, Ga. Rivera’s job includes taking new service processes or physical improvements that have been tested in a few restaurants and pressure test them in many more across the chain in order to have high confidence in a solution.

“If all goes well, I then follow the project through launch to ensure that it is as smooth as possible,” Rivera explained. “I also serve as an internal consultant on projects related to the Inside Experience with the service and hospitality lens. It’s all about making things better/easier for our Team Members and Operators so they can continue to provide amazing food, great service, and genuine hospitality to our Guests!”

Fellow Industrial and Systems Engineering Alumni Council member Beth Monroe has worked with Rivera during the transition to this new role.

“She Operates a Chick-Fil-A in Huntsville and has been an inspiration to me since my time at Auburn,” he said.

Looking back on his time as a student at Auburn, Rivera said a favorite memory of his was having the opportunity to help Alabama tornado victims with fellow Auburn students. While on an Auburn bus on the way to assist those affected, Rivera said he looked out the window and realized they were passing Alabama football fans.

“There were some residents standing nearby who started crying when they saw the Auburn logo on the side of the bus,” he remembered. “Rivalry aside, Auburn was doing what it could to support those in need. And that’s why I went to Auburn, to be a part of a spirit that is not afraid and strives to bring happiness for all.”

Rivera joined the alumni council because he benefited from alumni scholarships while he was a student.

“I was fortunate enough to have a few scholarships during my time at Auburn and to meet some amazing alumni,” he said. “That left an incredible impression on me as a student and led me to want to stay involved in any way that I can.”

Rivera joined the Industrial and Systems Engineering Alumni Council in 2022.

Molly Matthews, ’92

Molly Matthews earned a Bachelor of Industrial Engineering from Auburn University in 1992 and a Master of Business Administration degree from Wake Forest University in 1999.

Matthews is the chief executive officer of US Healthcare & Seniors for Sodexo Healthcare of North America and resides in Castle Rock, Colo. In this role, she is responsible for the profit and loss (P&L) for more than $3.4 billion and 28,000 employees.

Matthews joined Sodexo in April 2022, after a long career with Vizient where she was most recently senior vice president and general manager. At Vizient, Matthews was responsible for managing sales and delivery of programs and services for strategic accounts as well as the west zone, including $23 billion in group purchasing organization (GPO) supply chain purchases. She has extensive experience in clinical and operational improvement with more than 25 years helping large health systems become more cost effective and improve performance.

“The Auburn ISE program was the foundation for my career in healthcare,” Matthews said. “It was through this program that I met the alumnus who gave me my first opportunity to work at East Alabama Medical Center. Along the way, my IE background allowed me to learn about hospital management systems and build my knowledge about labor productivity and P&L management. Most recently, my degree from Auburn was key in opening the door for me at Sodexo where process improvement is critical to our performance.”

Matthews has also served as a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives where she was a member for more than 10 years. 

Matthews has many fond memories of her time as a student at Auburn. She lived in a corner apartment above the shops at Toomer’s Corner and said it was the best place to sit and watch people and a prime spot for rolling the old Oak trees. One memory that stands out for Matthews happened after graduation.

“I was at the LSU football game when the old coliseum, The Barn, burned,” she said. “The flames were above the stadium and everyone just stayed in place watching the fire. That was quite a memory!”

Matthews said she joined the Alumni Council because after 30 years in the healthcare industry, she realized how much her Auburn industrial engineering experience meant to her career.

“My first job out of college was as a management engineer at a hospital,” she said. “At the time I started my degree I had no idea there were IEs in healthcare and that I could make an impact on improving patient care. I also realize now how much a female chief operating officer with an engineering degree can serve as a role model for others. One alumnus set me on my life’s path and I would like to make that same difference in the lives of the Auburn ISE students.” 

Matthews has been a member of the Industrial and Systems Engineering Alumni Council since 2023.

Roy Rhodes, ’85

Roy Rhodes graduated with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Auburn University in 1985.

Rhodes is a principal process engineer with Bridgestone Americas’ Bandag Team, which supplies retreads for larger truck applications. His responsibilities include process optimization, process of problems, and new machine installs with efficient layouts.

“I mainly support our three U.S. rubber manufacturing plants,” Rhodes said. “Fifty percent of the time I work from home, 50 percent of the time I am in one of the plants.” 

Some of his career highlights include leading the startup of one of the largest-selling retreads, as well as of one of the lowest rolling-resistant retreads, in the country. He has also received the Bridgestone CEO Award for the implementation of a new rubber formulation that improved performance and processability, and saved on cost. He was also given the Bridgestone CEO award for the first Bandag modern rubber mixing line. 

Rhodes believes his ISE education offered a diverse curriculum with its requirements. 

“Successful course completion came from using resources in our professors, other students, graduate students, and many other resources to meet the curriculum requirements,” he said.

Some of his favorite memories from his time as a student at Auburn include time spent in the ISE study hall room.

“I have great memories of studying, preparing for projects and presentations, having fun, and making friends, some friends I continue to be in contact with today,” he said. “This made the ISE study hall a great place.” 

He added that the ISE Alumni Council is his way to give back.

“Being a part of the ISE council is a great way to give back in appreciation for where my journey began,” he said.

Rhodes has been a member of the Industrial and Systems Engineering Alumni Council since 2023.

Ross Kennedy, ’15

Ross Kennedy earned a Bachelor of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) from Auburn University in 2015, and a Master of Business Administration from Temple University in 2020.

Kennedy is the business unit director for GG Schmitt and Sons, Inc., a division of Patrick Industries. He is responsible for the operations and strategic direction of the GG Schmitt and Sons brand, overseeing all facets of the company at both of the South Carolina and Florida facilities. This includes production, engineering, new product development, sales and marketing, and back-office operations. He also worked for the fiberglass tooling company Design Concepts/Marine Concepts for five years.

Some career highlights include being named the youngest business unit director at Patrick Industries at age 28, part of the inventions of a patent-pending product to be used throughout the marine industry, and developing and implementing strategy that has resulted in an increase in sales for GG Schmitt, doubling earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) revenue and increasing EBITDA margin by 70 percent.

Kennedy said his ISE degree prepared him well for his career.

“This degree has prepared me in so many ways,” he said. “ISE gave me the manufacturing basics needed to start my career, but most importantly it has taught me how to break down and solve problems across a wide range of disciplines. It has taught me how to address opportunities through math and statistics and communicate it back to the team in a practical sense. I believe this degree provides a springboard for young engineers, giving them the first principles needed to immediately make an impact in their career.”

A favorite memory of his time at Auburn includes the infamous Kick Six Iron Bowl game, during which Chris Davis ran the ball back 109 yards to beat Alabama.

“I was in one of the lower rows of the student section and quickly found myself in the center of the field with thousands of other students and alumni celebrating,” he said. “That memory will live with me forever.” 

Kennedy said he is honored to be a part of the ISE Alumni Council. He sees it as an opportunity to give back to an institution that helped pave the way for his success.

“It will also help ensure the same high-caliber education is shaped for future graduates, so they too can have similar success in their careers,” he said. “If I can make an impact that allows someone else to have the success I have had thus far, I will know I have done something right.”

Kennedy has been a member of the Industrial and Systems Engineering Alumni Council since 2023.

Mathew Reed, ’18, ’20

Mathew Reed earned his Bachelor of Industrial and Systems Engineering with honors from Auburn University in 2018, a Master of Industrial and Systems Engineering in 2020, and a Master of Business Administration in 2023. 

Reed has since worked in Huntsville, Ala., as a human factors engineer, first with Teledyne Brown Engineering, and now with Northrop Grumman Corporation, where he completes Design for Maintainability (DFM) assessments on the Sentinel Program for the U.S. Air Force.

I look at every part of the system that has maintainer (Air Force personnel) interaction and ensure that the design is not only maintainable, but easy to use, easy to understand, safe and compliant, Reed said. 

Reed also serves as Scrum Master for the Specialty Engineering Human Systems Integration Team at Northrop Grumman Corporation, where he helps to deconflict schedules, ensure proper burndown of work and facilitate team tasks. He also works as a secondary CAM, where he plans and tracks labor and budget. 

Reed also serves in the U.S. Army Reserves as an executive officer for the 803 ^rd Quartermaster Company in Opelika, Ala. 

Reed believes ISE prepared him extremely well for his career and made him fall in love with his current field, human factors. 

The program I work on currently is incredibly high-paced with high technical standards, Reed said. For most new hires, this is a struggle to get acquainted with, but for me, I already experienced it at Auburn in the ISE department.”

Reed decided to join the Alumni Council because he wanted to stay involved at Auburn and give back to the department. 

Reed has been a member of the Industrial and Systems Engineering Alumni Council since 2023.

Michael Gaines, ’97

Michael Gaines earned a Bachelor of Industrial and Systems Engineering from Auburn University in 1997.

Gaines currently works as the manufacturing planning and control division lead for Honda Alabama Auto Plant. He describes his role at Honda’s largest plant in North America as exhilarating.

“Serving as the vital link between Honda’s corporate functions and our manufacturing division, which proudly produces globally acclaimed models like the Honda Odyssey, Pilot, Passport, and Ridgeline, my responsibilities are very diverse,” Gaines said. “A typical day involves collaboration with various Honda North America corporate functions, ranging from human resources and safety to accounting and IT. This cross-functional engagement ensures a seamless connection between the corporate strategy and the operational aspects of our manufacturing division.”

In addition to overseeing the production of Honda vehicles, Gaines’ division takes on the critical tasks of production equipment maintenance and repair, as well as managing the company’s business plan and budget control.

Gaines has been employed at Honda since 2002. He has worked in numerous roles including purchasing manager and plant manager. He transitioned to his current role in 2021. Before joining Honda, Gaines worked in various roles for The Torrington Company’s Georgia plant.

“I continue to leverage the knowledge and passion instilled in me during my time at Auburn’s Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) program,” Gaines said. “Dr. Black’s Manufacturing II class ignited my passion for manufacturing, emphasizing the exciting simplicity of the process. This passion has been a guiding force throughout my career, facilitating my growth as a leader.”

Gaines said joining the ISE Alumni Council was a great way for him to give back and support the next generation of ISE professionals.

“It aligns with my commitment to community involvement, a value instilled in me through years of contributing to church committees, coaching youth sports, and leading volunteer events,” he said. “I am excited to support my alma mater and young professionals, creating a lasting connection to Auburn, such as the memorable experience of working on the initial concept of Tiger Transit as part of my Senior Design project. The expansion and success of Tiger Transit brings me immense pride each time I return to Auburn.”

Amy Slovacek, ’07