Home : Corporate : About ASC : Staff

STAFF

		William Thomas Blackerby Jr. (Tom) President and CEO, ASC Industries, Inc. Formerly COO since 2004. Extensive management expertise in finance, purchasing, accounting, human resource and information systems. Recognized as an expert in Global Sourcing, Tom has spoken frequently to middle-market investors and operators across the country on how to deploy successful sourcing strategies in China. Graduated from Georgia State University with a B.B.A. in Finance. Received his M.B.A. in Finance from The University of Akron.
		Theodore V. Swaldo (Ted) Senior Advisor, ASC Industries, Inc. Original founder of ASC Industries Inc. and served as Executive Vice President until 1989 when he was promoted to President. He served as President & CEO until July 1st, 2008. Extensive design engineering experience from Timken Company bearing division. Previous upper management responsibility in production and engineering from Air Enterprises Inc. Active in the community: previous Executive Director of the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps; previous Chairman of the Board for Drum Corps International; held various offices with the North Canton Jaycees; member of the North Canton Rotary and the Pro Football Hall of Fame Committee. He graduated from Tri-State College with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Recognized by the college as outstanding alumni in 1987.
		Scott Swaldo Senior Vice President of Operations, ASC Industries, Inc. Responsible for the oversight of all ASC’s global operations including human resources and procurement. Most recently general manager of North Canton Manufacturing since 2005. Management expertise is in the areas of quality control, process improvement, policy development, communications, program development, scheduling, customer service, staff development, and training. Graduated with a Bachelor's of Science degree from the University of Akron in Natural Science and a Masters degree from Northern Arizona University
		Eric Mospens Vice President of Purchasing & Planning, ASC North Canton Manufacturing Responsible for the oversight of day-to-day operations of both the purchasing and planning departments. Experienced in domestic and global purchasing and manufacturing planning. Previously held positions as ASC’s purchasing manager, senior buyer and operations supervisor. Graduated with a Bachelor’s of Art degree from Walsh University and an Associates Degree from Kent State University.
		Tao Qin Vice President of International Manufacturing, ASC China Manufacturing Responsibilities encompass oversight of international operations including international investment, operation support and management, and new product and market development. Expertise in the automotive industry in emerging markets/Asia Pacific business strategy development and execution, market development and support and international marketing-related activities. Graduated from Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics with a Bachelor’s of Engineering and received his Master’s of Economics from Beijing Institute of Business. Also received an M.B.A. from Georgia College and State University and was a candidate for the Doctor of Business Administration – Marketing for the Cleveland State University.
		Peter Rackov Vice President of Finance, ASC North Canton Manufacturing Responsible for directing the financial activities of the organization and establishing and monitoring company budgets and forecasts. Additionally responsible for ASC’s Information Technology management. Previous experience includes vice president and corporate controller for a leading global consumer products manufacturer. Graduated with a bachelor of science in business administration and majoring in accounting from John Carroll University. He is a licensed certified public accountant for the State of Ohio.
		Jeff Sandt Vice President of Sales and Marketing, ASC Global Sales Responsibilities encompass all sales and marketing functions for the retail, traditional, original equipment manufacturing, and special engine automotive market segments. Expertise includes in the areas of business-to-business program development, national accounts management, sales and marketing development, e-commerce solutions, product management, and communications. Previous experience in the automotive industry includes new business development, marketing, and sales expertise for an internet-based industry association, national distributor, and original equipment manufacturer. Graduated with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Marketing from St. Thomas Aquina College, New York and an Associate degree in Accounting from Rockland Community College, New York.
		David Tate Vice President of Operations – North America, ASC Industries, Inc. Previously vice president of OEM operations and quality since 2003. Responsible for production, distribution, warehouse, quality, machine shop and operations support for ASC’s North Canton and Mexican operations. Previous experience in Sales, Sales Training and Development, Sales management, and served as a United States Air Force officer as an Operations Manager. Graduate of the United States Air Force Academy with a Bachelor of Science, and has a Master of Arts Degree in Management from Webster University.
		Bill Thomas Vice President of OEM Sales, ASC Industries, Inc. Responsible for automotive and heavy-duty OEM sales for production and OE service requirements. Front line product development and management experience from cradle to grave working with OEM’s and suppliers for 15 years. Has developed parts with OEM’s and Tier 1 suppliers for automotive coolant systems in North and South America, Europe, Japan and Korea. Graduated from University of Kentucky in 1979 with a Bachelor’s of Business Administration.
		Rick Zimmerman Director, Business Development, ASC Industries, Inc. Responsible for all new business quoting and evaluation, product development activities, global costing activities, non-aftermarket international customer account management and new project management Served most recently as the product development manager for the purchasing and planning departments, where he was instrumental in furthering product development and OEM business development efforts. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from The University of Akron.
		Bob Birone Global Engineering Manager, ASC Industries, Inc Responsible for managing product engineering, process engineering and research & development for ASC globally. Experience in product design, lean manufacturing cell design, tooling design, factory automation and product testing. Graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Industrial Technology degree.
		Carla Dyer Human Resources Manager, ASC North Canton Manufacturing Responsible for managing the day-to-day administration of human resource-related services for ASC, including staffing, training and development, workers’ compensation, safety and performance management. Served previously as a human resource specialist and manager with a leading transportation company and a major retail organization. Extensive experience in policy and procedure development, recruiting, benefit plan design and leaves administration, harassment investigations, FMLA and COBRA. Graduate of Malone College with a Bachelor of Administration degree, and holds an Associate of Applied Business degree from The University of Akron. She is certified as a Senior Professional Human Resource professional from the SHRM Human Resource Certification Institute.
		Chris Johnson Plant Manager, ASC North Canton Manufacturing Oversees the ASC Foreign Trade Zone import / export functions including customs regulation compliance, transportation, and FTZ protocol management. Over twenty years of experience in the planning and implementation of production systems including: Just In Time manufacturing, shipping, receiving, forecasting, transportation, purchasing, and warehouse functions. Extensive expertise in the development of integrated production technology including: computerized statistical process control systems and continuous process improvement. Experienced in training and human resource development involving cross-functional team development.
		Lokranjith K Ravi (Lok) Global Quality Manager, ASC Industries, Inc. Responsibilities include quality management, quality assurance, supplier quality and ensuring an efficient quality operating system globally. Extensive expertise in implementation of quality tool like APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, Control Plan, Process Flow, RPN reduction, SPC, Pareto analysis, 8D, 5why, 7-step, and QOS. Experience working on Continuous Improvement projects & implementing Lean-Manufacturing practices and principles. Implemented Kaizen events resulting productivity gains, one piece flow, visual factory, 5S, JIT production, value stream mapping and vision strategy. Graduated with a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from University of Kentucky.
		Ron Whipkey Manager, Information Technologies, ASC North Canton Manufacturing Leads the team providing support of ASC’s information technology infrastructure, including server and network administration, integrated software management, hardware and software installations and upgrades, and data and voice communications. Extensive expertise in design, development and support of logistics, finance, and supply chain systems in a multi-facility manufacturing environment. Previous experience in departmental, team, and project management. Formal education received at Kent State University and Stark State College.
		Bill Wirth Production Manager, ASC North Canton Manufacturing Responsible for all aftermarket and OEM production operations at ASC North Canton. Served as OEM production manager since 2007 and was previously a quality operations manager. Graduated with associates degree in accounting from The University of Akron and currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree from Kent State University in International Business.