Jennifer Herron
CEO & Founder
Jennifer Herron, Mechanical and Computer Engineer, is the CEO & Founder of Action Engineering. With her adept team, she’s counseled 180+ organizations since 2008, offering thought leadership and pragmatic advice to Model-Based Enterprise (MBE) transitions.
An expert in Model-Based Definition (MBD) and 3D Technical Data Packages (TDPs), Jennifer actively shapes industry evolution by engaging in leading standards bodies. Notably, she is the Vice-Chair of ASME Y14.46 the 3D Product Definition standard for Additive Manufacturing. She is also in her 3rd term as a Board of Director (BOD) of the Digital Metrology Standards Consortium (DMSC), shaping the Quality Information Framework (QIF).
Possessing extensive expertise in hardware design for spaceflight and military systems, she’s also the holder of a snake propulsion mechanism patent.
Leveraging her diverse career, she’s developed CAD modeling best practices, having worked across platforms like Creo, NX, SOLIDWORKS, and Inventor. Her pragmatic insights culminated in “Re-Use Your CAD: The Model-Based CAD Handbook,” the singular guide of its kind.
Experience
- 28 years in the Aerospace & Defense Industry
- 20 years of MBD/MBE Experience
EXPERTISE
- MBD and MBE Solution Architecture
- MBD Pilot Planning
- MBD Modeling Standards and Best Practices
- Multi-CAD MBD Authoring and Publishing
- Multi-CAD MBD and GD&T Coaching
- Strategic MBD and MBE Implementation Coaching
- MBD Supply Chain Readiness Coaching
Credentials
- Engineer in Training (EIT), Missouri
- Board Member, Digital Metrology Standards Consortium (DMSC) since 2017; Committees involved in: Model-Based Characteristics (MBC) Committee, QIF 4.0 Committee, Strategic Planning Committee
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) since 2014; Committees involved in: Model-Base Enterprise (MBE) Standards Committee, Y14.46 Product Definition for Additive Manufacturing, Y14.47 Model Organization Practices, MBE/Y14 Harmonization Committee
- AIAA 2014-2015: S120A and RP-A-3 Mass Standards Committee
- DEDMWG Member since 2016: MIL-STD-31000B
- Dept of Defense Manufacturing Technology Program; Joint Defense Manufacturing Council, Joint Additive Manufacturing Working Group, DME Panel
- AIAG – 3D TDP Committee since 2020
- Patent for Toroidal Propulsion and Steering System (Snake)
- Certified Scrum Product Owner®
- Certified SolidWorks Associate
If you are going to CHANGE the results of your business, you have to change the WAY you do business.
Michelle Nordwald, PE
Director of Business Execution
Experience
- 22 years of Industry Experience
- Business Operations
- Customer Engagement
- Project Management
- Regulatory Compliance
- Contracting
- Costing and Scheduling
Credentials
- Professional Engineer, Civil-Geotechnical, Colorado
- Brain-Based Conversation Skills®, NeuroLeadership Institute
- Certified Agile Leader® 1, Scrum Alliance
Surround yourself with those who are better, faster, and smarter to build stronger teams and raise each other up.
Dan Feighery
Director of Digital Engineering
Dan works with organizations to enable their digital transformation into a Model-Based Enterprise.
His career began as a tooling engineer for a Fortune 500 company’s aerospace group where he was exposed to design for manufacturability/assembly and quality control. Prior to coming to Action Engineering, he worked for an emerging leader in impact mitigation and cushioning solutions and served as a change agent and champion of business process improvements.
Dan holds a B.S. in Engineering Management from Missouri University of Science & Technology with a Management of Technology emphasis. Growing up in a bilingual home, Dan speaks Brazilian Portuguese.
When not working, he can be found climbing and volunteering as an instructor with the Colorado Mountain Club.
Experience
- 18 years overall including the Aerospace Industry
- 5+ years Model-Based Definition – MBD experience
EXPERTISE
- Multi-CAD MBD and GD&T Training and Coaching
- MBD Modeling Standards and Best Practices
- MBD Pilot Coaching
- Multi-CAD MBD Authoring and Publishing
- 3D CAD, MBD, CAD Interoperability Software Configuration and Assessment
- Product Development, Quality, and Manufacturing Planning & Implementation
- Roadmap Development
Credentials
- ASME AED-ALT, Voting Member
- ASME MBE & Y14 Harmonization Committee, Tech. Secretary
- ASME MBE & Y14 PDH JWG, Co-Chair
- ASME Y14.6, Chair
- ASME Y14 series subcommittees, Voting Member
- ASME Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing Professional (GDTP), 2009 Senior Level Certification
- American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Quality Inspector
- Certified Scrum Product Owner®, Scrum Alliance
- Brain-Based Conversation Skills®, NeuroLeadership Institute
- DMSC QIF 4.0 WG, Member
The only good reason to climb is to improve yourself.
Philip Jennings II, P.E.
Director of Programs & Strategy
As the Director of Programs & Strategy, Philip’s responsible for strategically ensuring the execution of contracts across the Action Engineering consulting services portfolio while also architecting scalable and adoptable solutions for our customers.
Philip’s key responsibilities include managing Action Engineering’s project portfolio, leading business development and capture, and streamlining internal proposal and project management systems & processes.
Philip began his career at Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS), where he engineered various structures for both aircraft carrier and submarine programs. While at NNS, Philip served in various positions of increasing responsibility within Engineering & Design, Manufacturing & Quality Control, and Nuclear Propulsion divisions. Throughout his tenure at NNS, he has gained experience in digital transformation and process improvement across all areas of the product lifecycle, from early ship concept development to in-service maintenance & modernization. Philip leads by forming talented teams capable of understanding and solving the multi-dimensional challenges of the modern industrial complex.
Experience
- 14+ years in the Aerospace and Defense (A&D) Industry
- 10+ years in complex manufacturing
- 7+ years in engineering management developing and leading technical teams
Expertise
- Digital Transformation and Change Leadership
- Manufacturing engineering and shop production optimization
- Digital engineering process and tool development
- Identification and implementation of IT infrastructure
- Complex, multi-discipline design and engineering analysis
- Advanced R&D portfolio management
- Business development and execution
Credentials
- Licensed Professional Engineering (est. 2014)
- Phi Beta Kappa Member (inducted 2023)
- (Previous) Visiting Scholar @ Old Dominion University (ODU)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) from William and Mary (2023)
- Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech (2011)
- Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering as an Honors Scholar (minor: Green Engineering) from Virginia Tech (2009)
True Heroism … is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.
Duane Hess
Digital Engineering Consultant
Duane Hess is a dynamic and versatile professional with deep expertise in digital engineering, project management, CAD design, Model-Based Definition (MBD), and Model-Based Enterprise (MBE) consulting. As a Digital Engineering MBE Consultant at Action Engineering, Duane advises customers on MBD and MBE utilization within the enterprise, delivering high-quality solutions in a fast-paced, evolving environment. He leads customer-facing projects, offering insights on engineering, manufacturing, and inspection while managing proposal development, project execution, and strategic risk mitigation. Duane is also heavily involved in researching and implementing organizational frameworks that support MBD tools and standards. With a background spanning industries from engineering to gaming, Duane brings creativity, precision, and innovative problem-solving to every project. His passion for systematic thinking and continuous improvement drives his contributions to organizational success as a consultant and strategic business leader.
Duane brings a results-driven mindset and a commitment to helping organizations improve processes, streamline operations, and implement lasting change.
Experience
- 30+ years of industry experience
- 10+ years of MBD/MBE experience
EXPERTISE
- Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving
- Project Management
- Risk Management
- Agile Leadership & Scrum Mastery
- Organizational Change Management (OCM)
- Leadership & Staff Development
- Vendor & Stakeholder Relations
- Budget & Financial Management
- Process Improvement
- PDM Administration
- Digital Modeling & Design
- Manufacturing & Material Handling Systems
- Space Planning & Layout Design
- Training Program Development
Credentials
- Bachelor of Science in Management
- Associates in Drafting
- Certified ScrumMaster®
- eCornell Change Leadership Certificate
- eCornell Change Management Certificate
- Warehouse/Distribution Center Layout Certificate
- Material Handling Certificate
- Project Management Certificate
It’s not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.
Alex Kulyk
Senior Digital Engineering manager
As the Senior Digital Engineering Manager, Alex will help drive the day-to-day operations of the technical services team, including: project responsibilities, service-related processes, and work execution. His role supports the team’s growth, development, and training to ensure technical capabilities meet customer demands and needs while ensuring all services meet the highest quality and technical standards.
Alex started his career as a supplier quality engineer at a large audio electronics manufacturer, gaining exposure to the diverse capabilities across complex supply chains. He went on to build and lead a global metrology engineering department, focused on shifting the mindset from reactive inspection protocols to acting as a capable and proactive partner in supplying and interpreting engineering data.
Alex also has experience helping customers implement MBD systems and tools, and is skilled at the change management work necessary to guide large organizations through the planning, piloting, and implementation of transformational technologies.
Experience
- 10 years in consumer electronics quality and product development
- 5 years leading globally distributed engineering teams
EXPERTISE
- Building teams of technical experts
- MBD tools
- MBD authoring and interoperability best practices
- Advanced Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) application and interpretation
- Revenue operations and strategic account management
- Advanced measurement system development
- Measurement Systems Analysis
- Engineering mentorship
- Continuous Improvement
- Change management
Credentials
- BS in Mechanical Engineering, University of Illinois
- MBA, University of Illinois Gies College of Business
It never gets easier, you just go faster.
Karen Wylie
Digital Engineering MBD Consultant & Instructional Designer
Karen Wylie, is responsible for creating 3D data sets and supporting training. She brings classroom experience teaching SOLIDWORKS, applying instructional design practices in multiple settings, and teaching technical skills to a variety of learners.
Prior to joining the Action team, Karen served as Lead Faculty over the Alternative Energy Technology program at Northwest State Community College. There, she developed and implemented certificates and associate degrees designed for both engineering students and workforce development students. After relocating to Colorado, Karen served as teaching faculty at the Colorado School of Mines and Red Rocks Community College. She mentored traditional and non-traditional students in multi-disciplinary teams to solve real-world problems with creativity, technical and communication skills, and teamwork. She also taught SOLIDWORKS to fulfill one required component of students’ proof of concept. Most recently, Karen served as the Adolescent Program Director at a local start-up public charter school, where she focused on developing a program that married specific pedagogical needs with Colorado Essential Skills for 21st century workforce readiness.
When she is not working, Karen is an avid trail runner and enjoys going on adventures in the mountains with her family and friends.
Experience
- Multi-CAD MBD Authoring and Publishing
- MBD Best Practices
- Instructional Design Principles and Theories
- Learning Needs Analysis
- Curriculum and Instructional Planning
- Learning Content Development
- Assessment and Evaluation
Credentials
- Master of Science degree in Environmental Policy and Management from the University of Denver
- Bachelor of Science degree in Geological Engineering from the Missouri University of Science and Technology
- Certified Scrum Master®
- Engineer in Training (EIT), Ohio
- Certified SolidWorks Associate
Run when you can. Walk if you have to. Crawl if you must. Just never give up.
Melissa Harvey
Digital Engineering MBD Interoperability Implementation Consultant
Melissa specializes in CAD to neutral data formats, enabling factory and supply chain interoperability and automation. She develops and teaches courses on MBD best practices to achieve lossless data exchange. Melissa is a self-avowed data nerd and loves in-depth problem-solving. Her career has spanned both small and large engineering and manufacturing companies, where she has led with curiosity in implementing process and design improvements to advance product manufacturability. She is currently the incumbent Deputy Convenor of ISO TC 184 SC 4 WG 12, which is responsible for the development and publication of ISO 10303 (STEP AP 242).
Melissa holds a Master’s degree in Information Systems, a B.S. in Business Administration, and an A.S. in Computer Drafting and Design. Additionally, she holds certificates in Model-Based Systems Engineering, Additive Manufacturing, and Product Lifecycle Management.
When not working, Melissa enjoys creative pursuits, including watercolor painting and teaching, photography, and finding beauty in the world.
Experience
- 18 years of Model-Based Definition (MBD) Experience
- 16 years of PLM Experience
- 16 years in the Aerospace & Defense Industry
- 8 years of ISO 10303 STEP Experience
Expertise
- Strategic MBD Interoperability Implementation Coaching
- MBD Modeling Standards and Best Practices
- Multi-CAD MBD Coaching
Credentials & Certifications
- Incumbent Deputy Convenor of ISO TC 184 SC 4 Working Group 12 (STEP)
- Working group member, ISO TC 184 SC 4 Working Group 12 (STEP), since 2017
- Certified PLM Associate
- Certified NX Associated
- Certified Model Based System Engineering Associate
- Certified Additive Manufacturing Associate
Publications
- Agile for Model-Based-Standards Development, NIST Pubs, March 2021
- MBD and Minimum Digital Thread, A&D PLM Action Group Pubs, June 2018
- ISO 10303-242 ed2: Industrial automation systems and integration, ISO Pubs, April 2020
Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.
Starlin Valdez
Digital Engineering MBD Consultant
Starlin Valdez is an experienced Mechanical Designer and Drafter with over 13 years of expertise in NX CAD modeling and drafting. He specializes in Model-Based Definition (MBD), ensuring compliance with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) standards, and developing solutions for mechanical systems. Starlin has worked with industry leaders such as Pratt & Whitney and General Electric Aviation as a contractor, utilizing his skills in NX PMI authoring, using BCT Inspector for Bill of characteristics creation. Passionate about teaching and mentoring, he is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and promoting industry best practices. Starlin holds an A.S. in Computer Drafting and Design.
Experience
- 13 Years NX CAD Modeling & Drafting
- 8 Years NX PMI Authoring
- 13 Years in the Aerospace & Defense Industry
Expertise
- Expertise in Siemens Teamcenter
- NX Model-Based Definition PMI authoring
- Proficiency Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
- NX 2D Drafting
- NX Modeling and Best Practices
- MBD Validation and Compliance
- Teaching and mentoring in CAD design and MBD
- Native-level Spanish
Credentials & Certifications
- A.S. in Computer Drafting and Design.
The day I wake up and believe there is nothing left for me to learn is the day I stop moving forward.
Will Smith
Digital Engineering MBD Consultant
Will Smith is an experienced mechanical engineer with over 20 years of expertise in the aerospace industry. His main focus is on CATIA best practices for MBD but is also well versed in other CAD systems.
Will’s career started at Cessna but spanned across many aspects of the Aerospace Industry including Boeing, Airbus, and Honeywell. He is experienced in designing for many different manufacturing methods including machining, sheet metal, composites, and additive manufacturing.
When not working, he can be found in his workshop making chips on his lathe or feeding plastic to his printer. He also tries to keep up with his three kids and all their various activities.
Experience
- 15 years CATIA CAD Modeling & Drafting
- 5 years MBD/MBE experience
- 20 years in the Aerospace Industry (General Aviation, Commercial, Military, Space)
Expertise
- CATIA/ENOIVIA
- Solidworks
- NX/Teamcenter
- Creo/Windchill
- Additive Manufacturing
- Teaching and mentoring in CAD design best practices and MBD
- MBD Validation and Compliance
Credentials & Certifications
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering
We are defined not by the technologies we create but the process in which we create them.
Steven Fulkerson
Digital Engineering MBD Quality Consultant
Steven is a mechanical engineering leader with a proven track record of driving global design standardization, optimizing CAD and PLM systems, and elevating product development processes across complex organizations. With experience leading cross-regional teams of engineers and managers, he specializes in harmonizing design methodologies, reducing operational inefficiencies, and aligning engineering tools with business goals.
Steven’s experience balances technical depth with business outcomes, focused on delivering measurable value through Digital Transformation initiatives, and he has a proven record of modernizing design ecosystems to accelerate product development and improve time-to-market through enhanced quality, speed, and interoperability. Steven considers collaboration, mentoring, continuous improvement, and change management essential to long-term success.
Experience
- 30+ years Automotive Engineering – focused on systems and design definition
- 3+ years Model–Based Definition
Expertise
- Mechanical Design Leadership
- Global-Team Interactions and Cross-Functional Collaboration
- GD&T (ASME and ISO) Training and Coaching
- Design Definition Methodologies
- Design Process Harmonization
- Change Management
- CAD Modeling (CATIA V5)
- PLM Strategy and Integration
- BOM Transformation
- Design Automation
- SAP Integration
- Design for Manufacturing (DFM)
- Engineering Standards Development
- Continuous Improvement
Credentials & Certifications
- B.S. Mechanical Engineering – Missouri University of Science and Technology
- B.S. Mathematics – Western Illinois University
- DMSC QIF 4.0 WG, Member
- Global Subject Matter “Expert” in Mechanical Design at Valeo
publications
Doing the right thing is always the right thing to do.
Jennifer Vigil
Digital Engineering MBD Consultant
Jen is a mechanical engineer with expertise in propelling R&D products from development to production.
She began her career at Sandia National Laboratories as a tooling engineer, designing and procuring custom fixtures to support both R&D and production of complex electro-mechanical products. Here, she operated two industrial additive manufacturing machines and championed the use of rapid prototyping to accelerate product development. Afterwards, she joined Boulder-based startup, Artimus Robotics, designing electrostatic actuators and managing the production business unit.
Jen has demonstrated expertise in designing mechanical components in various 3D CAD software, including Creo, SOLIDWORKS, and Inventor.
Experience
- 8+ Years of Industry Experience
- 5+ years in the Defense Industry
- 2+ years in Soft Robotics
Expertise
- PTC Creo MBD Authoring
- Production Management
- R&D Product Development
- Rapid Prototyping including Additive Manufacturing
- Electro-mechanical Systems
- Tooling and Fixture Design
- Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
- SolidWorks Modeling
Credentials and Certifications
- Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University
- Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Virginia
- Patent US12203454 “Miniature soft hydraulic electrostatic zipping actuators and associated methods”
Out of clutter find simplicity; From discord find harmony; In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.
Kate Hubbard
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT Engineer
As Continuous Improvement Engineer, Kate optimizes Action Engineering’s operations to deliver the highest value to our customers. She internally manages projects to support the team in identifying and solving problems, improving efficiencies, and streamlining processes. As a jill-of-all-trades, this includes finance and accounting, technical graphics, and foundational infrastructure. Kate co-organizes 3D CIC – the 3D Collaboration and Interoperability Congress to cultivate connections throughout the world of digital engineering.
Kate began her career with Rolls-Royce Corporation’s leadership development program, working in the United States and Germany in the fields of electrical power & control systems, design engineering, performance engineering, and engineering for services. She joined Gates Corporation as an R&D process engineer with the New Technology & Innovation team where she specialized in inspection automation, quality management, and design for manufacturing. Beyond engineering, Kate is passionate about building community and small business operations.
Expertise
- Process Improvement
- Identifying & Implementing Efficiencies
- Conference & Event Organization
- Business Operations
- Creative Problem-Solving
Credentials and Certifications
- Bachelor of Science degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
- Patent US10161635B2 for Combustor with Spring-Loaded Crossover Tubes for Aerospace Turbine Engine
- Certified ScrumMaster, Scrum Alliance
- Six Sigma Green Belt
- Design for Six Sigma
You can’t fail at improving. You’ll either succeed by getting better, or you’ll succeed by learning something new.
Jamie Ulmer
Director of Marketing
As Director of Marketing Jamie brings over two decades of marketing expertise to Action Engineering. She is passionate about developing marketing solutions that foster meaningful connections and cultivate long-term business relationships.
Her skillset includes digital media, social media content creation, marketing management and business strategy. And decades of event planning and coordination experience which she utilizes as the co-organizer of 3D CIC – the 3D Collaboration & Interoperability Congress.
Throughout her career, Jamie has thrived in collaborative environments, providing strategic support to teams across diverse industries, including manufacturing, engineering, functional medicine, education, and leadership consulting.
In her spare time, you will find Jamie hiking, gardening, traveling, and watching her son play lacrosse.
Experience
- 20 years in B2B & B2C Marketing
- OG Social Media Marketing
- 30 years in event coordination and management
Credentials
- B.S. Business Marketing
The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.
Heather Beckman
Cybersecurity/IT Specialist & Full Stack Developer
Heather Beckman is head OSCAR “the octopus” wrangler and IT specialist at Action Engineering. As a natural problem solver, Heather is in charge of the development of OSCAR, specifically testing and deploying the changes, and supporting IT.
Her career in website development started before the pandemic through self-study and courses and continued through a year-long program through the Bloom Institute.
Heather has three daughters and likes to hike and spend time outside. She loves to paint and draw and read.
Experience
- Full Stack Web Developer
- Computer Programming
- CAD & IT Administration
- Mentoring
Credentials
- Certified Scrum Developer®
- Certified Scrum Product Owner®
- Full Stack Web Development Endorsement, Bloom Institute of Technology
Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.
Andrea Sandoval
administrative Coordinator
Andrea is a fluent Spanish speaker who began her career in the medical field, where she developed strong customer service, document translation, and administrative skills while working as a receptionist in a fast-paced healthcare environment. She later transitioned into the construction industry, expanding her expertise in office administration, field operational support, and project coordination. Most recently, serving with an international nonprofit organization, where she supported both the grants, field trip, and conference departments. Helping to manage processes, coordinate logistics, and ensure the successful execution of key organizational initiatives.
Throughout her diverse career, Andrea has built a reputation for exceptional organizational abilities, attention to detail, and a talent for managing multiple priorities efficiently and professionally. Her experience across these sectors, adaptability, proactive approach, and dedication to supporting team success will make her an excellent fit for Action Engineering.
Experience
- 13 years’ + in the administrative field
Russell Herron
Advisor
Coming Soon…
Experience
- coming soon…
Credentials
- coming soon…