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Executive Leadership
Dan started Project Leadership Associates (PLA) in 1998, with the concept of offering senior-level consultants to manage, implement and lead mission critical IS projects to mid-sized firms at an affordable price. Today, PLA has grown to more 140 employees, specializing in six core practice areas and continues to maintain a high growth rate.
Prior to starting PLA, Dan was one of three partners at the Chicago based Lotus Notes development firm of Workgroup Productivity Corporation. Dan's role as Chief Operating Officer was to organize the firm's national expansion and position the company for sale. Workgroup Productivity was sold in 1998 to Corestaff Inc., in a sale negotiated by Daniel Porcaro. Prior to Workgroup Productivity, Dan worked at Lansystems Inc. As part of the senior management team, he led the central division of the firm from 2 employees to over 50 in four years.
Dan holds a degree in B.S. in Marketing from Northern Illinois University.
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Prior to starting PLA, Dan was one of three partners at the Chicago based Lotus Notes development firm of Workgroup Productivity Corporation. Dan's role as Chief Operating Officer was to organize the firm's national expansion and position the company for sale. Workgroup Productivity was sold in 1998 to Corestaff Inc., in a sale negotiated by Daniel Porcaro. Prior to Workgroup Productivity, Dan worked at Lansystems Inc. As part of the senior management team, he led the central division of the firm from 2 employees to over 50 in four years.
Dan holds a degree in B.S. in Marketing from Northern Illinois University.
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Bruce manages the Network Integration practice group at PLA and is one of the original members of the Project Leadership team. Bruce has a strong operations and business background based on over 24 years of experience in a variety of positions.
Prior to joining PLA, Bruce was a partner and Chief Operating Officer at Courtesy Home Centers. Courtesy Home Centers was a $60 million dollar home improvement retail chain located in Illinois. The company was grown from one store to six locations over a 15 year period and employed over 700 people. Bruce also had positions at LanSystems (later Donnelley Enterprise Solutions) where he served in several management capacities including; Director of Project Management and Branch Manager. Bruce's group led all large-scale engagements for the central region.
Bruce holds a B.S in Finance from the University of Arizona.
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Prior to joining PLA, Bruce was a partner and Chief Operating Officer at Courtesy Home Centers. Courtesy Home Centers was a $60 million dollar home improvement retail chain located in Illinois. The company was grown from one store to six locations over a 15 year period and employed over 700 people. Bruce also had positions at LanSystems (later Donnelley Enterprise Solutions) where he served in several management capacities including; Director of Project Management and Branch Manager. Bruce's group led all large-scale engagements for the central region.
Bruce holds a B.S in Finance from the University of Arizona.
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Dan heads PLA's Management Consulting practice group. This practice group delivers a variety of business operations improvement solutions with a heavy emphasis on information and records management, business continuity planning and CIO services/ IT performance improvement and ERP solution offerings. The practice also focuses on a full suite of business operations, litigation and IP practice solutions serving the legal and corporate legal markets. Through these service lines, PLA provides strategic, management and business consulting services to the legal, professional services, financial services, education, manufacturing and distribution industries. Dan has over 24 years business and technology professional services experience and specializes in the management and delivery of quality assurance, business and technology strategy, organizational alignment, technology assessment, program management and business improvement of complex, multi-disciplinary business and information technology solutions. He also participates on the company's Board of Directors.
Prior to joining PLA, Dan was President and Managing Partner of Project Leadership Consulting, a pure play management consulting business until this entity was sold to PLA in late 2002. Dan has held various positions as President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Information Officer at a variety of international public and private companies and law firms. He has developed and executed strategic, operational and tactical business plans delivering value in start-up, growth and turnaround situations. Dan's consulting experience stems from his 10 years at Andersen Consulting (now Accenture) and senior consulting positions at several Chicago based business and technology consulting firms.
Dan holds a B.S. in Public Affairs from Indiana University.
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Prior to joining PLA, Dan was President and Managing Partner of Project Leadership Consulting, a pure play management consulting business until this entity was sold to PLA in late 2002. Dan has held various positions as President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Information Officer at a variety of international public and private companies and law firms. He has developed and executed strategic, operational and tactical business plans delivering value in start-up, growth and turnaround situations. Dan's consulting experience stems from his 10 years at Andersen Consulting (now Accenture) and senior consulting positions at several Chicago based business and technology consulting firms.
Dan holds a B.S. in Public Affairs from Indiana University.
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Kevin manages the Small Business Services practice at PLA. He uses his technical and strategic background to help clients wisely invest in technology solutions that best meet their business needs and strategic goals. Kevin strives to view PLA's services from the client's perspective and add value to our consulting relationships through our wide range of services.
Prior to joining Project Leadership Associates, Kevin ran his own technology consulting firm which merged with PLA in 2001. He began his career working in public accounting where he was involved in all aspects of auditing and taxes covering various industries. After 5 years in public accounting, Kevin accepted a position as Chief Financial Officer and was later promoted to Executive Vice President where he was involved in all aspects of the business as well as directly overseeing the finance and information technology areas.
Kevin has a degree in Accounting from Illinois State University and he is also a Certified Public Accountant.
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Prior to joining Project Leadership Associates, Kevin ran his own technology consulting firm which merged with PLA in 2001. He began his career working in public accounting where he was involved in all aspects of auditing and taxes covering various industries. After 5 years in public accounting, Kevin accepted a position as Chief Financial Officer and was later promoted to Executive Vice President where he was involved in all aspects of the business as well as directly overseeing the finance and information technology areas.
Kevin has a degree in Accounting from Illinois State University and he is also a Certified Public Accountant.
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Lee currently serves as Executive Vice President (TOLA - Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Alabama) of Project Leadership Associates Houston office.
Prior to joining Project Leadership Associates, Lee served as Principal/Chief Information Officer at Client Profiles Corporation based in Atlanta, GA. Before working at Client Profiles he was the Principal/Chief Information Officer at FirmLogic, L.P. In 1995, Lee was the co-founder of Enhanced Systems and Solutions (ESS), a leading integration firm serving the legal industry. He was a member of the ESS Board of Directors and the company's Strategic Planning Committee responsible for researching vendors and products to bring value to ESS E-Support and Web-based System Management Offerings. In 1999, ESS was recognized by the Houston Business Journal as the 2nd fastest growing private company in Houston. Prior to co-founding ESS, Lee specialized in law firm integration while employed with LAN Systems in Washington, D.C.
Lee has presented on a number of topics including Database Administration and Database Tuning for iManage and Hummingbird, Storage Area Networking (Storage Virtualization), Security (Protecting Assets from the Outside), Information Lifecycle Management (Storage Networking), Server consolidation, Enterprise Active Directory design and Disaster Recovery/Business Continuance Planning. Lee's expertise in the areas of security, professional project management, computer technology, product knowledge and Disaster Recovery/Business Continuance consulting has earned him the reputation as a leader in the Information Technology industry.
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Prior to joining Project Leadership Associates, Lee served as Principal/Chief Information Officer at Client Profiles Corporation based in Atlanta, GA. Before working at Client Profiles he was the Principal/Chief Information Officer at FirmLogic, L.P. In 1995, Lee was the co-founder of Enhanced Systems and Solutions (ESS), a leading integration firm serving the legal industry. He was a member of the ESS Board of Directors and the company's Strategic Planning Committee responsible for researching vendors and products to bring value to ESS E-Support and Web-based System Management Offerings. In 1999, ESS was recognized by the Houston Business Journal as the 2nd fastest growing private company in Houston. Prior to co-founding ESS, Lee specialized in law firm integration while employed with LAN Systems in Washington, D.C.
Lee has presented on a number of topics including Database Administration and Database Tuning for iManage and Hummingbird, Storage Area Networking (Storage Virtualization), Security (Protecting Assets from the Outside), Information Lifecycle Management (Storage Networking), Server consolidation, Enterprise Active Directory design and Disaster Recovery/Business Continuance Planning. Lee's expertise in the areas of security, professional project management, computer technology, product knowledge and Disaster Recovery/Business Continuance consulting has earned him the reputation as a leader in the Information Technology industry.
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Gaurav manages the Software Development practice group at PLA. He previously co-managed the Business Intelligence practice within PLA as well as co-founded NEXUS Consulting Group, a business intelligence firm that was acquired by PLA in November 2005. Through his efforts as a thought leader and successful engagement manager, he is building the practice into a leading provider of custom software development consulting services on the Microsoft platform. Gaurav has presented on a number of topics including SharePoint and Application Integration, SharePoint in E-Discovery, Business Applications of SharePoint as well as other Business Intelligence related subjects.
Prior to joining NEXUS Consulting Group, Gaurav was a senior manager at james martin+co (now Headstrong), where he specialized in process and project management. A major focus area was the development of both custom and package information systems for Fortune 500 corporations. His prior experience as a consultant at Price Waterhouse and Greenbriar & Russell provided him with additional industry and functional experience.
Gaurav has an M.B.A. in Marketing and Finance from the University of Chicago's Graduate School of Business. He also holds a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Michigan.
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Prior to joining NEXUS Consulting Group, Gaurav was a senior manager at james martin+co (now Headstrong), where he specialized in process and project management. A major focus area was the development of both custom and package information systems for Fortune 500 corporations. His prior experience as a consultant at Price Waterhouse and Greenbriar & Russell provided him with additional industry and functional experience.
Gaurav has an M.B.A. in Marketing and Finance from the University of Chicago's Graduate School of Business. He also holds a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Michigan.
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Steve manages the Business Intelligence practice group at PLA. He previously co-founded NEXUS Consulting Group, a business intelligence firm that was acquired by PLA in November 2005. Steve has worked with clients across a number of industries and functional areas performing technology planning, business analysis, design/architecture, project management, facilitation and training.
Prior to joining NEXUS Consulting Group, Steve was a principal at Headstrong (formerly james martin+co). During his seven years at the firm, he worked with a variety of clients as a consultant, project manager and account manager. He was also a consultant with PricewaterhouseCoopers (formerly Coopers & Lybrand) in Chicago. His consulting assignments have included work in data warehousing, business intelligence, tool-based development, package integration, and structured methodologies.
Steve has an M.B.A., with distinction, from DePaul University's Kellstadt Graduate School of Business. He also holds a B.A. in Economics and Computer Applications from the University of Notre Dame.
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Prior to joining NEXUS Consulting Group, Steve was a principal at Headstrong (formerly james martin+co). During his seven years at the firm, he worked with a variety of clients as a consultant, project manager and account manager. He was also a consultant with PricewaterhouseCoopers (formerly Coopers & Lybrand) in Chicago. His consulting assignments have included work in data warehousing, business intelligence, tool-based development, package integration, and structured methodologies.
Steve has an M.B.A., with distinction, from DePaul University's Kellstadt Graduate School of Business. He also holds a B.A. in Economics and Computer Applications from the University of Notre Dame.
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Bob Zagotta is the co-Practice Group Leader for PLA's Business Strategy Execution Group. As the creative force behind this group, Bob works work with company executives to develop and implement planning and strategy execution processes and tools that help demystify organizational change. Bob's ability to design and facilitate results-driven group sessions has been instrumental to success in helping its clients define strategy, develop business plans and implement measures to align company culture. He is notably adept at leading teams of senior executives in translating business ideas and strategy into manageable and measurable business plans. Prior to joining PLA, Bob was a partner and co-founder of Fourth Floor Consulting, Inc. which was acquired by PLA in 2007.
Bob has over twenty years of experience in strategy, risk management, merger and acquisition implementation and business process reengineering. As a Senior Manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers, Bob played a pivotal role in building its Strategic Risk Services practice from a "startup" service line to a highly successful business. Bob designed the practice's core methodologies, service offerings and training and technology tools while also leading some of the practice's most high-profile engagements. Bob's industry experience includes consulting engagements in financial services, professional services and telecommunications.
Before helping build the Strategic Risk Services practice, Bob was a Manager in PricewaterhouseCoopers, Center for Excellence for Total Quality and Change Management, where he managed several successful client engagements. Prior to this role, Bob began his career as an engineer and TQM facilitator in a Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award-winning organization. In this role, Bob became one of the first people in the organization to implement team-based management structures, quality management approaches and statistical process control.
Bob has a BS in Industrial Engineering from Texas A&M University. He is an active member of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) and currently serves as an officer and board member for the Chicago Chapter. In his free time, Bob enjoys playing guitar and writing songs, beach volleyball and mountaineering.
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Bob has over twenty years of experience in strategy, risk management, merger and acquisition implementation and business process reengineering. As a Senior Manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers, Bob played a pivotal role in building its Strategic Risk Services practice from a "startup" service line to a highly successful business. Bob designed the practice's core methodologies, service offerings and training and technology tools while also leading some of the practice's most high-profile engagements. Bob's industry experience includes consulting engagements in financial services, professional services and telecommunications.
Before helping build the Strategic Risk Services practice, Bob was a Manager in PricewaterhouseCoopers, Center for Excellence for Total Quality and Change Management, where he managed several successful client engagements. Prior to this role, Bob began his career as an engineer and TQM facilitator in a Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award-winning organization. In this role, Bob became one of the first people in the organization to implement team-based management structures, quality management approaches and statistical process control.
Bob has a BS in Industrial Engineering from Texas A&M University. He is an active member of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) and currently serves as an officer and board member for the Chicago Chapter. In his free time, Bob enjoys playing guitar and writing songs, beach volleyball and mountaineering.
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Don Robinson is an Executive Vice President with PLA and the co-Practice Group Leader for PLA's Strategy and Execution Group. He is particularly skilled in large-scale merger and acquisition integration, strategy formulation, and enterprise measurement approaches that provide executive teams visibility into the progress against their business strategy. Prior to joining PLA, Don was a partner and co-founder of Fourth Floor Consulting, Inc. which was acquired by PLA in 2007.
Don has over 20 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions, strategy, quality systems, and manufacturing management. As a Principal at Pritchett & Associates, Don helped grow a successful, national merger and acquisition consulting practice. On the delivery side, Don has led integration engagements on merger deals that ranged in size from $50 million to $10 billion and in a variety of industries. Don is co-author of After the Merger, The Authoritative Guide to Integration Success, published by McGraw Hill. Don has also written several articles that have appeared in Merger & Acquisition Journal, HR Magazine, and HR Professional, and has provided commentary for CIO and Fortune magazines.
Don is actively involved in the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) and serves as the co-chair of the Program Committee for the North Texas Chapter board. He is also an instructor for the Business Leadership Center at the SMU Cox School of Business in Dallas.
He holds a BS in Industrial Engineering from Texas A&M University and an MBA from the University of Dallas. In his free time, Don enjoys golf, spending time at the ballpark, and the occasional whitewater-rafting trip.
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Don has over 20 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions, strategy, quality systems, and manufacturing management. As a Principal at Pritchett & Associates, Don helped grow a successful, national merger and acquisition consulting practice. On the delivery side, Don has led integration engagements on merger deals that ranged in size from $50 million to $10 billion and in a variety of industries. Don is co-author of After the Merger, The Authoritative Guide to Integration Success, published by McGraw Hill. Don has also written several articles that have appeared in Merger & Acquisition Journal, HR Magazine, and HR Professional, and has provided commentary for CIO and Fortune magazines.
Don is actively involved in the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) and serves as the co-chair of the Program Committee for the North Texas Chapter board. He is also an instructor for the Business Leadership Center at the SMU Cox School of Business in Dallas.
He holds a BS in Industrial Engineering from Texas A&M University and an MBA from the University of Dallas. In his free time, Don enjoys golf, spending time at the ballpark, and the occasional whitewater-rafting trip.
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Douglas is Director of Business Development and Marketing at Project Leadership Associates and has over 28 years of IT related sales, marketing and business development experience. Douglas is also one of the original members of the PLA team. In this role as Director, Douglas manages the day-to-day, and year-over-year sales through a staff of dedicated senior account executives. Douglas is also in charge of leading the development and execution of all strategic marketing initiatives. Additionally, Douglas manages many relationships with the firm's strategic vendor partners.
Over the last 28 years, Douglas has been involved in many areas of the IT industry including technical engineering, hardware and software manufacturer sales, distribution sales, reseller sales, technology consulting sales and sales management/marketing management.
Douglas holds certifications with Interwoven WorkSite, Microsoft Solutions, Citrix Solutions, Neverfail Solutions and EMC SE Accreditation.
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Over the last 28 years, Douglas has been involved in many areas of the IT industry including technical engineering, hardware and software manufacturer sales, distribution sales, reseller sales, technology consulting sales and sales management/marketing management.
Douglas holds certifications with Interwoven WorkSite, Microsoft Solutions, Citrix Solutions, Neverfail Solutions and EMC SE Accreditation.
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Susan heads the Human Resources and Administration Departments at PLA. During her time here, she has created and grown these departments to support a nationwide staff. Her experience includes all areas of Human Resources Management, especially Equal Employment Opportunity Compliance/Diversity, Staffing, HR Development, Compensation and Benefits, Health/Safety/Security and Employee Management and Labor Relations. She has also achieved the Senior Professional in Human Resources certification.
Prior to joining PLA, Susan was an Assistant Vice President for a national recruiting agency specializing in the financial/credit services industry. During her time there, she established a highly successful Chicagoland base of operations serving the Midwest region.
Susan was also a partner in an international food science business for over 8 years. With over 20 years of business and operational experience, coupled with her understanding of PLA's complex environment, Susan is uniquely qualified to lead in this function.
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Prior to joining PLA, Susan was an Assistant Vice President for a national recruiting agency specializing in the financial/credit services industry. During her time there, she established a highly successful Chicagoland base of operations serving the Midwest region.
Susan was also a partner in an international food science business for over 8 years. With over 20 years of business and operational experience, coupled with her understanding of PLA's complex environment, Susan is uniquely qualified to lead in this function.
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Steven Getto is the Chief Financial Officer of Project Leadership Associates with responsibility for the Finance and Accounting functions of the company. He has more than 20 years of accounting, finance and strategy experience in both public and private companies. In previous positions Steven has been the Controller of Inforte Corp., a public IT consulting firm and the International and Acquisitions Controller for Red Prairie Corporation, a private supply chain software company. Steven spent seven years working overseas for British, French and Japanese companies.
Steven has B.S. in Finance from Syracuse University and qualified in the UK as a fellow of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants.
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Steven has B.S. in Finance from Syracuse University and qualified in the UK as a fellow of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants.
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