Paul Wertheim

Nicole Alonzo joined PCG in 2022 and serves as a Director on the Technology Consulting team. In this role, Nicole is responsible for Certification and Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) project leadership and helping clients manage projects and solve comchiplex problems for enterprise-wide, public-facing government sector projects. Nicole has over 16 years of experience working with public and private sector clients on technology and infrastructure projects.

Nicole holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Colorado State University, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Western Governors University. Nicole also holds a Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI) and a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.

Rhonda Brinkoeter joined PCG in 2021. As a Director of the Technology Consulting team, Rhonda provides project management and oversight of independent verification and validation (IV&V) projects. With over 25 years of experience in information technology (IT), Rhonda’s expertise includes project management, quality assurance, IV&V, application testing and training, requirements analysis, strategic planning, and procurement assistance. Rhonda is uniquely qualified to lead planning and procurement efforts on behalf of our clients.

Rhonda holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Texas Lutheran University, a Certified Scrum Master (CSM) certification from the Scrum Alliance, and a Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI).

Keenan Bynum joined PCG in 2023 and currently serves as a Director for the Technology Consulting team. In this capacity, Keenan oversees Independent Verification & Validation (IV&V) and provides leadership for system integration projects, in addition to spearheading business development efforts. With a wealth of experience spanning over 24 years in Medicaid, Keenan specializes in Medicaid-specific projects, showcasing proficiency in project management, operations management, procurement assistance, and mid to large system implementations.

Keenan is a proud graduate of Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in healthcare management. Additionally, he holds a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI).

Dominick Caldarazzo joined Public Consulting Group (PCG) in 2023 and serves as a Director on the Technology Consulting team. In this role, Dominick provides project management oversight of independent verification and validation projects and vendor selection support. Dominick has over 16 years of experience working with public and private sector clients on technology and infrastructure projects. Dominick holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the University at Albany. Dominick also holds a Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI) and has also received his Certified Scrum Master (CSM) certification from Scrum Alliance.

Jamila Crockett joined PCG in 2014 and serves as Director for the Technology Consulting team. In this role, Jamila is responsible for forging relationships with public sector clients, creating opportunities for system integration vendor partnerships, and encouraging our “solution-focused” teams to build, grow, and shine in their respective areas of expertise. Her focus is on Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) Medicaid Information Technology (IT)/System Investment Life Cycle Certifications, and mid to large System Implementations. Jamila helps our clients excel in the actualization of their goals. She brings awareness to risks and issues and shares insight on potential mitigation strategies, other risk responses, and lessons learned to help prevent catastrophe. Most importantly, she is an ally for client and project success, which means that she is invested in the successful outcome of our engagements. Jamila has over 25 years of experience in project management, technology, and public sector arenas. Jamila holds a Bachelors of Science degree from the University of California, Davis. She is a member of the Project Management Institute and is an alum at The Partnership Fellows Program and at the Silicon Valley Executive Center Women’s Corporate Board Readiness Program."

Yvonne De la Rosa joined PCG in 2006 and serves as a Director of the Technology Consulting team. In this role, Yvonne is responsible for providing project management and oversight of independent verification and validation (IV&V) projects as well as legacy conversion projects and phased implementations. Yvonne has over 25 years of experience in the information technology (IT) field, including technical leadership, project management, quality assurance, application testing and training, system requirements analysis, and strategic planning.

Yvonne holds a Bachelor of Science degree from California State University, Chico, an Eclipse IV&V® Professional certification, and a Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI).

Mitch Dobbins joined PCG in 2008 and serves as Practice Area Director of the Technology Consulting team. In this role, Mitch is responsible for providing strategic direction, oversight of operations and business development, and client delivery. Mitch has over 25 years of experience managing, designing, developing, implementing, or overseeing large-scale technology consulting projects. These projects cover a wide breadth of subjects, including public-sector healthcare, human services, education, public safety, corrections, and tax accounting programs.

Mitch holds a number of degrees, including a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from both Georgetown University in Washington D.C. and ESADE Business and Law School in Barcelona, Spain, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from California State University, Stanislaus.

Fred Forrer joined PCG in 2010 and serves as a Vice President of the Technology Consulting team. In this role, Fred is responsible for evaluating and overseeing large and complex information technology (IT) projects for state and local governments covering a variety of domains. They include health and human services, education, public safety, and administration.

Fred has over 30 years of experience with state government consulting and is actively providing independent verification and validation (IV&V) and project management office (PMO) services for state clients across the U.S. Fred has helped more than a dozen states develop and implement health insurance exchanges (HIE/X); plan and manage their health information technology planning; and procure and plan efforts related to their Medicaid programs.

Peter Fotopoulos joined PCG in 2020 and serves as a Director of the Technology Consulting team. In this role, Peter is responsible for leading the system integration team and positioning PCG as a system integrator for software-as-service (SaaS) and cloud solution services aligned with government information technology (IT) engagements. Peter has over 14 years of experience supporting state and local government engagements, including the design, build-out, and implementation of IT systems.

Peter holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California, Davis.

Joe Frasca joined PCG in 2021 and serves as Director for the Technology Consulting team. He is responsible for service delivery and staff development and is working to build PCG’s Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) and System Integration (SI) service lines. Joe has over 20 years of experience in public sector IT consulting managing complex engagements throughout the United State, with experience in IT system implementations, project oversite, and Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V).

Joe holds several degrees, including a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Bachelor of Arts in Administrative Studies from the University of California, Riverside. Joe also studied at the London Business School. In addition, Joe has received his Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI) and has also received his Certified Scrum Master (CSM) certification from Scrum Alliance.

Jeff Hellzen joined PCG in 2001 and serves as a Chief Technologist of the Technology Consulting team. In this role, Jeff is responsible for supporting the team’s operations, including technical oversight of proposals and projects, providing subject matter expertise in a wide cross-section of domains, and supporting individual projects.

Jeff has over 30 years of information technology (IT) experience, including 20 years with state and federal government projects involving technical assessments and technical verification and validation. Jeff also has over 10 years of experience providing technical management for a number of private sector companies where he was responsible for all aspects of IT and provided subject matter expertise for next-generation software systems and industry standards.

Patti Irgens joined PCG in 2022 and serves as Director for the Technology Consulting team. In this role, Patti is responsible for project management and oversight of independent verification and validation (IV&V) as well as, business development with the system integration team in positioning PCG as a system integrator for software-as-service (SaaS) and cloud solution services. Patti has over 20 years of experience in IT for state and local government. Patti holds a bachelor's degree from Capella University in Health Information Management. She also holds PMP certification from the Project Management Institute, SSM Certification in Scaled Agile Framework, and an Associate Certification in Eclipse IV&V.

Gwyn Jackson joined PCG in 2014 and serves as a Vice President of the Technology Consulting team. In this role, Gwyn is responsible for project management and oversight of technical teams providing software development, independent verification and validation (IV&V) services, business analysis, and requirements development, with a focus on the healthcare industry. Gwyn has over 35 years of experience implementing strategic projects with multiple integrated third-party products, vendors, and stakeholders.

Gwyn holds an Eclipse IV&V® Professional certification, a Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI), and a Professional Scrum Master 1 (PSM-1) certification from Scrum.org.

Noelita Lugo joined PCG in 2023 and serves as a Director of the Technology Consulting team. In this role, Noelita is responsible for overseeing system modernization projects, leading independent validation and verification teams (IV&V), and executing business growth plans. Her focus is on helping clients improve service delivery through operational and technology enhancements. Noelita has nearly 25 years of experience with system and organizational transformation initiatives in state and local government agencies.

Noelita holds a Master of Science degree from The University of Texas at Austin and a certificate in Technology of Participation® from The Institute of Cultural Affairs in the U.S.A.

Thomas Luparello joined PCG in 2023 and serves as a Director on the Technology Consulting team. In this role, Tom is responsible for working with senior client executives implementing or advising on large-scale software solutions in Public Sector State Government environments. He provides insight and guidance across an extensive set of technical concerns including project management, design, development, and implementation (DDI), solution architecture, enterprise system modernization, independent verification and validation (IV&V), quality assurance (QA), testing, and organizational change management (OCM) where he has over 28 years of experience. In addition, he provides subject matter expertise concerning Public Sector social benefits programs with a concentration in Unemployment Insurance and US Department of Labor (DOL) policies and programs.  This experience helps clients transform and modernize their legacy technical infrastructure and business processes in a timely, low-risk fashion. Tom holds graduate degrees in business and law from the University of Chicago and Chicago-Kent School of Law respectively. He obtained his undergraduate degree from St. John’s College in Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

Kris Marshall joined PCG in 2011 and serves as a Director within the Technology Consulting team. In this role, Kris is responsible for leading Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) certification management and supporting the firm’s Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) services across the country. Kris has over 18 years of experience with large/complex information technology (IT) systems, enterprise architecture (business, technical, and information domains), cloud solutions, and advanced technologies (artificial intelligence and machine learning).

Kris holds several degrees, notably a master’s in enterprise architecture from Pennsylvania State University and a doctorate in global leadership and change (with a research emphasis on enterprise architecture and artificial intelligence) from Pepperdine University. Kris also holds certifications in AI products and services from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL®) from the ITIL Certification Management Board.

Rob McKenney joined PCG in 2014 and serves as a Director of the Technology Consulting team. In this role, Rob is responsible for leading business strategy, operations, architecture, and technical teams. Rick’s leadership primarily focuses on the independent verification and validation (IV&V) and Medicaid information technology architecture (MITA) domains. Rob has over 20 years of experience in the design, development, and implementation of advanced technologies and governance processes that are responsive to client needs.

Rob holds a Master of Business degree from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.

Sylvia Mitchem joined PCG in 2020 and serves as a Director of the Technology Consulting team. In this role, Sylvia is responsible for project management and business development activities, primarily in the public health and healthcare domains. Sylvia has over 14 years of experience providing project management, independent verification and validation (IV&V), and quality assurance (QA) services to clients as well as training, support, and guidance to states on operational readiness reviews and certification.

Sylvia holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. Sylvia also holds a Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification and a PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)® certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI).

Aftab Mohammed joined PCG in 2013 and serves as a Director of the Technology Consulting team. In this role, Aftab is responsible for project management, oversight, and delivery of large and complex projects for clients across the U.S. Aftab has over 20 years of experience in the information technology (IT) industry and has worked extensively with a number of California state agencies, including the Franchise Tax Board, the Department of Social Services, the Department of Health Care Services, the Department of Public Health, and the Department of Education. Aftab also leads quality assurance, actively working with his team to develop initiatives to improve the services we provide to clients.

Aftab holds a Master of Engineering degree from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas.

Bret Mohninger joined PCG in 2008 and serves as a Vice President of the Technology Consulting team. In this role, Bret is responsible for providing direction and leadership for business development activities conducted in multiple states as well as managing project activities for several critical projects across the U.S. Bret has over 20 years of experience with state and local government consulting and is actively providing client management and advisory services for multiple projects.

Bret holds several degrees, including a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of California, Davis. In addition, Bret holds a Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI).

Suresh Nagarajan joined PCG in 2014 and serves as a Director of the Technology Consulting team. In this role, he is responsible for project and relationship management and delivery of independent verification and validation (IV&V) services to the states in Medicaid Enterprise Systems (MES) and Integrated Eligibility Systems (IES).

Suresh has over 20 years of experience implementing complex claims, payment systems, risk management, and healthcare and financial system solutions in the public and private sectors. In addition, he has provided technical assessments of modular system functions, delivered planning and procurement services, and conducted in-depth technical analysis of system architecture and design.

Suresh holds an electrical and electronics degree from Bharathiar University in India and a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from Project Management Institute (PMI).

Brian Nagy joined PCG in 2011 and serves as a Vice President of the Technology Consulting team. In this role, Brian is responsible for project management, oversight, and delivery, primarily for independent verification and validation (IV&V) projects for state government clients. Brian has more than 10 years of experience implementing IV&V and business analysis services; performing assessments and analyses; reducing project risks; improving project processes; and documenting, communicating, and explaining project findings to stakeholders. Brian also serves as a program manager for PCG’s Eclipse IV&V® team and actively contributes to PCG’s Eclipse IV&V training program.

Brian holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts. Brian also holds a Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI) and a Professional Scrum Master 1 (PSM-1) certification from Scrum.org.

Kelly Pinion joined PCG in 2021 and serves as a Director in the Technology Consulting team. In this role, she is responsible for project management and oversight of independent verification and validation (IV&V) services as well as application testing and training, requirements development, strategic planning, and procurement assistance, with a focus on the healthcare industry.

Kelly has over 30 years of experience with complex transformative enterprise system design and implementation in both the public and private sectors, successfully bridging the gap between business needs and technology solutions. She has led a variety of initiatives and projects that directly impacted the growth and success of not only the products she was responsible for but for the wider organization as well. Kelly is actively engaged in multiple projects for state agencies across the U.S.

Kelly holds a bachelor’s degree from Bellevue University, an Eclipse IV&V^® Professional certification, and a SAFe^® 5 Scrum Master certification from Scaled Agile Inc.

Gary Reimers joined PCG in 2008 and serves as a Vice President of the Technology Consulting team. In this role, Gary is responsible for independent verification and validation (IV&V), quality assurance (QA), and security services provided by the firm nationally. Gary has over 20 years of experience with large enterprise system design and implementation in both the public and private sectors, and he is actively engaged in multiple projects for state agencies across the U.S.

Gary holds several degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University, Sacramento, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts. Gary also holds an ITIL® (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) certification from the ITIL Certification Management Board.

Mukesh Singh is a Director at Public Consulting Group (PCG) with over 20 years of management consulting and project management experience, focusing on state and local governments. Mukesh’s experience includes assessing client business needs and pain points and formulating data-driven recommendations that address complex, interdependent business problems: people, process, technology/digital, data/analytics, and organization. He has strong expertise in project management, enterprise-level system implementations, system testing methodologies, and leading the full Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). He has demonstrated a background in overseeing technology improvement initiatives and aligning new systems, programs, and projects with business goals. Adept at prioritizing complex projects from inception to completion with experience leading enterprise-wide implementation. He possesses deep domain knowledge of agile and waterfall methodologies and a strong understanding of the Project Management Book Of Knowledge (PMBOK), Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), quality management and assurance, risk assessment, project health check, Unemployment Insurance (UI), and Public Safety Systems. Mukesh holds a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI), Eclipse Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) certification from PCG, and is an IBM Certified Information Technology (IT) Specialist.

Nicolle Suvada joined PCG in 2021 and serves as a Director of the Technology Consulting team. In this role, Nicolle is responsible for project management and oversight primarily in the independent verification and validation (IV&V) and healthcare technology domains. Nicolle has over 20 years of experience with healthcare information technology (IT), worker’s compensation, and risk management information systems (RMIS) software implementations. Nicolle also has extensive experience coordinating and communicating with project stakeholders and senior leaders on projects across the U.S.

Nicolle holds an Eclipse IV&V® Associate certification.

Laurie Thornton joined PCG in 2005 and serves as a Vice President of the Technology Consulting team. In this role, Laurie is responsible for advising state government agencies on all aspects of planning, development, implementation, and oversight of complex business and technical solutions. Laurie has over 30 years of experience delivering impactful results with client-centric approaches, specializing in the health and human services sector. Laurie is actively engaged in multiple client projects and leads integrated system services for clients—across the U.S.

Laurie holds several degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Davis, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo. Laurie also holds a Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI) and an organizational change management certification from Prosci®.

Paul Wertheim joined PCG in 2011 and serves as a Vice President of the Technology Consulting team. In this role, Paul is responsible for project management and delivery of independent verification and validation (IV&V) services to state and local governments in the areas of workforce services and integrated eligibility systems.

Paul has over 15 years of experience in both the public and private sectors delivering digital content management, energy trading and risk management, and healthcare and financial system solutions. In addition, Paul has provided oversight for independent security assessments and federal testing attestation; delivered planning and procurement services; and conducted in-depth technical analysis of system architecture and design.

Paul holds several degrees, including a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California, San Diego, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts.