MEET THE TEAM Thanks for visiting the Persistech, LLC Web-site.  We are excited that you are here.  Before you read the short biographies of the management team, I wanted to take a moment to tell you a little about the team as a whole.  This team is greater than the sum of its parts.  The team is loyal and dedicated; most of the team has been together for over a decade.  The team is accomplished; it has built one of the fastest growing technology companies in Arizona.  The team is talented; it has been able to repeatedly build large strategic information systems, some for very large corporations (over 10 billion in annual revenues).  Most importantly, and what I am most proud of, is that this team cares.  It cares first and foremost about people, our customers and our employees.  It cares about our community and it does something about it.  It cares about doing "things" right.  And it does.                                                                                        Welcome to our world,                                                                                                   Frank A. Garcia Mr. Frank A. Garcia President and CEO Mr. Garcia has spent the last twenty years building fast growing companies.  Frank attributes his success to his belief that the key to the successful application of technology is to use it to coordinate, motivate and focus human talent.  He also thinks persistence, effort and knowledge are important elements of success (persistence being the most important of these, thus our name).  Many large Fortune 500 companies have requested Mr. Garcia's consulting services over the years, including Delta Airlines, Aetna Insurance, PacBell and Bell South.  Over the past decade Mr. Garcia has earned many awards, including being recognized in the Who's Who in Executives and Professionals, the Who's Who in IT Professionals and the International Who's Who of Intellectuals. Ms. Sharon Hackathorn Vice President of Operations Ms. Hackathorn is our Vice President of Operations.  Her knowledge of people and process is excellent.  Sharon has been part of the team for over nine years.  Prior to joining the team, Sharon worked as a contract administrator administering contracts with Fortune 500 companies such as Bell South. Ms. Debbie Kenion Vice President of Human Resources Ms. Kenion joined Persistech as the Human Resources Manager in December of 1993.  When it comes to working with people, few individuals have the touch that Debbie does.  Her attention to detail is unmatched.  Prior to joining the team, Debbie worked as an administrator in the engineering department of Computer Output Processors and Engineering.    Mr. Leo McDermott Director of Sales Mr. McDermott came on board with Persistech after over twenty years of experience in sales and marketing in the software market, with companies such as Sun Microsystems and Oracle. He tells us that what appealed to him was the comprehensive, integrated product line offered by Persistech. Says Leo, "It just seems like these products are a sure bet to satisfy the requirements of small to mid-size businesses." In Leo's spare time, you will find him on the golf course or spending time with his family. Dr. Margaret (Peggy) Raisglid Director of Content Dr. Raisglid is the newest addition to our team, having  joined us in March of 2000.  Peggy's focus is on the content of our products with a special emphasis on our Infrature Learning product. Peggy received her doctorate in Chemistry from the University of Arizona. Dr. Raisglid has worked as an instructor at the University of Arizona, and has done research and conducted technical training. Prior to receiving her doctorate, Peggy worked for many years as an engineer with Mobil. Mr. Wayne Sewell Vice President of Customer Relations Mr. Sewell has been a part of the management team for over twelve years.  Mr. Sewell has spent the last three decades specializing in customer service.  Before moving to the technology sector over a decade ago, Mr. Sewell worked in the banking industry.  His last position in the banking industry was Assistant Vice President of Branches in Tucson, AZ for MeraBank. Mr. Rene Valadez Director of Software Development Mr. Garcia and Mr. Valadez have worked together for over a decade.  Rene's understanding of technology as it relates to software development and system configuration is outstanding.  Rene's background is in mathematics, and he was naturally drawn to computer programming.  Rene worked on military communication systems and robotics systems before joining the team.   Mr. John van Burken Director of Onsite Service & Installations Mr. van Burken is our Director of Onsite Service & Installations.  John was born in Holland, where he worked for companies like Kodak, Glaxo and Rabobank. John received his BA in Economics at the University of Arizona.   He joined the team almost seven years ago.  John loves to travel and work with people and computers.