Alan DeVaney, President and Founder

Out of a desire to find simple systems and inexpensive software solutions for video servers, Alan DeVaney created Crispin Corporation to offer modular automation solutions for the broadcast automation industry.

DeVaney co-founded Crispin in 1997 and has been working in the automation industry for over a decade. Previously Director of Sales at Florical Systems, DeVaney influenced product development efforts while selling automation solutions and training hundreds of customers on how to make the best use of systems and applications. Prior to Florical, DeVaney was a Regional Sales Director at Alamar where he began as a Senior Field Engineer responsible for installing systems, de-bugging software and training staff within television facilities. Formerly a Studio Engineer with WJZY-TV in Charlotte, North Carolina, DeVaney is one of the few automation industry executives that has actually worked inside a television station and managed daily operations. DeVaney trained in electronics for six years in the US Navy Submarine Service in Cape Canaveral, Florida, Groton, Connecticut and Bangor, Washington, during which time he served on board the USS Michigan 727G and the USNS Vangard. DeVaney studied Business at the University of Alabama and served as President of the Student Government Association in 1978. An avid reader and sports fan, DeVaney follows the Crimson Tide and enjoys sponsoring employee athletic teams.

Dave Neal, Chief Executive Officer

Dave Neal oversees Crispin's day-to-day operations including financial, legal, growth strategy and strategic planning.

Neal brings over 20 years of senior level management experience in the technology, software and transactional finance industries to Crispin. Neal has been involved with Crispin Corporation since 2002, working closely with Alan DeVaney to provide strategic direction for company development and growth.

Neal co-founded two software companies in the 1990’s, including CI Technologies which was sold to Seagate Technology in 1995. In addition, he has worked as CFO and General Counsel for two venture-backed tech startups in the Research Triangle area.

Neal earned a B.S. in Business Administration and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of.Business. Neal has been an adjunct faculty member at the Kenan-Flagler School of Business (UNC-Chapel Hill) since 2001 and was an Adjunct Associate Professor of Law at the UNC School of Law from 2001-05. .

David Jones, Senior Vice President of Customer Solutions

Multi-talented and adept at multi-tasking, David Jones manages all customer support initiatives at Crispin and is instrumental in all stages of new product development.

Jones brings over 16 years of experience from working within television stations as well as providing systems and training for stations. A native of North Carolina, Jones joined Crispin from DIRECTV in CastleRock, Colorado. As a Broadcast Operations Assistant Manager and Supervisor, Jones was instrumental in assisting DIRECTV with implementing complex automation solutions. Prior to joining DIRECTV, Jones worked as a Customer Service and Field Engineer for Alamar Electronics where he traveled the globe to install, train and assist customers with implementing automation throughout their facilities. He also worked as a Master Control Operator for WJZY-TV in Charlotte, North Carolina. Jones enjoys coaching his three daughters in a variety of sports activities including fast pitch softball, basketball and soccer.

Rodney Mood, Chief Operations Officer

Rodney Mood oversees Crispin’s product and process development cycles including software initiatives, product enhancements and new product development.

Mood brings to the company 14 years of professional information technology and management experience in the software industry. Prior to joining Crispin, Mood was most recently an information systems consultant at Mosaic Technology, where he provided analysis and system specifications for a GlaxoSmithKline observational database. Prior to his work with Mosaic Technology Consulting, Mood was a consultant with Modis IT, one of the world's largest and most respected providers of Information Technology Resource Management (ITRM) services and solutions. Mood earned a BS in computer science from Purdue University. Rodney enjoys reading, sharing time with his family at baseball games and running in 5K events.

James F. Zagrobelny, Vice President of Software Development

James Zagrobelny manages the planning and development of new products and feature enhancements for Crispin's broadcast automation products.

Zagrobelny leads Crispin's dedicated software development team made up of engineers with extensive experience in broadcast automation, software architecture and design, communication protocols, device control, database design and web technologies. Zagrobelny and his design team use complementary technologies to deliver high-performance solutions that are easy to use, modular and expandable to meet the unique needs of each Crispin customer. Prior to joining Crispin, Zagrobelny worked as a Senior Engineer for Alcatel USA, and previously for Convex Computer Corporation, and Texas Instruments, both in the Dallas, Texas area. He has a BSEE degree from Clarkson University in New York. When not immersed in product development at Crispin, Zagrobelny enjoys spending time with his family at home, attending soccer games and building furniture.

Theresa Kay, Business Manager

Extremely organized and adept at implementing efficiency, Theresa Kay manages daily operations for Crispin including financial administration, human resource management and inventory control.

Ms. Kay brings 20+ years extensive experience in financial administration, office operations, accounting, sales support and legal administration through her work as Operations Manager and Administrator with non-profit organizations such as The North Carolina Board of Occupational Therapy and The North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police. Four (4) + of which have been within the Crispin organization. Her education expands several southern institutions including the University of Florida as well as the UNC system of North Carolina through North Carolina State Continuing Education Curriculum with a focus on speech and communications and an emphasis in the American Arts and Theatre. Proud of her southern heritage, Kay has lived most of her life in southern states minus a stint in Den Helder, the Netherlands while her husband, a research scientist, worked with the Dutch counterpart of the Corps of Engineers. Kay balances a busy home life dividing her time among 4 sons and 3 grandchildren.

Brian Gleason, Worldwide Direct Sales

Bringing over 20 years of sales experience, Brian Gleason directs Crispin's sales efforts and manages all global sales activities.

Gleason came to Crispin from EMC Corporation where he was a Solutions Architect /Regional Sales Manager for the company’s Advanced Solutions Group. There he fine-tuned his expertise in technical systems integration and data storage hardware and software. Prior to EMC, Gleason worked as a Regional Sales Manager for 10 years with Philips Electronics Digital Video Systems Group, marketing a wide range of hardware including studio/field cameras, master control and routing systems. He also worked as an Account Manager for Industrial Audio/Video, Inc. in Houston, TX. Gleason earned a BA in Broadcasting and Film from the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa. When not promoting the benefits of Crispin's modular automation solutions, Gleason enjoys time at home with his family and pursues his interest in audio recording/production, golf and tennis.

Jill Walters,Customer Satisfaction and Sales

Bringing over ten years of broadcast sales expertise and management of broadcast installations, Walters bridges the gap between sales and support to make sure Crispin's customer expectations are met.

Walters calls on her background in project management, sales, training and customer service to support Crispin's growing customer base through more efficient customer relationship management. She was previously with Crispin Corporation in 1998-2000 as Western Sales Manager, where she was responsible for sales planning and forecasting, training, system commissioning and post-sale technical support. In 2006 Walters returned to Crispin from Quartz Electronics where she was a Regional Sales Manager in the South East. There she gained additional experience working with routing and master control. In addition Walters worked as the Central US Regional Sales Manager at Florical Systems and at Leitch Inc. where she was the Southern Mid-Atlantic Regional Sales Manager responsible for sales of Leitch’s extensive product line. Walters holds a BA in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and an MBA from the University of Phoenix.

Lisa Kirtley, Worldwide Channel Sales

Kirtley calls on her background in sales and change management, business and dealer channel strategy and product marketing to cultivate partner and reseller relationships.

Kirtley, who brings 12 years of senior sales and operations expertise to Crispin, was most recently with Echolab, an innovator in live video production equipment. As national sales manager, Kirtley implemented sales management processes, revamped the sales message and coordinated dealer channel strategy, which helped grow revenue by 100%. Prior to her work with Echolab, Kirtley was a general manager and principal of Commercial Video Systems, Inc. While at Commercial Video Systems, Kirtley was responsible for all aspects of operations, including accounting, inventory, sales, vendor relations, marketing and systems integration. Kirtley holds a BS in graphic arts from Ball State University. In addition, Kirtley has extensive marketing and sales experience in Latin America - which allows Crispin to proactively identify and work with new customers in this territory.

Kelli M. Smith, Director of Market Development

Smith manages Market Development and Municipal, Community and Academic sales for Crispin.

Smith returned to Crispin four years ago as a Customer Care Representative and has since taken over Crispin’s market development while also working with Crispin’s municipal and community access customers. She was previously with Crispin Corporation in 2001-2002 as Assistant of Sales and Public Relations, where she was responsible for designing marketing concepts and managing new and existing customer accounts. Prior to rejoining Crispin for a second time, Smith worked as a sales representative for several national clients where she trained staff and implemented sales strategies for marketing and selling products in the field. During college, Smith worked as a production intern at WSFX, where she helped produce nightly newscasts and commercials. Smith has a BA degree in Commuications Studies and English from the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

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