Faculty – Information Technology and Decision Sciences

Degrees

DSc, Capitol Technology University
MS, Ferris State University
BS, Ferris State University

Licenses and Certifications

CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional

Biography

Dr. Dave Schippers brings decades of industry experience in information technology, cybersecurity, and project management to Walsh. In industry, he has worked on large core system designs, quality assurance testing and system implementations, impacting regional, national and international business operations nearing a billion dollars. From a technology support perspective, Dr. Schippers has been responsible for technology operations team, ensuring system operations in environments responsible for over $300 million in sales. As a technology leader, he directed a technology group and security operations, supporting 25 sites, three operations and thousands of users in a technologically diverse infrastructure. His leadership includes implementing over $8 million in technology bonds, acquiring federal USF funding, designing and implementing physical and video security systems, and engineering new security alert system components. He also consults as a professional investigator and cybersecurity professional, offering digital investigation and information security services.

Dr. Schippers began teaching as an adjunct instructor in 2013 with Ferris State University’s Information Security and Intelligence program, teaching forensics, advanced forensics, cybersecurity and geographic information systems courses. At Walsh, he has instilled in-depth hands on labs to technical courses. He was the architect of Walsh’s Advanced Team-Based Attack/Defend Techniques. Walsh’s Technology Advisory Board members hailed the class as a unique opportunity for students in Michigan to advance their cybersecurity skills. Also, Dr. Schippers created and designed Walsh’s Bachelor of Science Information Technology Automotive Cybersecurity concentration, setting Walsh as the first institution in the nation with an automotive cybersecurity program.

Dr. Schippers research and investigation experience includes digital image forensics with a focus on GPS data and GPS accuracy. He participated in and designed a multi-agency functional system test of emergency response/notification software for GPS accuracy and reliability. His GPS and image forensics work prompted a webinar for a global forensics company and a speaking engagement for their global forensics conference. Dr. Schippers has spoken frequently on GPS, cybersecurity, digital forensics, image forensics and technology leadership at local, regional, national and international conferences. In September 2018, he spoke at the Auto ISAC international automotive cybersecurity conference on talent generation in automotive cybersecurity and cybersecurity. He is also active in cybersecurity research and industry technology initiatives in the region.

Dr. Schippers has published the following:

Refereed Journal Articles
Journal Article (Published)
Barrios, R. M., Schippers, D., Heiden, C. M., Pappas, G. (2019). A cybersecurity strategy for Industry 4.0. SPIE DEFENSE + COMMERCIAL SENSING, VOLUME 11009

Journal Article (Published)
Barrios, R., Schippers, D., Heiden, C. M. (2019). A cybersecurity strategy for Industry 4.0. SPIE, 11009(11009OD).

Along with other intellectual contributions as:

Magazine/Trade Publication (Published)
Schippers, D. A. (2012). How To – The Black Bag Acquisition Part 1 (1st ed., vol. 1, pp. 16-19). eForensics Magazine Computer.

Magazine/Trade Publication (Published)
Schippers, D. A. (2012). How To – The Black Bag Acquisition Part 2 (1st ed., vol. 1, pp. 20-23). eForensics Magazine Computer.

Degrees

MSIA
BBA

Licenses and Certifications

CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional
CISA – Certified Information Systems Auditor

Degrees

MS, University of Phoenix
BE, Gujarat University

Licenses and Certifications

CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional

Degrees

MS, Walsh College
BS, Walsh College

Biography

Gary Cummings held several positions, including work in Brazil, during his 32 year career with General Motors. Mr. Cummings was actively engaged in the development of many GM products. He is most proud of his chassis leadership role in the launching of the 1998 Camaro and Firebird as well as the 1999 Corvette Z06 titanium exhaust system. He was nominated for the GM Chairman’s Award in 1998 and in 2004 won the U.S.Black Engineer of the Year award in the Corporate Promotion of Education category.

Post retirement, Mr. Cummings served as Assistant Vice President at a local Community College. He worked to grow strategic alliances between the Community College and four year institutions. Mr. Cummings is currently serving as the JTEKT NA Technical Center Engineering Director. JTEKT supplies Steering, Driveline and Bearing systems to the automotive industry. Mr. Cummings is leading all Steering and Driveline technical, and applications, engineering activities in NA for JTEKT.

Mr. Cummings has been teaching Quantitative Management and Management classes at Walsh since the 1980’s. He has also served on Statistics curriculum and text book focus groups for McGraw Hill, as well as a Statistics textbook critiquer for Prentice Hall.

Degrees

MS, Rochester Institute of Technology
BS, Louisiana Tech University

Biography

Mr. Dakrouni is currently is in a Global Telecommunication Field that provides world class architecture, engineering, deployment, and support for all Wide Area Networks, Local Area Networks, Network Security, Applied Networking, Unified Communication, Voice and Video Systems.

He was recently in Network Operations Support as a team lead and SME for global and domestic core network. Mr. Dakrouni has also held position in Project Management, Infrastructure support as an Infrastructure Specialist team lead in a Data Center environment for both UNIX and Windows platforms, and in the network support as a Network Engineer.

Previous experiences positions included Quality Assurance and software delivery. In addition, he has 15 years of experience teaching as a part time adjunct professor.

Degrees

Northcenral University
MS, Michigan State University
BSME, Michigan State University

Biography

Javad Katibai has been an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Quantitative Methods department at Walsh since 1989 teaching graduate and undergraduate statistics courses and has become full time Assistant Professor in IT and Decision Sciences Department starting Winter, 2020. He has also offered professional seminars at Walsh on topics of Statistics for Business, Budgeting and Forecasting, and Continuous Process Improvement.

Mr. Katibai’s automotive and academic career at General Motors Corporation spans well over three decades as Engineering Group Manager, Vehicle System Engineer, Designing Engineer, and as an instructor teaching “Fundamentals of Statistical Process Control,” “Correlation and Regression Analysis” and “Statistical Methods for Comparison – Hypothesis Testing” training courses. Javad Katibai is a certified Design for Six Sigma, DFSS, Black Belt utilizing application of quality management, including statistics methods, to the design of chassis and powertrain integration systems. He has also acted as course mentor at General Motors Technical Education Distance Learning program proctoring business and engineering courses offered by universities offering degree programs at General Motors.

Degrees

MS, Dakota State University
MSA, Central Michigan University
BBA, Walsh College

Biography

Christopher Heiden has 20 years of experience in information technology, digital marketing, and database technologies. He has spent the last nine years working in the marketing cloud division for a big data provider and also consults as an individual contributor to a big data provider. In addition to teaching at Walsh, Heiden has taught information technology courses at St. Clair Community College since 2007. He works with the latest in data science technologies through his academic studies and practice.

Heiden is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Information Systems with a concentration in analytics and decision support. His research areas are database, data science, cloud computing, data analytics, data privacy and security.

Degrees

MA, Michigan State University
BS, Michigan Technological University

Biography

Ms. Angela Heiden brings 18 years of experience teaching college level mathematics, from remedial mathematics up to calculus 3. She teaches as an adjunct faculty member for both Walsh College and Saint Clair County Community College.

Degrees

MSIA, Walsh College
BS in Business Info Technology, Walsh College

Biography

Mr. Konja is a tech-savvy enthusiast of technology with a passion for teaching and learning. Mr. Konja is also a technology adjunct professor at other local colleges teaching various courses within computer information systems. As a committed and proven educator, he strives to educate and enhance knowledge.

Mr. Konja brings nearly 20 years of real world information technology experience into the classroom. He has rolled out many systems and worked with a variety of stakeholders throughout his career. He consistently works to improve processes and support technology proactively.

Prior to working within Information Technology, he managed within the retail industry for several years.

Degrees

MS, University of Cincinnati
BS, Michigan Technological University

Licenses and Certifications

SSB – Six Sigma Black Belt
SSG – Six Sigma Green Belt

Biography

Hamed Sadrnia has been teaching graduate and undergraduate Quantitative methods at Walsh since 1992. He has worked for General Motors in various capacities since 1985 and is a member of various professional societies such as SAE. He also holds six sigma black belt certification.

Degrees

DSc, Capitol Technology University
MS, National University
BS, State University of New York

Licenses and Certifications

PMP – Project Management Professional
CISA – Certified Information Systems Auditor
CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional

Biography

Michael was born and raised in Syracuse, New York. He has been working in various fields of information technology (IT) for over 18 years. He has earned 20 industry recognized professional certifications within the realm of IT, Cybersecurity & Project Management. Michael gained organizational leadership experience from earning the Eagle Scout Award as a teenager, from several leadership development opportunities while active duty in the United States Marine Corps, from graduating the 9 month Executive Leadership Program in January of 2017, and from graduating the 1 year Executive Potential leadership development program in March of 2022. He was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps after 8 years of service. He served in 2nd Battalion 5th Marines and 5th Marine Regiment. Michael deployed in 2010 with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, participating in Operation Tomodachi near Okinawa Japan. He later deployed again in 2012 participating in Operation Enduring Freedom, in Helmand Province Afghanistan.

Dr. Simko has worked as a network administrator, system administrator, cybersecurity architect, Cybersecurity Manager, VOIP engineer and service desk technician. Michael is currently employed as a Director of Communications, overseeing Network Operations, Cybersecurity, Incident Management, Asset Management, Telecom and Service Desk divisions.

When not engaged with work, Michael enjoys spending time with his family, the outdoors, exercise and fitness, designing tech, martial arts & traveling.

Degrees

MS, Rensselaer
PhD, University of Kansas
Master of Philosophy, University of Kansas
MA, University of Kansas
BS, Iowa State University

Biography

Dr. Kurt Godden has worked more than 25 years in the auto industry, beginning at General Motors Research. He currently works as a Senior Analytics Scientist for Ford Motor in the Global Data Insight and Analytics skill team.

Dr. Godden has also held positions at Lockheed Martin’s Advanced Technology Labs, Bank of America, a small startup, and began his career as a computer science faculty member at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago.

Dr. Godden has numerous publications and has been an invited speaker at both national and international conferences. He has been awarded three U.S. patents, two of them as the sole inventor.

Degrees

MS in Information Systems, Walsh College
MAC, Walsh College
BBA, Walsh College

Licenses and Certifications

PMP – Project Management Professional
CPA – Certified Public Accountant
GSR – Series 7

Biography

Jodi G. Krausman, CPA, PMP, is an Assistant Adjunct Professor in the Information Technology Department and teaches graduate and undergraduate classes in the areas of IT Leadership, Information Technology, and Project Management.

Ms. Krausman is a Project Management Manager for a large national bank. As a Project Management Manager she has primary responsibility for finances, communication and management of a Project Coordinator team and Staffing Team for a Technical Project Management Office. Prior to this position she spent most of her career as a Chief of Staff, Controller or Project Manager working primarily in the insurance industry.

Ms. Krausman’s professional memberships and affiliations include being a member of the Institute of Management Accountants, Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Project Management Institute.

Degrees

PhD, Walden University
MS, Eastern Michigan University

Biography

James Gerrity has over 20 years of supervisory, human resource development and operations management experience that he brings into discussing quantitative methods and business analytics, as well as coaching approaches involving empathy tactics, engagement, and collaboration to innovate together.

Gerrity has applied quantitative approaches to risk management, as well as improving client service. Just knowing the ins and outs of the financial process isn’t sufficient. Developing and sustaining relationships within an ethical environment, especially through 360 feedback, is critical to succeeding together today.

Gerrity has been active in coaching and developing staff over the past two decades. He has been in various managerial positions with the Morgan Stanley Wealth Management and its predecessor firms since 2000, and is FINRA Series 3, 4, 7, 8, 24, 27, 63, and 65 licensed.

Degrees

PhD, University of Oklahoma

Biography

Before coming to Walsh as an adjunct faculty member in 1985, Dr. Scafe taught at Purdue University, the University of Oklahoma, Central Oklahoma University, Central Michigan University, and St. Mary’s College. She joined the Walsh faculty full time as the Chair of the Management Department and Director of the MSM Program in 1991. In 1992, she became Interim Dean and was named Dean shortly thereafter. In September 1997, Dr. Scafe returned to the faculty ranks to teach statistics. She retired from full-time status in December 2019 after 35 plus years of service.

Degrees

MS, Walsh College
BS, Walsh College

Biography

After completing an associates’ in Education, Paul promtly went to work in the automotive industry, working up to shop foreman of two dealerships on the east coast. After being recognized for his diagnostic skills, he was offered a field engineering position with VWAG.

In 2016 he accepted a position with their OBD II team and relocated to Michigan. He is active in several SAE EE Diagnostics committees and currently chairs J1930.

Degrees

PhD, Walden University
MSM, Colorado Technical University
BS, Strayer University

Biography

Dr. Michelle Moore is a professor, researcher, cyber security policy analyst and author in the areas of cyber security doctrine and globally dispersed enterprise governance. With over two decades of experience as a Cyber Security Professional and almost ten years of experience as a professional educator, her work supports both national and international defensive cyber strategies.

Within the field of technology, she specializes in the governance policies, disaster recovery protocols, physical security defenses, and academic matters relating to the protection of critical infrastructure that supports the interests of the nation’s defensive posture in cyberspace. As an educator, Dr. Moore has a broad range of instructional experience on the subjects of business, management, and cyber security at both the undergraduate and graduate levels with various universities.

Throughout her career, Dr. Moore has supported multiple organizations as a government contractor and as a civilian government employee. These include Northrop Grumman, SAIC, Booz Allen Hamilton, the Department of Defense Chief Information Officer, and MCI WorldCom. She currently supports the United States Marine Corps Headquarters Office, where she leads the Contingency Planning and Physical Security efforts for cyberspace and sits on the National Security Agency (NSA) TEMPEST Advisory Group as the primary representative for the Marine Corps.

Degrees

DIT, Capella University
MBA, University of Michigan
BA, University of Michigan

Licenses and Certifications

CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional
CISA – Certified Information Systems Auditor
CIA – Certified Internal Auditor

Biography

Director, Security Governance & Risk at General Motors in Detroit, MI

Degrees

Bachelor’s, University of Texas at Brownsville
MBA, MSIT, Walsh College

Licenses and Certifications

CCNA, CCNP, CCDA, and CCDP

Stephen Finazzo has over 18 years of experience in information technology and has held various technical and leadership positions. During his career, he has worked at multiple large enterprises including General Motors, Cisco Systems, and Pfizer. Stephen also previously worked in Matamoros, Mexico for five years as part of an international assignment with Fisher Corporation.

Stephen obtained his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Brownsville as well as an MBA and MSITL from Walsh. He also holds several active Cisco certifications including his CCNA, CCNP, CCDA, and CCDP.

Stephen is currently employed as the Director of Global Network Operations and Local Area Network Services for Pfizer. He is responsible for the daily operational health of Pfizer’s network infrastructure as well as running the team designing and architecting Pfizer’s next generation local area network. He has had the privilege of supporting many critical initiatives including Pfizer’s Covid-19 mission control team, the Covid-19 Change Advisory Board and multiple VRBPAC Events.

Stephen resides in Macomb, MI with his wife and two children. In his free time, he enjoys playing guitar and spending time with family.

Degrees

Ph.D., Wayne State University, E.E.
Ph.D., Northcentral University, Data Science
MBA, Lawrence Technological University

Biography

Dr. Abbas Raftari is a distinguished adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Information Technology and Decision Sciences at Walsh College, where he has been teaching at both the graduate and doctoral levels since 2022. With over 25 years of industry experience, Dr. Raftari has held key leadership roles at General Motors and Ford Motor Company, where he directed advanced research and development initiatives in hybrid-electric and autonomous vehicle safety systems. His work has been instrumental in aligning these initiatives with ISO 26262 standards for functional safety in automotive systems. He also served on the Ford Black Belt Quality Task Force, contributing to Six Sigma-based process improvement strategies across the organization.

An accomplished inventor and scholar, Dr. Raftari holds multiple patents and has published in peer-reviewed journals on topics related to system safety, artificial intelligence, and data security. His research focuses on the development of systematic frameworks for integrating emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain, into enterprise architectures to enhance cybersecurity and data governance.

In the academic arena, Dr. Raftari has served as chair for numerous doctoral dissertations, providing scholarly leadership and mentorship that has enabled many doctoral candidates to successfully complete their research and degrees. His guidance reflects a deep commitment to academic excellence and the advancement of knowledge in technology and data-driven disciplines.