Our seasoned team of business and technology executives blend their wealth of knowledge and expertise to lead PURVIS as it delivers custom solutions to complex organizations. Many members of our staff come with advanced U.S. Naval warfare experience, public safety experience, and have a profound understanding of DoD operations, procedures, capabilities, and technologies.
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Executive Officer
Prior to becoming CEO of PURVIS Systems Joseph Drago was the founder and President of Integrated Management SOLUTIONS (IMS Inc.). Started in 1998, IMS Inc. is a technology consulting firm that specializes in providing project and program management, test and evaluation and training services across Public Safety, Department of Defense, and Public Gaming industries. Since its founding, IMS maintained a close partnership with PURVIS and the two organizations worked collaboratively in the successful pursuit and performance of mission-critical technology projects for dozens of public safety agencies throughout the US. Joe has served on the PURVIS Systems Board of Directors since 2001 and was elected Chairman of the Board in 2017. Prior to starting IMS, Inc, Joe was a Vice President for Analysis & Technology, a Department of Defense company. Joe’s combination of experience in leading the performance of large-scale contracts and successful demonstration of executive leadership skills across multiple industries provides the leadership expertise necessary to advance PURVIS and drive the organization towards the achievement of its strategic goals and corporate growth initiatives.
Human Resources
Human Resources
Sue has been working at PURVIS since 1983 and played a key role in bringing PURVIS’ headquarters from New York to Rhode Island. Sue oversees all human resources and administrative leadership strategies to attract and retain a valuable workforce. She plays a key role in PURVIS’ business process development and systems enhancements. As lead to the company’s HR operations nationwide, Sue is involved in the oversight of all employee relations such as recruiting, onboarding, benefits, payroll, and corporate security. She also is the Plan Administrator and provides oversight on employee retirement plans. Sue is a current member of our Board of Directors at PURVIS where she serves as the Board’s Secretary.
DoD Operations & Business Development
DoD Operations & Business Development
As the Vice President for DoD Operations and Business Development, Debbie is responsible for day-to-day operations including strategic direction and planning, proposal development, contract/financial management, client satisfaction, and staffing. Debbie has over 35 years of experience in operational, program, and contract management in the DoD, U.S. Navy, and Public Sector - giving her extensive knowledge managing large, highly complex projects. Since joining PURVIS in 2011, she is also active in many capacities supporting workforce development in Rhode Island and holds board positions for the Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance (SENEDIA), Undersea Technology Innovation Consortium (UTIC), Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce, and RI Governor’s Workforce Board (GWB). She volunteers at the United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council supporting STEM and literacy initiatives. Prior to joining PURVIS, Debbie was a Senior Project Manager for large public sector system development projects for Retirement and Motor Vehicle solutions at HP Enterprise Services.
Business Development & Marketing
Business Development & Marketing
Since joining PURVIS in 2007, Rick Foster has been focused on business development and strategic growth. In his current role, Rick is responsible for sales and overall marketing initiatives, with an emphasis on growing the company’s footprint in the Public Safety market. Under his sales leadership, PURVIS has become a recognized leader in the Fire Station Alerting System market and PURVIS has developed client partnerships with hundreds of public safety organizations nationwide to deliver tailored mission-critical solutions that empower them to handle life-critical situations quickly and safely. Prior to joining PURVIS, Rick built a progressive career path with a leading healthcare software company, advancing to a position with responsibility for the company's brand and communications strategies.
Finance & Administration
Finance & Administration
Michelle began her career at PURVIS as the company’s Controller in 2009 and has progressively held roles of increasing responsibility. In her current role as the Vice President of Finance, Michelle provides strategic leadership for the company’s accounting and finance functions. Michelle also oversees budget and financial planning, contracts, compliance, and all internal and external financial reporting. She currently serves on the Supervisory Committee of a local credit union. Prior to joining PURVIS, she obtained her CPA license and worked in public accounting as well as for large publicly traded companies specializing in SEC and external financial reporting.
Engineering
Engineering
Since rejoining PURVIS in 2001, Paul has held a variety of roles in his career from hardware designer, software engineer, system engineer/architect to the engineering department manager. In his current role as Vice President of Engineering, Paul provides technical vision and strategy. He is actively driving continuous process improvements throughout the engineering organization, most recently, driving adoption of an Agile development process and implementing software test automation. Paul also has significant experience with Project Management, Systems Design and Integration, and Communication Systems Engineering within Fire/Police technologies on hardware and software development projects including the PURVIS Fire Station Alerting System (FSAS) and the PURVIS Electronic Notification System (ENS). Prior to joining PURVIS, Paul worked as an electrical engineer for the Naval Undersea Warfare Center.
NY Operations
NY Operations
Since joining PURVIS in 2007, Tom is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the NY Division Operations, including the Queens Village Facility, Field Services Staff, ERS/Bench Technician/Electro-Mechanical staff and administration staff. As Vice President of the New York Division, Tom manages and provides oversight of all PURVIS’ Maintenance Contracts and activities within New York including oversight for the successful performance and delivery of the maintenance and repair services provided on the FDNY CAD, VA, ERS, ATS systems and all associated peripheral equipment under these contracts. Prior to working at PURVIS, Tom held roles of increasing responsibility with Verizon Communications, giving him 20+ years’ experience managing large-scale projects across functional disciplines, including hardware and software installations, systems maintenance, computer and IT operations, testing, and training.
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