Management Team
Jay Wommack - President & CEO
Before founding VAG in 1999, Jay built an extensive background as an entrepreneur and securities broker. His experience includes banking, real estate development and the founding and selling of several companies in the oil and gas industry. As a stockbroker for 15 years, he has also held several licenses with the National Association of Securities Dealers.
Jay holds a bachelor's degree in accounting and economics from Hendrix College and completed the Mergers and Acquisitions Program at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He also holds certifications in Demographic Studies and Investment Strategies from The HS Dent Foundation, a prestigious investments and economic think tank, based in Tampa, FL.
Karen Parker - Director of Operations
Karen joined Vertical Alliance Group in 2004 and is responsible for IT, the company's financial and accounting activities. She is also in charge of all legal matters including overseeing contract negotiations, and human resources and benefits for the company.
Blake Baumann - General Manager
Blake joined the company in 2005 as an account executive on a management growth path, managing the partner/reseller program and strategic accounts. Previous positions include General Manager for the Army’s business operations, district sales manager for Wilson Sporting Goods and a management position at TRS Telephone Systems.
Blake worked towards a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Central Texas College and Texas A&M University. He also completed a management program at MWR Academy in Washington, D.C., and leadership and customer service training.
Blake, a retired professional golfer, continues to enjoy golfing, fishing and spending free time with his wife and four children watching them play sports like football, gymnastics, soccer, and cheerleading. He enjoys watching professional sports and is passionate about self-development and continuing his advanced education at Texas A&M.
Andy Duong - Director of IT
Andy Duong graduated from Baylor University and pursued his masters in Information Systems at the University of Texas at Arlington. Andy has over 15 years of IT experience and has a background in various areas including 10 years in the transport industry. He has also developed a few “first” technologies in its industry.
Bob Brittan - Director of Marketing
Bob has a passion for quality and delivering success. He is responsible for all marketing activities for the company and has many years of experience in technology product management and marketing (computer hardware, software and services), public relations and business development. He is a graduate of Southern Illinois University and currently lives in the North Dallas, Texas area.
William J Mullinax - Director of SEO
Joseph has 12 years of experience in SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and PPC (Pay Per Click) management and has been with the company for nine years. Joseph is dedicated to his work and is constantly enhancing his technical skills ensuring that all departments work together to drive quality traffic to the company’s websites. He ensures the company's excellent SEO track record by building quality sites, managing them well, and delivering traffic that converts.
Teresa Hindsman - Client Service Director
Teresa has a passion for ensuring that all of the company’s clients receive the highest level of customer support. With over 20 years experience, she is responsible for overseeing all Customer Service Representatives and their daily activities, ensuring they are offering excellent service and support to all clients.
Steve Kessler - General Manager, Vertical School Partners, LP
Steve is currently the General Manager, Vertical School Partners, LP, the SafePUPIL™, student transport market, and has over 25 years of experience as a manager, sales trainer and consultant working in various industries including pharmaceutical, transportation, and Internet. Steve served as the GM of Vertical Trucking Partners, LP overseeing all segments of the recruiting business. He oversaw the training and consulting branch of the company as the Director of Training and Manager of Sales Support, and was the key presenter for monthly Driver Recruiter Workshops. Steve also served as Customer Service Manager and is a graduate of the University of Missouri with a BS in Business Administration.
Kirk Lohse - Director of Video Production
Kirk Lohse is responsible for all video content production and editing for the company. He has been writing, directing and editing movies since he got his hands on his dad's Bell & Howell 8mm camera. His passion for making movies was "rekindled" with the digital video revolution working on a DVD project for the Schoenberg Foundation in Los Angeles. He has received multiple awards and contributed films to regional film festivals. Kirk spent two years teaching undergraduate video production classes at Texarkana College, and served as Program Director for TCTV, the college's cable access channel.
Jaclyn Canada - Assistant Director of Operations
Jaclyn has been with the company since early 2002 and has held many different positions. One of her roles includes managing the operation of the Technical Production Department which handles the creation and production needs for clients. Jaclyn also manages the CRM and handles the Graphic Design needs for Vertical Alliance Group. |