DiSTI Leadership

Jason Thagard brings over 25 years of experience in software development, project management, and strategic leadership. He holds both a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s from the University of Florida. Additionally, he is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and has been actively involved in various industry associations. Prior to joining DiSTI, Mr. Thagard held key positions at several technology firms, where he was instrumental in driving growth and innovation. In his new role, he will oversee DiSTI’s operations, focusing on expanding the company’s market presence and enhancing its product offerings to meet the evolving needs of clients worldwide.

Devin Lamberty is a seasoned security professional currently serving as the Corporate Facility Security Officer at The DiSTI Corporation in Orlando, Florida. In this role, he oversees critical aspects of facility and information security, ensuring compliance with government regulations and safeguarding sensitive data. Devin’s expertise in security operations is complemented by his educational background and experience as an Intelligence Analyst with the United States Marine Corps, equipping him with the knowledge and skills necessary for his position. With a strong commitment to maintaining high security standards, Devin plays a vital role in protecting organizational assets and supporting national security initiatives.

Grace Kiggins works as an Engineering Manager I at The DiSTI Corporation. She leads a team of software engineers, overseeing the technical aspects of projects by managing project planning, execution, and quality, while also providing technical guidance, mentoring team members, and ensuring the team meets project deadlines and company objectives. In her role, Grace acts as a bridge between technical teams and DiSTI's customers.

As the Director of Administrative Services, Mary’s primary responsibility is the administration of the Human Resources functions at DiSTI, having held and maintained Senior Human Resources certifications since 2000. She has over 20 years of recruiting experience right here in Central Florida and has been instrumental in revising DiSTI’s approach to recruiting and retaining talent in the highly competitive capital of the simulation and training industry. In addition to holding a bachelor’s degree in business, a master’s degree in management and leadership, and an MBA, Mary Thies is also a member of the College of Engineering and Computer Science Experiential Learning Advisory Board for the University of Central Florida.

Serving as DiSTI’s Director of Business Development, Chris Worrell has been transformative in identifying new opportunities for the company. With a career in sales spanning over 20 years, Chris Worrell has brought his invaluable understanding of the defense market to guide DiSTI’s business development team. Over the course of his career, Chris has established a proven record of accomplishment for building relationships and exceeding sales and profitability goals, while working within high-performing teams to support organizational success. In Chris’s role as Business Development Director at DiSTI, he is responsible for strategic planning and pursuing opportunities within DiSTI’s defense-related businesses.

Chuck Chrzan, a distinguished U.S. Navy veteran, joined the DiSTI team as Program Manager II. Chuck's extensive background in defense operations, has bolstered the company’s capabilities in simulation and training for the defense industry. Chuck brings over 20 years of experience in the training and defense industry. With 5 years dedicated service in the U.S. Navy, along with his previous tenures at Lockheed Martin and Honeywell, Chuck brings invaluable knowledge and insight to his role. During his tenure in the military, he held the role of Command Career Counselor, which provided him with a deep understanding of the critical needs and challenges of today’s warfighters. His background in the Military, Training & Development and Program Management play a critical part in his overall role at DiSTI.

Mr. Sebastian Oyegun is a dynamic and results-oriented Logistics Project Manager with 26 years of experience leading end-to-end project management initiatives within the logistics and supply chain industry, as well as a U.S. Army veteran. Adept at orchestrating complex logistics projects. He excels in optimizing processes, reducing cost, and enhancing operational efficiency. He has a proven track record of successfully managing cross-functional teams to deliver projects on time and within budget. Skilled in stakeholder communication, vendor management, and implementing innovative solutions to drive business growth.

Program Manager II, Jake Werner brings a wealth of leadership experience and expertise from his distinguished tenure as a former Command Sergeant Major in the United States Army, along with valuable insights gained from his prior role at PEO STRI. With a robust background in strategic planning, project execution, and team leadership, Jake Werner’s arrival at DiSTI, and his involvement in aviation that includes his A&P license, marked an exciting milestone for the company. His exceptional track record in managing multifaceted projects and fostering cohesive teams is poised to further elevate the company’s unwavering standards of excellence.

Rosa Troutman, Program Manager II, leverages her extensive experience to oversee and enhance key projects within DiSTI. Rosa Troutman’s military career spans over 22 years, where she notably served as a Program Manager with the U.S. Army PEO STRI, showcasing her expertise in strategic program management. Her leadership and forward-thinking talents were instrumental in bringing the latest advancements in technology to warfighter readiness and training. Prior to her role with PEO STRI, Rosa held a significant position as an Assistant Professor of Military Science ROTC with the University of Puerto Rico. In this capacity, she contributed to the development and training of future military leaders, underscoring her commitment to education and mentorship. In addition to her military accomplishments, Mrs. Troutman holds an MBA in Project Management from Amberton University, further emphasizing her dedication to continuous learning and strategic project execution.

Francisco J. Gonzalez's in-depth understanding of program management, coupled with his deep understanding of cybersecurity, underscores The DiSTI Corporation’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the industry. Francisco joined The DiSTI Corporation with a proven track record of success in program management and technical leadership. With a strong background in managing complex and classified projects, Francisco spearheads initiatives that further enhance the company’s position as a leader in cutting-edge 3D virtual training solutions and advanced graphical user interface (GUI) software tools. Before joining DiSTI, Mr. Gonzalez played a pivotal role in developing and implementing cutting-edge cybersecurity strategies to safeguard critical assets and systems against evolving threats. His expertise was instrumental in ensuring the integrity and resilience of the infrastructure for companies such as Lockheed Martin.

Steven Gugel joined DiSTI with over 30 years of experience in the commercial and military simulation and training field as a Software Engineer. He oversees the creation and maintenance of DiSTI's world-class software products whilst managing a team of talented engineers, ensuring that projects align with the company's strategic goals.

Chad Burrell, a dedicated professional at The DiSTI Corporation, exemplifies a strong commitment to customer service and satisfaction. With an entrepreneurial spirit and exceptional people skills, Chad excels at nurturing ideas into practical, fielded solutions tailored to meet each customer's unique needs and requirements. His ability to maintain clear and consistent communication throughout every stage of a program ensures a seamless experience, fostering trust and delivering outstanding results. Chad's focus on building relationships and driving innovative solutions reinforces DiSTI's reputation for excellence.