Founder // Lorraine Guerra

With my diverse background, I possess the ability to quickly assess and enhance any company's infrastructure to facilitate their growth. I have extensive experience in Organization and Process Improvement Management throughout my time with NASA, spanning over 20+ years, with a specific focus on RCA, RCCA, and Kaizen. I dedicated 17 years to Strategic and Operations Development, along with 15 years in Senior Project/Program Management. Throughout my career, I have provided valuable assistance to over 45+ businesses in the region, aiding them in identifying their unique qualities to dominate their respective markets, minimizing inefficiencies, establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) to guide their growth, and effectively managing this expansion. 

I have achieved notable accomplishments, including a Patent Pending for a handle designed for large cylinder containers (#62/388,739). I co-authored a book titled "Don't Shoot the Customer" with D. Warinner (2020), which can be found at here. In 2019, I received recognition as the Best Venue in the State of Iowa, Majestic by Media One Chicago, located in Chicago, IL. Additionally, I was honored with the Best Intimate Venue award by Wedding Wire in Chevy Chase, MD in the same year. My work has also been featured on Iowa Road trips on www.Midwestliving.com in 2019.

Throughout my professional journey, I have been acknowledged and awarded for my exceptional contributions. In October 2008, I received the Above and Beyond Award from Indyne Inc. in Houston, Texas. From August 2009 to December 2012, I served as the Committee Chair for the National Management Association, Johnson Space Center Chapter, in Houston, TX. Furthermore, I dedicated my time as a Volunteer Fundraiser.

CFO// Amy O’Brien

Amy O’Brien is a dynamic executive with a passion for servant leadership and a proven track record in driving growth and fostering collaboration. As the President and CEO of the Greater Burlington Partnership since September 2024, she brings extensive experience spanning the public, private, chamber, downtown, and economic development sectors. Amy is a strategic, big-picture thinker with deep experience advocating for businesses of all sizes. With a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Southeastern Louisiana University and a Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Central Missouri, Amy is equipped to manage the finances and administrative aspects of the company.

Amy’s dedication to community and economic development makes her an invaluable partner to Initiative Technology Solutions, LLC, as we work to foster technological advancement and economic growth in the region.

Chief Contract Operator// Harvey Smallwood

Harvey Smallwood is a seasoned leader with a distinguished career spanning over three decades, marked by dedication, discipline, and technical expertise. A United States Marine Corps veteran with eight years of honorable service, Harvey brings a mission-focused mindset and a strong sense of integrity to every professional endeavor. 

With more than 25 years of experience in the petroleum and chemical industries, Harvey is a multi-certified inspector known for his deep knowledge of mechanical integrity and operational excellence. Throughout his career, he has led numerous high-impact projects in senior management roles, overseeing contract negotiations, operational planning, development initiatives, engineering, and inspection activities. Harvey has successfully guided diverse, multidisciplinary teams within large-scale organizations, delivering complex mechanical integrity projects on time and within budget. His leadership has consistently driven results in high-stakes environments, ensuring safety, compliance, and performance remain top priorities. 

Whether on the field or in the boardroom, Harvey Smallwood’s career reflects a commitment to excellence, a strategic mindset, and a deep understanding of the challenges and responsibilities inherent to the energy sector.

Director of Education Outreach// Meredith Hoerman

Meredith Hoerman is an ambitious people leader and project manager, with experience in logistics, software development and healthcare management. She has a Bachelors in Management with a concentration in Entrepreneurship from the University of Wyoming. 

She has a knack for leaving a place better than she found it, and has done so through passion projects in and out of her scope. While attending University, she coordinated with the Business College and Energy College to help pioneer a new minor (Energy Resource Management) and was the first student to graduate with it. While managing at Amazon, Meredith took the initiative to own 6 safety/efficiency projects, resulting in annual cost savings ~$25k. While volunteering with the Boys & Girls club, stepped up as a Program Manager to create and organize life skills educational courses. Most recently, Meredith has stepped into the Project Management role at Spero Health, opening clinics and piloting new service lines in 7 states. 

Meredith will continue to augment her business knowledge through completion of her MBA in 2027. She is passionate about youth development, and is excited to use her Project Management skills to great impact in rural American communities, spreading education and opportunities. On the leadership team, Meredith brings fresh perspectives, challenging questions, and organizational expertise. 

Chief Customer Relations Officer// Katrina Guerra

Katrina Guerra has more than fifteen years of experience in the insurance industry. She has led negotiations at the highest levels and managed customer service teams that earned awards throughout her career. Katrina has generated over $5 million in sales and managed contracts worth more than $60 million. She is deeply passionate about rescue animals and advocates for their well-being. Additionally, she volunteered for decades with the Frank Ferrer Border Relief Organization, helping children and families escape poverty through education until the organization closed in 2019.

Her skills include executive negotiations, customer service, contract creation, budget analysis, and leading sales teams.