Exquadrum
The Team
Exquadrum is Innovation's Prime Contractor™
Eric launched his aerospace journey at the Air Force Rocket Propulsion Laboratory at Edwards Air Force Base, where he spent a decade mastering the development, testing, and management of advanced rocket engine technologies. His contributions to the field earned him a place in the Cal Poly Pomona Engineering Hall of Fame in 2019, and he continues to shape the future of engineering as Chair of the CPP College of Engineering Dean’s Leadership Board.
As co-founder and president of Exquadrum, and a first generation American from Argentine immigrants, Eric plays a hands-on role in driving innovation, overseeing facility design and operations, and guiding the company’s strategic direction. His deep commitment to education fuels his advocacy for its transformative power—both in individual lives and in strengthening national security.
As co-founder and president of Exquadrum, and a first generation American from Argentine immigrants, Eric plays a hands-on role in driving innovation, overseeing facility design and operations, and guiding the company’s strategic direction. His deep commitment to education fuels his advocacy for its transformative power—both in individual lives and in strengthening national security.
ERIC SCHMIDT
President & Co-Founder
Kevin has built his career around a passion for innovating rocket propulsion technologies. He proudly served in the United States Army, an experience that instilled in him discipline, leadership, and perseverance that continue to guide his work today. After his service, Kevin spent ten years at the Air Force Rocket Propulsion Lab at Edwards Air Force Base, where he became Branch Chief over solid rocket motors and worked at the forefront of advanced propulsion technologies. An accomplished inventor, he also holds 13 patents that showcase his creativity and technical expertise.
In 2002, Kevin co-founded Exquadrum, Inc., where he has since served as principal investigator on more than 60 R&D projects. He has been instrumental in shaping the company’s culture of innovation, collaboration, and integrity, while remaining deeply engaged in technical problem-solving. Known for both his expertise and approachable leadership style, Kevin enjoys mentoring engineers and fostering a culture of curiosity, ensuring Exquadrum’s mission continues to thrive.
In 2002, Kevin co-founded Exquadrum, Inc., where he has since served as principal investigator on more than 60 R&D projects. He has been instrumental in shaping the company’s culture of innovation, collaboration, and integrity, while remaining deeply engaged in technical problem-solving. Known for both his expertise and approachable leadership style, Kevin enjoys mentoring engineers and fostering a culture of curiosity, ensuring Exquadrum’s mission continues to thrive.
KEVIN MAHAFFY
Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder
Elias has been part of the Exquadrum family since 2004, joining the team after earning his engineering degree from Cal Poly Pomona. He later went on to complete his Master’s Degree at the USC, further deepening his expertise in aerospace engineering. Eli has contributed to a wide range of projects, working on solid, liquid, and hybrid propulsion technologies that have advanced Exquadrum’s innovative research and development efforts. His leadership journey at the company has been just as impactful—first serving as Director of Engineering before being promoted to Chief Technology Officer, where he now guides technical strategy and innovation.
In addition to his work at Exquadrum, Eli has dedicated over a decade to teaching as an adjunct professor in the Aerospace Department at Cal Poly Pomona. In 2025, Elias’s impact and contributions were recognized when he was inducted into the CPP College of Engineering Hall of Fame. Balancing professional achievement with a genuine passion for teaching and innovation, Eli continues to be a driving force in both industry and academia.
In addition to his work at Exquadrum, Eli has dedicated over a decade to teaching as an adjunct professor in the Aerospace Department at Cal Poly Pomona. In 2025, Elias’s impact and contributions were recognized when he was inducted into the CPP College of Engineering Hall of Fame. Balancing professional achievement with a genuine passion for teaching and innovation, Eli continues to be a driving force in both industry and academia.
ELIAS WILSON
Chief Technology Officer
David has been proud to call the Mojave River Valley home for the past 25 years. After beginning his academic journey at Victor Valley College, he went on to earn his degree in Applied Physics from California State University, San Bernardino. His strong educational foundation, combined with a deep connection to the local community, has shaped his career and approach to problem-solving. David is passionate about applying science and engineering in practical ways that not only push technology forward but also support the missions of organizations he serves.
With more than a decade of experience, David has managed, built, and operated development and qualification test and evaluation programs for customers across the Department of War, Department of Energy, and Aerospace sectors. He is known for designing complex, combined-environment test systems and integrating robust LabVIEW control systems to meet demanding requirements. Beyond his technical expertise, David is recognized for his collaborative spirit and commitment to delivering solutions that make a lasting impact. His mix of technical skill, dedication, and approachable leadership style has earned him the trust of colleagues and customers alike.
With more than a decade of experience, David has managed, built, and operated development and qualification test and evaluation programs for customers across the Department of War, Department of Energy, and Aerospace sectors. He is known for designing complex, combined-environment test systems and integrating robust LabVIEW control systems to meet demanding requirements. Beyond his technical expertise, David is recognized for his collaborative spirit and commitment to delivering solutions that make a lasting impact. His mix of technical skill, dedication, and approachable leadership style has earned him the trust of colleagues and customers alike.
DAVID MORRISON
Director of Test & Evaluation
A proud High Desert native and graduate of Apple Valley High School, Brian Bowers brings a unique blend of military discipline and industry expertise to his role as Director of Operations at Exquadrum. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Brian served a combat tour in Iraq before earning his degree in Communication from San Diego State University.
With over 20 years of experience in the construction industry, Brian has been a key leader at Exquadrum since 2019, overseeing a wide range of departments including safety and environmental compliance, business operations, IT, quality assurance, and facilities/maintenance. He has led transformative initiatives such as the overhaul of the company’s safety program, achievement of AS9100 certification, implementation of cybersecurity compliance, and the development of custom in-house software solutions.
Brian also manages construction projects, resource planning, and strategic budgeting, playing a central role in driving Exquadrum’s operational excellence and continued growth. His leadership ensures the company remains aligned with evolving industry standards and positioned for long-term success.
With over 20 years of experience in the construction industry, Brian has been a key leader at Exquadrum since 2019, overseeing a wide range of departments including safety and environmental compliance, business operations, IT, quality assurance, and facilities/maintenance. He has led transformative initiatives such as the overhaul of the company’s safety program, achievement of AS9100 certification, implementation of cybersecurity compliance, and the development of custom in-house software solutions.
Brian also manages construction projects, resource planning, and strategic budgeting, playing a central role in driving Exquadrum’s operational excellence and continued growth. His leadership ensures the company remains aligned with evolving industry standards and positioned for long-term success.
BRIAN BOWERS
Director of Operations
Matt has over a decade of experience leading numerous DoD and NASA mission support services contracts and successfully leveraging the exceptional results to secure greater opportunities for his clients and stakeholders. He is also a proud USAF veteran with a distinguished record of service spanning over 22 years.
Matt is passionate about developing valuable solutions, leading close-knit teams, and exceeding customer expectations. His credentials include an MBA from Webster University and a BA in Philosophy from the University of Arizona. He currently resides in Northern Utah, near Hill AFB.
Matt is passionate about developing valuable solutions, leading close-knit teams, and exceeding customer expectations. His credentials include an MBA from Webster University and a BA in Philosophy from the University of Arizona. He currently resides in Northern Utah, near Hill AFB.
MATT MILLER
Director of Technical Services
Pam has more than 40 years of aerospace and defense industry experience spanning engineering leadership, program management, and Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E). Her career includes leadership roles supporting launch vehicles, air vehicles, and weapons systems, with deep expertise in systems engineering, all aspects of test and evaluation from test article instrumentation to support equipment sustainment operations.
Pam began her career as an aerospace engineer with Vought/LTV, working on NASA’s SCOUT launch vehicle as a performance and trajectory analysis engineer. She later supported flight test programs at Edwards Air Force Base, contributing to test instrumentation design, early digital data collection systems, and mission control display development. She went on to hold senior leadership roles at JT4, a Raytheon/URS joint venture, including Vice President. In this role, she served as Range Manager for contractor operations at NAWC/WD and as Chief Engineer, leading a highly successful innovation initiative across four USAF and USN western test and training ranges.
Most recently, Pam held senior engineering and mission assurance leadership positions at Northrop Grumman Aeronautics, supporting systems integration, test automation, manufacturing operations, and advanced air dominance programs. She has also served as a Program Manager with the U.S. Air Force Rocket Lab, evaluating and advancing emerging rocket propulsion technologies.
Pam holds a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Texas A&M University and an M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington. She is a member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the Society of Flight Test Engineers and is an FAA-licensed private pilot with a glider rating.
Pam began her career as an aerospace engineer with Vought/LTV, working on NASA’s SCOUT launch vehicle as a performance and trajectory analysis engineer. She later supported flight test programs at Edwards Air Force Base, contributing to test instrumentation design, early digital data collection systems, and mission control display development. She went on to hold senior leadership roles at JT4, a Raytheon/URS joint venture, including Vice President. In this role, she served as Range Manager for contractor operations at NAWC/WD and as Chief Engineer, leading a highly successful innovation initiative across four USAF and USN western test and training ranges.
Most recently, Pam held senior engineering and mission assurance leadership positions at Northrop Grumman Aeronautics, supporting systems integration, test automation, manufacturing operations, and advanced air dominance programs. She has also served as a Program Manager with the U.S. Air Force Rocket Lab, evaluating and advancing emerging rocket propulsion technologies.
Pam holds a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Texas A&M University and an M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington. She is a member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the Society of Flight Test Engineers and is an FAA-licensed private pilot with a glider rating.
PAMELA TANCK
Director of Space and War Systems
A Southern California native, Mark holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Loyola Marymount University and is a licensed CPA.
He brings over 40 years of financial leadership experience, having served as CFO and Division Controller. Mark is known for driving operational efficiencies, ensuring financial transparency, and leading high-performing teams through periods of transformation and growth.
He brings over 40 years of financial leadership experience, having served as CFO and Division Controller. Mark is known for driving operational efficiencies, ensuring financial transparency, and leading high-performing teams through periods of transformation and growth.
MARK PERFETTI
Director of Finance
Cari brings a deep-rooted commitment to people and organizational success to Exquadrum. She has called the Mojave River Valley home for over 30 years and holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management from Grand Canyon University. Prior to joining Exquadrum, she was the Regional Director for Inland Empire United Way and the CEO of the Hesperia and Adelanto Chambers of Commerce.
Cari joined Exquadrum in 2018 as Business Operations Manager during a period of tremendous growth. Since then, she has been instrumental in building the systems and processes that keep Exquadrum running smoothly and foster our innovative culture.
Cari combines her professional expertise with a genuine passion for supporting employees and fostering a strong workplace culture. She is dedicated to creating a positive, productive work environment and helping team members grow and thrive. Her long-standing connection to the community and enthusiasm for HR make her a vital part of the company’s leadership team.
Cari joined Exquadrum in 2018 as Business Operations Manager during a period of tremendous growth. Since then, she has been instrumental in building the systems and processes that keep Exquadrum running smoothly and foster our innovative culture.
Cari combines her professional expertise with a genuine passion for supporting employees and fostering a strong workplace culture. She is dedicated to creating a positive, productive work environment and helping team members grow and thrive. Her long-standing connection to the community and enthusiasm for HR make her a vital part of the company’s leadership team.
CARI THOMAS
Human Resources Manager
Born and raised in the Mojave River Valley, Jodie is proud to call the region home. She built her educational foundation locally, first at Victor Valley College, then at Cal State San Bernardino, where she earned her degree in Psychology and Human Development.
Joining Exquadrum in 2008, Jodie has embraced a variety of roles throughout the company, steadily building a wealth of experience and insight. Today, as Facility Security Officer, she is entrusted with safeguarding Exquadrum’s facilities and ensuring the highest standards of security and compliance are met.
In addition to her role at Exquadrum, Jodie serves as Chapter Chair for the Antelope Valley Chapter of NCMS, a professional industrial security organization dedicated to providing training, education, professional development, and certification opportunities. Jodie’s commitment to both her team and the local community makes her an invaluable asset to the company.
Joining Exquadrum in 2008, Jodie has embraced a variety of roles throughout the company, steadily building a wealth of experience and insight. Today, as Facility Security Officer, she is entrusted with safeguarding Exquadrum’s facilities and ensuring the highest standards of security and compliance are met.
In addition to her role at Exquadrum, Jodie serves as Chapter Chair for the Antelope Valley Chapter of NCMS, a professional industrial security organization dedicated to providing training, education, professional development, and certification opportunities. Jodie’s commitment to both her team and the local community makes her an invaluable asset to the company.
JODIE EVERY
Facility Security Officer
Pam has more than 40 years of aerospace and defense industry experience spanning engineering leadership, program management, and Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E). Her career includes leadership roles supporting launch vehicles, air vehicles, and weapons systems, with deep expertise in systems engineering, all aspects of test and evaluation from test article instrumentation to support equipment sustainment operations.
Pam began her career as an aerospace engineer with Vought/LTV, working on NASA’s SCOUT launch vehicle as a performance and trajectory analysis engineer. She later supported flight test programs at Edwards Air Force Base, contributing to test instrumentation design, early digital data collection systems, and mission control display development. She went on to hold senior leadership roles at JT4, a Raytheon/URS joint venture, including Vice President. In this role, she served as Range Manager for contractor operations at NAWC/WD and as Chief Engineer, leading a highly successful innovation initiative across four USAF and USN western test and training ranges.
Most recently, Pam held senior engineering and mission assurance leadership positions at Northrop Grumman Aeronautics, supporting systems integration, test automation, manufacturing operations, and advanced air dominance programs. She has also served as a Program Manager with the U.S. Air Force Rocket Lab, evaluating and advancing emerging rocket propulsion technologies.
Pam holds a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Texas A&M University and an M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington. She is a member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the Society of Flight Test Engineers and is an FAA-licensed private pilot with a glider rating.
Pam began her career as an aerospace engineer with Vought/LTV, working on NASA’s SCOUT launch vehicle as a performance and trajectory analysis engineer. She later supported flight test programs at Edwards Air Force Base, contributing to test instrumentation design, early digital data collection systems, and mission control display development. She went on to hold senior leadership roles at JT4, a Raytheon/URS joint venture, including Vice President. In this role, she served as Range Manager for contractor operations at NAWC/WD and as Chief Engineer, leading a highly successful innovation initiative across four USAF and USN western test and training ranges.
Most recently, Pam held senior engineering and mission assurance leadership positions at Northrop Grumman Aeronautics, supporting systems integration, test automation, manufacturing operations, and advanced air dominance programs. She has also served as a Program Manager with the U.S. Air Force Rocket Lab, evaluating and advancing emerging rocket propulsion technologies.
Pam holds a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Texas A&M University and an M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington. She is a member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the Society of Flight Test Engineers and is an FAA-licensed private pilot with a glider rating.
PAMELA TANCK
Director of Space and War Systems
A Southern California native, Mark holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Loyola Marymount University and is a licensed CPA.
He brings over 40 years of financial leadership experience, having served as CFO and Division Controller. Mark is known for driving operational efficiencies, ensuring financial transparency, and leading high-performing teams through periods of transformation and growth.
He brings over 40 years of financial leadership experience, having served as CFO and Division Controller. Mark is known for driving operational efficiencies, ensuring financial transparency, and leading high-performing teams through periods of transformation and growth.
MARK PERFETTI
Director of Finance
Cari brings a deep-rooted commitment to people and organizational success to Exquadrum. She has called the Mojave River Valley home for over 30 years and holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management from Grand Canyon University. Prior to joining Exquadrum, she was the Regional Director for Inland Empire United Way and the CEO of the Hesperia and Adelanto Chambers of Commerce.
Cari joined Exquadrum in 2018 as Business Operations Manager during a period of tremendous growth. Since then, she has been instrumental in building the systems and processes that keep Exquadrum running smoothly and foster our innovative culture.
Cari combines her professional expertise with a genuine passion for supporting employees and fostering a strong workplace culture. She is dedicated to creating a positive, productive work environment and helping team members grow and thrive. Her long-standing connection to the community and enthusiasm for HR make her a vital part of the company’s leadership team.
Cari joined Exquadrum in 2018 as Business Operations Manager during a period of tremendous growth. Since then, she has been instrumental in building the systems and processes that keep Exquadrum running smoothly and foster our innovative culture.
Cari combines her professional expertise with a genuine passion for supporting employees and fostering a strong workplace culture. She is dedicated to creating a positive, productive work environment and helping team members grow and thrive. Her long-standing connection to the community and enthusiasm for HR make her a vital part of the company’s leadership team.
CARI THOMAS
Human Resources Manager
Born and raised in the Mojave River Valley, Jodie is proud to call the region home. She built her educational foundation locally, first at Victor Valley College, then at Cal State San Bernardino, where she earned her degree in Psychology and Human Development.
Joining Exquadrum in 2008, Jodie has embraced a variety of roles throughout the company, steadily building a wealth of experience and insight. Today, as Facility Security Officer, she is entrusted with safeguarding Exquadrum’s facilities and ensuring the highest standards of security and compliance are met.
In addition to her role at Exquadrum, Jodie serves as Chapter Chair for the Antelope Valley Chapter of NCMS, a professional industrial security organization dedicated to providing training, education, professional development, and certification opportunities. Jodie’s commitment to both her team and the local community makes her an invaluable asset to the company.
Joining Exquadrum in 2008, Jodie has embraced a variety of roles throughout the company, steadily building a wealth of experience and insight. Today, as Facility Security Officer, she is entrusted with safeguarding Exquadrum’s facilities and ensuring the highest standards of security and compliance are met.
In addition to her role at Exquadrum, Jodie serves as Chapter Chair for the Antelope Valley Chapter of NCMS, a professional industrial security organization dedicated to providing training, education, professional development, and certification opportunities. Jodie’s commitment to both her team and the local community makes her an invaluable asset to the company.
JODIE EVERY
Facility Security Officer
