Team
Juan Contreras
Senior Consultant
Juan served 20 years in the Naval Nuclear Power Program retiring in 2005. His sea service included tours on a guided missile cruiser and multiple aircraft carriers while serving as Reactor Controls Leading Chief Petty Officer. His shore duties included an instructor tour where he served as the Production Training Group Lead at the S8G training facility.
After leaving the Navy he began a career in the oil and gas industry which has included roles as Process Safety Manager, EHS Manager, Operations Supervisor and Director of East Texas Operations. His focus in industry has been on improving all aspects of operational performance, team building and employee coaching and mentoring.
Juan has an MBA and an MS in Occupational Health and Safety from Columbia Southern University. He also holds certification as a PSM/RMP auditor, Process Hazard Analysis Leader, and Incident Investigation/Root Cause Analysis Leader.
After leaving the Navy he began a career in the oil and gas industry which has included roles as Process Safety Manager, EHS Manager, Operations Supervisor and Director of East Texas Operations. His focus in industry has been on improving all aspects of operational performance, team building and employee coaching and mentoring.
Juan has an MBA and an MS in Occupational Health and Safety from Columbia Southern University. He also holds certification as a PSM/RMP auditor, Process Hazard Analysis Leader, and Incident Investigation/Root Cause Analysis Leader.
Bob Koonce
Founder & President
Bob served for over 20 years in the U.S. Submarine Force and retired from active duty as a Commander in 2011 after commanding USS KEY WEST (SSN 722), a nuclear submarine based in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. During Bob’s career in the Navy he served on five different fast attack submarines and deployed overseas conducting missions critical to national security. Since leaving active duty, Bob has been a consultant to large and small businesses primarily in the Energy Industry.
Bob founded High Reliability Group LLC in 2016 to help clients achieve operational excellence and high reliability operations. High Reliability Group focuses on the four critical elements of all High Reliability Organizations: Leadership, Culture, Management Systems and Operational Feedback.
Bob holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois, an MBA in Organizational Behavior from Northwestern University, and a Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.
Bob frequently speaks and writes on Operational Excellence and High Reliability Organizations based on the leadership and culture of the U.S. Nuclear Navy. He is co-author of Extreme Operational Excellence: Applying the US Nuclear Submarine Culture to your Organization.
Bob founded High Reliability Group LLC in 2016 to help clients achieve operational excellence and high reliability operations. High Reliability Group focuses on the four critical elements of all High Reliability Organizations: Leadership, Culture, Management Systems and Operational Feedback.
Bob holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois, an MBA in Organizational Behavior from Northwestern University, and a Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.
Bob frequently speaks and writes on Operational Excellence and High Reliability Organizations based on the leadership and culture of the U.S. Nuclear Navy. He is co-author of Extreme Operational Excellence: Applying the US Nuclear Submarine Culture to your Organization.
Scott Kimmel
Senior Consultant
Scott served 21 years in the Navy Nuclear Power program as both enlisted and a Commissioned Officer. During his enlisted 11 years he trained sailors for the Nuclear Power pipeline. He also had operational time on submarines. After becoming a Limited Duty Officer, he stayed with the maintenance of Naval Submarines in both shipyards and submarine tenders. During his time in the Navy, he was able to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resource Management as well as a Master’s degree in Business Administration. He retired from the Navy in 2004.
Upon completion of his Naval service Scott went to work at one of the Navy’s public shipyards for 19 years, during which time he held positions of Assistant Project Superintendent, Deputy Project Superintendent, and achieving Project Superintendent on projects that lasted multiple years and required hundreds of thousand-man days to complete. Scott received a Meritorious Civilian Service medal for his efforts. The last years at the shipyard Scott was the Operations Manager in charge of assembling, training and motivating High Performing teams to execute these arduous projects.
Scott brings his expertise in both complex maintenance and building teams to perform this work in a safe environment, correctly, and on time.
Upon completion of his Naval service Scott went to work at one of the Navy’s public shipyards for 19 years, during which time he held positions of Assistant Project Superintendent, Deputy Project Superintendent, and achieving Project Superintendent on projects that lasted multiple years and required hundreds of thousand-man days to complete. Scott received a Meritorious Civilian Service medal for his efforts. The last years at the shipyard Scott was the Operations Manager in charge of assembling, training and motivating High Performing teams to execute these arduous projects.
Scott brings his expertise in both complex maintenance and building teams to perform this work in a safe environment, correctly, and on time.
Bruce Talbot
Senior Consultant
Bruce served 31 years in the U.S. Navy Submarine Force retiring from active duty in 2012. During his career he was Reactor Controls Leading Chief Petty Officer and Engineering Department Master Chief on five fast attack submarines. He has also served in the nuclear repair department of a submarine tender, the staff of a Submarine Squadron and as a shipyard availability coordinator. His final position in the Navy was Command Master Chief of a Naval Reactors Training Facility.
Bruce focuses on providing leaders the tools and techniques required for continuous improvement through proper monitoring, critical self-evaluation and effective feedback.
Bruce holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Nuclear Engineering Technology from Thomas Edison State University.
Bruce focuses on providing leaders the tools and techniques required for continuous improvement through proper monitoring, critical self-evaluation and effective feedback.
Bruce holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Nuclear Engineering Technology from Thomas Edison State University.
Kevin Mooney
Senior Advisor
Kevin has over 36 years of leadership and management experience in both private industry and the U.S. Navy. Over the past 16 years, he has held senior leadership positions in two large North American shipyards. Kevin had previously served for 20 years as nuclear submarine officer in the US Navy. Kevin has guided numerous organizations through challenging circumstances including transformations, turnarounds and integration following acquisition. He gets results by building strong teams and creating an atmosphere of mutual trust, respect, and accountability.
Kevin recently completed a term as President/COO of Irving Shipbuilding in Halifax, Nova Scotia (2000+ employees/$1B+ annual revenue). As part of Canada’s strategy to restore its dormant shipbuilding industry, he transformed a startup-like shipyard to more efficient full-scale production. Kevin has held executive roles at General Dynamics NASSCO Shipyard in San Diego (4000+ employees/$2B+ annual revenue). He ran operations during a period of rapid growth, including doubling the trade workforce and completing major capital improvements. He also led the supply chain and program management teams, including strategic growth and acquisition efforts. NASSCO acquired and integrated two shipyards as a result of these efforts. Kevin’s 20year Navy career included an assignment as Commanding Officer of a nuclear attack submarine.
Kevin has served on the Board of Directors of the San Diego Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Advisors of Workshops for Warriors, a non-profit organization providing manufacturing skills training to transitioning members of the Armed Forces. He is a guest lecturer at the Los Angeles Fire Department Leadership Academy.
Kevin graduated from Duke University with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and earned a M.S. in Engineering Management from the Catholic University of America. He has also completed the Executive Program Manager’s Course at the Defense Acquisition University.
Kevin recently completed a term as President/COO of Irving Shipbuilding in Halifax, Nova Scotia (2000+ employees/$1B+ annual revenue). As part of Canada’s strategy to restore its dormant shipbuilding industry, he transformed a startup-like shipyard to more efficient full-scale production. Kevin has held executive roles at General Dynamics NASSCO Shipyard in San Diego (4000+ employees/$2B+ annual revenue). He ran operations during a period of rapid growth, including doubling the trade workforce and completing major capital improvements. He also led the supply chain and program management teams, including strategic growth and acquisition efforts. NASSCO acquired and integrated two shipyards as a result of these efforts. Kevin’s 20year Navy career included an assignment as Commanding Officer of a nuclear attack submarine.
Kevin has served on the Board of Directors of the San Diego Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Advisors of Workshops for Warriors, a non-profit organization providing manufacturing skills training to transitioning members of the Armed Forces. He is a guest lecturer at the Los Angeles Fire Department Leadership Academy.
Kevin graduated from Duke University with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and earned a M.S. in Engineering Management from the Catholic University of America. He has also completed the Executive Program Manager’s Course at the Defense Acquisition University.
Frank Gardner
Senior Consultant
Frank served 33 years in the Submarine Force and retired from active duty in 2018. During his career, Frank led the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program for 5 years as the Naval Reactors Command Master Chief. His tours included 3 fast attack submarines, 2 ballistic missile submarines, 2 nuclear instructor tours, 2 tours on the staff of the Submarine Force commander, and as a shipyard zone manager for three submarine refueling overhauls.
In his roles as Naval Reactors Command Master Chief and on the staff of the Submarine Force Commander he conducted dozens of operational and organizational culture assessments in a variety of industrial and operational settings. He specialized in assisting leadership teams in implementing change to improve processes, performance, and reliability.
In his roles as Naval Reactors Command Master Chief and on the staff of the Submarine Force Commander he conducted dozens of operational and organizational culture assessments in a variety of industrial and operational settings. He specialized in assisting leadership teams in implementing change to improve processes, performance, and reliability.
Brian O'Neill
Senior Consultant
Brian served 22 years in Navy Nuclear Power and retired from active duty in 2009. He is a graduate of North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and earned his Master in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University. He served aboard a ballistic missile/special operations nuclear submarine and multiple nuclear and non-nuclear surface warfare ships. His shore assignments include an evaluator tour at a Nuclear Power Training Unit and as Force Personnel Officer at Commander Naval Surface Forces Atlantic.
Since leaving active duty, Brian has held variety of line management and corporate oversight roles in commercial nuclear power. A number of these assignments were serving in an audit/assessment capacity where he would assist leadership teams in evaluating and then improving operational excellence.
Since leaving active duty, Brian has held variety of line management and corporate oversight roles in commercial nuclear power. A number of these assignments were serving in an audit/assessment capacity where he would assist leadership teams in evaluating and then improving operational excellence.
Dr. Mike Mercer
Senior Consultant
Mike is a seasoned leader with over two decades of experience in the United States Navy’s nuclear submarine program. As a technician, operator, instructor, and supervisor, he honed his skills in complex operational environments, demonstrating exceptional technical proficiency and leadership abilities.
A Certified Master Training Specialist, Mike has extensive experience in adult learning theories and cutting-edge training methodologies, including full-scale simulators, mixed-reality applications, and hands-on operational equipment. This expertise allowed him to develop and implement highly effective training experiences for naval personnel. Since retiring from the Navy, Mike and his team built a world-class learning center with a ” first-in-industry” eLearning platform for the wood processing industry.
Mike’s academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership, a Master of Science in Strategic Leadership, and a Doctorate in Executive Leadership. His robust educational background and practical experience provide a unique perspective on leadership development and organizational management.
Passionate about nurturing talent at all levels, Dr. Mike leverages his decades of leadership and team-building experience to develop front-line and senior leaders. His approach combines strategic insight with practical application, ensuring leaders are well-equipped to face the challenges of today’s dynamic environments.
Jim Hicks
Senior Consultant
Jim served 30 years in the US Nuclear Navy on multiple classes of Submarines, Aircraft Carriers, and Nuclear Repair ships. He holds two bachelor degrees, Business and Nuclear Engineering Technology, and an MBA. His previous positions include Quality Assurance Director for the Pacific Submarine Fleet, as well as Turnaround and Maintenance Director for the South Pacific and over 60% of the world’s oceans. Jim earned the Department of Defense Phoenix Award for building the number one military maintenance organization in 2012. He embodies operational excellence.
After retiring from the military in 2013 as a Lieutenant Commander, Jim immersed himself into the oil and gas industry in Texas. He has been instrumental in leading numerous EPC projects, major turnarounds, and mega turnarounds. His team building expertise resulted in recognition for the top North American (industry-wide) Turnaround in 2020. He subsequently led the highly successful, largest mega-turnaround in company history.
Jim has extensive experience in leading Operational Excellence Management System evaluations. He is an ideal mentor to leadership, engineering, and field staff in operational excellence, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement.
After retiring from the military in 2013 as a Lieutenant Commander, Jim immersed himself into the oil and gas industry in Texas. He has been instrumental in leading numerous EPC projects, major turnarounds, and mega turnarounds. His team building expertise resulted in recognition for the top North American (industry-wide) Turnaround in 2020. He subsequently led the highly successful, largest mega-turnaround in company history.
Jim has extensive experience in leading Operational Excellence Management System evaluations. He is an ideal mentor to leadership, engineering, and field staff in operational excellence, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement.
Tim Doelger
Director of Business Development
Tim is a nuclear submarine veteran, a tech-savvy innovator, and a strategic business development expert with over 20 years of experience. He served in the US Navy as a Nuclear Submarine Electronics Technician on two Nuclear Ballistic Submarines. Holding a BS in e-Business, Tim has developed extensive expertise in mar-tech, data communication, and cybersecurity solutions, collaborating with C-suite executives of Fortune 500 companies.
Tim’s passion for problem-solving and his military background equip him to provide strategic solutions to leaders in high-risk industries seeking operational excellence.
Tim’s passion for problem-solving and his military background equip him to provide strategic solutions to leaders in high-risk industries seeking operational excellence.
Bryan Lethcoe
Senior Advisor
Bryan has over 30 years of experience in the US Nuclear Submarine Force and in the Oil and Gas industry, supporting onshore and offshore pipeline integrity technology development, pipeline integrity consulting, offshore drilling technical audit and field support, and LNG technical audit and operational excellence. Bryan served in the US Navy for 20 years, both in the US Submarine Force and in various leadership and staff roles in the Navy Reserve, retiring with the rank of Commander.
Bryan has extensive experience and expertise designing, developing, and implementing Operational Excellence Management Systems for multiple HRG clients as well as with employers before joining HRG.
Bryan has extensive experience and expertise designing, developing, and implementing Operational Excellence Management Systems for multiple HRG clients as well as with employers before joining HRG.
Duncan Preston
Senior Consultant
Duncan has over 40 years of experience with the U.S. Navy’s Nuclear Propulsion Program. He served 13 years enlisted and 15 years as a commissioned officer, retiring in 2008. He served on seven ships including a guided missile cruiser, two aircraft carriers, and four nuclear repair ships, including two submarine tenders forward deployed in Italy. His shore assignments included training nuclear propulsion plant operators, preparing ships for inspections, shipyard project management, submarine quality assurance and logistics in Europe and Africa. In 2009 he continued with ship maintenance and repair as a project manager and program manager with a defense contractor supporting a wide range of Navy vessels including small craft, surface ships, submarines, and aircraft carriers.
Duncan returned to federal service in 2011 where he held senior leadership positions at two of the Navy’s four public shipyards. As Detachment Director, he led two remote site detachments in San Diego, CA and Yokosuka, Japan supporting all Pacific Fleet aircraft carriers. In 2023 he accepted a special assignment at Naval Sea Systems Command headquarters in a high-profile position focused on improving Naval Shipyard performance.
In addition to the Navy’s Nuclear Power Training program, Radiological Controls Officer, and Quality Assurance Officer schools, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts from Excelsior College, a Master of Science in Global Leadership and Graduate Certificate of Project Management from University of San Diego, and a Master of Business Administration from University of Redlands.
Jeff Hedges
Senior Advisor
Jeff has over 40 years of experience in senior leadership roles in both the military and in industry. Jeff has worked in a variety of industries in operations and HES roles including at Chevron Corporation, a privately held environmental services company, in the pulp and paper industry, and in the DOE nuclear complex.
He has extensive experience in multiple organizations with leading organizational change in Leadership, Culture and Management Systems, both developing strategies and implementing sustainable change. His most recent position prior to joining High Reliability Group was General Manager of Operational Excellence for Chevron Corporation.
Jeff has led several projects for HRG clients to design, develop, and implement full scale Operational Excellence Management Systems. Jeff has a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, and an MBA (Global Executive) from Duke University. Jeff resides near Austin, Texas.
He has extensive experience in multiple organizations with leading organizational change in Leadership, Culture and Management Systems, both developing strategies and implementing sustainable change. His most recent position prior to joining High Reliability Group was General Manager of Operational Excellence for Chevron Corporation.
Jeff has led several projects for HRG clients to design, develop, and implement full scale Operational Excellence Management Systems. Jeff has a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, and an MBA (Global Executive) from Duke University. Jeff resides near Austin, Texas.