Management & Directors

Michael R. Sayre

Mr. Sayre currently serves as PDSi's Chief Executive Officer and President and has been on the board of directors since 2001. Previously, Mr. Sayre was Chief Financial Officer from 2001 to 2006.  Prior to joining PDSi, Mr. Sayre served on the Board of Directors and as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of LogiKeep Inc., a successful and award-winning network-security company. From 1996 to 2000, Mr. Sayre was the Corporate Controller for Worthington Industries, Inc., (NYSE: WOR) where he played significant roles in acquisitions, divestitures and start-up operations, in addition to serving as top accounting officer. He also served on the board of directors for Spartan Steel Coatings, LLC, a start-up joint venture between Worthington and Rouge Steel Company. Previously, Mr. Sayre held management positions in finance, manufacturing and information systems in two other manufacturing firms. Mr. Sayre holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Computer Science and an MBA degree from The Ohio State University.

John D. Bair

As a company co-founder, Mr. Bair currently serves as PDSi's Chief Technology and Innovation Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors. Mr. Bair has served as a director since the company's inception and as the Chairman of the Board of Directors since 1996. He was Chief Executive Officer from 1996 until 2006 and President from 1998 to 2004.  During his 10 year tenure as CEO, the company grew from under $5 million in annual revenue to over $44 million in 2005.  He also served as secretary from the company's inception until 1998. Mr. Bair holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer and Information Science from the College of Engineering at The Ohio State University.

Michael Darnell

As VP of Global Sales and Marketing, Mr. Darnell brings over 18 years of management and sales/marketing leadership experience to the PDSi team, including over 10 years of direct involvement with the embedded systems industry. He was VP Sales & Marketing for VME Microsystems International Corp, a leading innovator of mission-critical computer boards and systems, for three years until the company was acquired by GE Fanuc in 2001. He then served as VP Sales & Marketing for GE Fanuc Embedded Systems for 4 years, where he lead a team that drove substantial growth organically and through acquisition, making that company a key player today in the embedded space. Mr. Darnell holds a BSEE from Auburn University.

Timothy J. Harper

Mr. Harper is the Vice President of Global Operations and Logistics for PDSi and brings over 16 years of experience.  Prior to PDSi Mr. Harper held various executive positions with Alcatel-Lucent (ALU) Global Supply Chain and Worldwide Services Divisions.  In his most recent role, Mr. Harper developed and led the integration of Alcatel and Lucent Technologies EMS (Electronic Manufacturing Services) strategy accomplishing substantial cost reductions and savings.  Mr. Harper also led supply chain and services groups around the globe including South America, Europe and Asia where he implemented improvements to supply chain performance, quality and cost.  Mr. Harper holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from The Ohio State University and holds an MBA from Capital University, where he graduated with High Distinction.

Nick Tomashot

Mr. Tomashot currently serves as PDSi's Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Corporate Secretary, joining the Company in April 2008. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Operations Finance for Innovex, a flexible circuit manufacturer, leading all financial aspects of moving a multi-location manufacturing business from the U.S. to Thailand.  Mr. Tomashot previously served in financial executive and management positions in the technology (Rooster.com and NCR) and consumer products (Pillsbury and Procter and Gamble) industries.  Mr. Tomashot holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from The Ohio State University and an MBA from the Duke University Fuqua School of Business.

Outside Directors

Carl J. Aschinger, Jr.

A PDSi Director and Chairman of the Audit committee since 2004, Mr. Aschinger has been the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Columbus Show Case Company, a manufacturer of showcases for the retail industry, since 1985. Mr. Aschinger previously served as president from 1976 until 2001. He served as Chief Operating Officer from 1976 to 1985 and as Vice President and Treasurer from 1966 until 1975. He currently serves on the boards and audit committees of Neoprobe Corporation and the Wilson Bohannon Company. Mr. Aschinger previously served on the boards of Liqui-Box Corporation, when it was publicly held. He also has been active with Huntington National Bank, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and First Community Church. In addition, Mr. Aschinger previously chaired the Young Presidents Organization and served as president of the National Association of Store Fixture Manufacturers. Mr. Aschinger is a former runner-up for the National Entrepreneur of the Year Award (1994) and Honoree of the Newcomen Society of America (1995).

Benjamin Brussell

A PDSi Director since 2006, Mr. Brussell is President of Generation Management Company, which he founded in 2001.  The company advises public and non-public companies regarding the initiation, structuring, and negotiation of strategic alliances and transactions.  From 1998 to 2001, Mr. Brussell was Vice President, Corporate Development for Plantronics, a manufacturer of audio communications and entertainment products.  He was responsible for the development and implementation of corporate strategic initiatives including acquisitions, investments, divestitures, strategic alliances, and OEM product sourcing.  From 1990 to 1998, Mr. Brussell was responsible for corporate development at Storage Technology Corporation, a manufacturer of storage systems, most recently serving as Vice President of Corporate Development.  Previously, Mr. Brussell was Vice President, Corporate Finance in the Technology Group at Salomon Brothers.  Mr. Brussell holds a Masters Degree in Management, with a concentration in Finance, from the M.I.T. Sloan School of Management, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wesleyan University, where he majored in Math and Economics.

Hugh C. Cathey

A PDSi Director since 2001, is a principal of Columbus Capital Partners, which is a provider of services to early-stage telecom and software companies. Mr. Cathey has over 20 years of experience in the telecommunications industry and was President of Qwest Communications International's local broadband services from 2000 to 2002. From 1996 to 2000, he served as President of Nextlink Ohio, a Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC) owned by cellular phone pioneer Craig McCaw. Previously, Mr. Cathey was President and Chief Executive Officer of Digital Network, Inc. (DNI), a publicly traded telecom company based in Dallas, Texas.

Thomas M. O'Leary

A PDSi Director since 1996, retired from AT&T Corp. /Lucent Technologies in 1996 after serving in a number of managerial positions in manufacturing operations, engineering, product development, project management, repair and support, and sales. Mr. O'Leary is currently a business consultant and has served on the boards of several small private businesses, as well as on a local school board.

Ralph V. Roberts

Mr. Roberts joined the Board of Directors in 2008.  Since 2001, he has served as Senior Vice President of Marketing for Worthington Industries, Inc. a global steel processor and manufacturer of metals related products, where he is responsible for international business development and coordination, and marketing strategy development. Mr. Roberts also serves as President, Worthington Integrated Building Systems, a subsidiary company, and on the boards of several joint ventures. In his 35 years with Worthington Industries, he has held a number of top leadership and board positions in Worthington’s portfolio of successful and growing businesses.   Mr. Roberts graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in Finance.