ANGELBEAT ROBOTICS ADVISORY COUNCIL DFW
The Angelbeat Robotics Advisory Council (ARAC) is a prestigious group of highly respected industry, technology and community leaders in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex, who work at leading employers including AIRBUS, United Airlines, Zimmer Biomet and Wen-Parker Logistics.
ARAC members provide strategic guidance to CEO Ron Gerber on the overall agenda and topics, recommend additional speakers and exhibitors, plus select two award winners, for the best presentation and best exhibition at the event.
The current list of ARAC members is listed below. You can click on their name/job title to pull up their Linkedin profile.
Email rgerber@angelbeat.com if you would like to apply to join the ARAC or have additional questions.
Francis X. Govers III, Director of Engineering, Airbus US Space & Defense, Inc.
Francis X. Govers III is an award-winning AI and robotics engineer, aerospace visionary, and author whose career spans decades at the leading edge of autonomy, aviation, simulation , and artificial intelligence. With a background that includes work for NASA, the Department of Defense, and major aerospace firms, Francis has designed everything from swarming UAVs to self-driving cars, space stations, and planetary rovers. He is currently leading advanced work in sensor fusion, autonomous navigation, and decision-making frameworks for VTOL systems and intelligent robotics.
Beyond engineering, Francis is a published author of Artificial Intelligence for Robotics, and the upcoming Advanced AI for Robotics.
A commercial multi-engine pilot, author, artist, traveler, musician, and public speaker, Francis brings a rare combination of scientific rigor, artistic imagination, and big-picture thinking. He’s spoken internationally on topics ranging from sensor fusion and autonomy to the ethics of AI.
Solange Gelman, Director, Digital Technology Airport Operations, United Airlines
Results-driven digital technology leader with extensive experience in the airline industry. Proven expertise in solving complex IT challenges, driving innovation, and delivering impactful solutions. Skilled in program and product management, software development, and leading high-performing teams.
Passionate about leveraging cutting-edge technologies to drive operational efficiency and enhance customer experiences in the airline industry.
Alexei Sopin, Information Technology Program Manager, Keurig Dr. Pepper
Led global headquarters migration and IT infrastructure deployment, ensuring seamless transition and business continuity.
Spearheaded logistics optimization by overseeing plant/warehouse setup in collaboration with third-party logistics provider (3PL).
Managed end-to-end ServiceNow Platform implementation, driving continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Managed Workday HCM system implementation, enhancing workforce management and HR digital transformation.
Delivered successful deployment of XTEL Trade Promotion Management System, improving trade and promotion strategies.
Led Vistex Finance Management System implementation, optimizing financial processes and reporting.
Orchestrated large-scale data migration to SharePoint Online and decommissioning of legacy data centers, ensuring secure and compliant data management.
Implemented SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) methodology, fostering agile transformation across multiple teams and programs.
Directed Wireline/Wireless Rationalization & Optimization Program, reducing operational costs and improving efficiency across telecommunications infrastructure.
Umanga Poudel, Lead Data Scientist, AIML Team Lead, BNSF Railway
Collaborated closely with the marketing, intermodal, and IT teams to develop predictive models for train transit times, optimizing decision-making for Quantum units. This initiative achieved more than a 20% improvement in ETA accuracy compared to the company baseline and enabled the Quantum team to strategically select trains for their units, resulting in a sustained 95% on-time delivery rate for customers.
AIML Team Lead and Data Scientist responsible for communicating with customers, developing AIML strategy, making AIML models, deployment and maintenance of models. Used Databricks to develop the models, Jenkins to promote from dev to prod, GitHub for version-control, and Control-M for scheduling.
Created a compelling vision and developed Proof of Concept GenAI enabled chatbots using Retrieval Augmented Generation, Model Context Protocol, and Structured Outputs to chat with rules, employee onboarding, and generating SQL for knowledge preservation and eliminating single point of failure.
Chittal Shah, Director of Mobile Robotics, Oceaneering
Leading delivery operations for Mobile Robotics across North America, with a focus on profitability, cost optimization, and customer success. Driving operational excellence by ensuring seamless project execution, prioritizing health & safety, and strengthening client relationships. I provide financial forecasts, analyze performance trends, and implement strategic improvements to enhance business outcomes. Passionate about building and mentoring high-performing teams, I foster collaboration across internal and global stakeholders to align with organizational goals and expand market share.
Results-driven AI & Automation Leader with over a decade of experience orchestrating enterprise-wide AI strategies, pioneering intelligent automation, & spearheading digital transformation initiatives across Fortune 500 organizations resulting in over $450M in annual cost savings. Proven ability to revolutionize AI adoption, refine intelligent automation roadmaps, & enhance digital ecosystems while engaging C-suite stakeholders & cross-functional teams. Expertise in AI governance, strategic investment, & leveraging emerging technologies to accelerate enterprise innovation.
Walter Smith, Director of Distribution, Wen-Parker Logistics
I am an operations and supply chain executive specializing in automation modernization, multi-site distribution scaling, national network expansion, and P&L stabilization. With 15+ years leading complex fulfillment, manufacturing, 3PL, and industrial logistics operations, I operate as a hybrid builder → fixer → scaler, delivering clarity, structure, and measurable business growth. I design operational ecosystems that integrate:
Automation & robotics
Flow engineering
Cost-per-order optimization
Labor productivity systems
Executive reporting frameworks
Technology-enabled process control
My leadership strength is aligning people, process, automation, and financial strategy to create high-performing distribution networks at scale. I thrive in complex, high velocity environments where scaling, modernization, and operational transformation are needed.
Mitch Stevenson, Director of Robotics, ZB RX Medical
Director of Robotics and Enabling Technology at ZB RX Medical, I optimize the digital care pathway through the use of machine learning, smart implants, and robotics. I lead a team of engineers and clinicians who develop and implement innovative solutions that improve patient outcomes and satisfaction.
With a Bachelor's degree in Business Management and Leadership from Southern Virginia University, I also have a strong background in sales and marketing. I have successfully increased the adoption and revenue of ZB RX Medical's products, such as ROSA, a robotic surgery system that enhances precision and accuracy. I am passionate about advancing the field of medical technology!