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Directors
Rick Straw — President and CEO
Rick co-founded PACIV USA with Jorge L. Rodriguez in 2003 and has been instrumental in leading the company’s growth across the United States ever since. Under Rick’s leadership, PACIV has become the premier provider of industrial controls and instrumentation services in Indiana, while successfully expanding operations into key markets including Chicago, North Carolina, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and California.
As a Partner and Director, Rick plays a vital role in PACIV’s strategic direction, supporting initiatives across all global offices. He has also contributed to PACIV’s international expansion efforts in Europe, helping to establish a strong presence in the region.
Rick continues to lead the PACIV USA office, driving innovation, operational excellence, and client success through his deep industry knowledge and commitment to quality.
Jeffrey Johnson — Chairman of the Board
Jeffrey Johnson is now the Chairman of the Board of Directors of PACIV after the acquisition of the company through Blackford Capital. He has over 27 years of experience in investment banking and private equity investing. Johnson is involved in all facets of the Blackford Capital’s operations, including transaction sourcing, investment analysis, portfolio construction and management, deal financing, internal operations, and fundraising.
Puerto Rico
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Ernick Figueroa — Business Development Manager
Ernick Figueroa is a Business Development Manager with more than 30 years of professional experience, including 18 years in sales and business development. His background spans the pharmaceutical, medical device, and flexible packaging industries, with experience in laboratory testing, instrumentation, sales, and customer relationship management. Throughout his career, he has transitioned from technical laboratory roles into business development, gaining a strong understanding of both technical operations and customer needs.
In his current role, Ernick leads business development efforts for PACIV's Puerto Rico office, focusing on sales growth, expanding business opportunities, and maintaining strong client relationships. He works closely with customers to understand their needs while supporting the technical and administrative teams in delivering quality service. His leadership approach emphasizes customer satisfaction, teamwork, and empowering employees to achieve business objectives. Throughout his career, he has contributed to growing client portfolios, strengthening industry relationships, and meeting sales targets.
Outside of work, Ernick enjoys fishing and traveling. He also has a strong interest in outer space and exploring the mysteries of the deep ocean.
Rick Straw — President and CEO
Rick co-founded PACIV USA with Jorge L. Rodriguez in 2003 and has been instrumental in leading the company’s growth across the United States ever since. Under Rick’s leadership, PACIV has become the premier provider of industrial controls and instrumentation services in Indiana, while successfully expanding operations into key markets including Chicago, North Carolina, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and California.
As a Partner and Director, Rick plays a vital role in PACIV’s strategic direction, supporting initiatives across all global offices. He has also contributed to PACIV’s international expansion efforts in Europe, helping to establish a strong presence in the region.
Rick continues to lead the PACIV USA office, driving innovation, operational excellence, and client success through his deep industry knowledge and commitment to quality.
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United States
Chris Sormalis — Business Development Manager
As PACIV’s Business Development Leader, Chris is responsible for driving strategic growth by cultivating new opportunities and strengthening existing client relationships. His focus includes identifying new markets and channels for PACIV’s core services, expanding service offerings for current clients, and developing tailored, right-sized solutions that meet evolving industry needs. Chris also oversees key partnerships with industry collaborators to ensure alignment and long-term value.
Chris brings over 18 years of experience in the Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical, and Medical Device industries. He first joined PACIV-USA in 2004, and after three years, transitioned to a major medical device company where he held both technical and leadership roles. In 2013, Chris rejoined PACIV and has since led our expansion efforts in the Chicago region.
Throughout his career, Chris has served as a Project Team Leader and Automation/Validation Engineer on numerous automation and Computer System Validation (CSV) projects. He has hands-on experience with multiple control platforms, including Allen-Bradley PLCs, ControlLogix (CLx), and DeltaV, and possesses deep expertise in the full System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and its associated CSV deliverables.
Chris holds a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and has completed MBA studies at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI).
Doug Metrish — Vice President of Operations & General Manager
Doug Metrish serves as Vice President of Operations and General Manager, bringing more than 20 years of experience in engineering services for the pharmaceutical and life sciences industries. His background includes automation, instrumentation and controls, commissioning and qualification, project delivery, and client relationship management. Throughout his career, he has progressed from technical roles into operational leadership, gaining a strong understanding of both the engineering and business aspects of complex projects.
In his current role, Doug oversees engineering operations, project execution, client relationships, organizational growth, and employee development. His leadership approach emphasizes strong technical fundamentals, continuous improvement, and providing employees with opportunities to build their skills. He believes that developing technical professionals and future leaders is essential to delivering quality work and building long-term client relationships.
Outside of work, Doug has practiced Muay Thai for more than 20 years and remains active in the sport as both a participant and coach. He also enjoys competitive wargaming and spending time with his partner of 19 years, Cindy, and their dogs.
Jason Burton — Engineering Leader
Jason Burton is an Engineering Leader with 30 years of experience in systems integration, including 18 years at PACIV and 12 years leading the engineering team. His background spans water and wastewater, pharmaceuticals, automotive, manufacturing, and food and beverage industries. Throughout his career, he has developed extensive expertise in programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human machine interfaces (HMIs), SCADA systems, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and instrumentation, including platforms such as Rockwell Studio 5000, FactoryTalk View SE, FactoryTalk Optix, and Ignition.
In his current role, Jason oversees the engineering team and control panel shop, focusing on project execution, technical standards, customer satisfaction, and business growth. He is committed to expanding the panel shop's capabilities and establishing it as a leading provider of control panels in Indianapolis and surrounding areas. His leadership approach emphasizes mentoring engineers, maintaining high design and programming standards, and building lasting customer relationships through honesty, organization, and dependable service.
Jason holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology from Purdue University. Outside of work, he enjoys weightlifting, biking, running, and spending time at his lake house, where he works on improvement projects. He also enjoys brewing beer.
Casey Tucker — Vice President of Instrumentation Services
As Vice President of Instrumentation Services, Casey Tucker leads PACIV's Instrumentation Service Provider (ISP) business unit, overseeing business strategy, growth, project delivery, capacity planning, and financial performance. Casey manages capital projects ranging from 500 to more than 15,000 instruments, supporting each stage from initial planning and proposal development through procurement, execution, and project turnover.
Casey brings more than 10 years of experience in capital project delivery, equipment procurement, project controls, and cost estimating within the life sciences industry. With a strong understanding of regulated environments, Casey focuses on delivering instrumentation solutions that meet client requirements while maintaining quality, compliance, and project schedules.
Casey holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Cincinnati and has experience with Lean Project Delivery and Six Sigma methodologies.
Tania Ramos — Principal Validation Engineer & Regional Lead, North Carolina
Tania Ramos is a Principal Validation Engineer and Regional Lead for North Carolina, bringing more than 20 years of experience in engineering, validation, quality, and compliance within the life sciences industry. She began her career with PACIV in 2004, supporting major pharmaceutical companies in Puerto Rico. Throughout her career, she has developed extensive experience in Computer System Validation (CSV), Commissioning and Qualification (C&Q), data integrity, GxP compliance, automation, and quality systems.
Prior to rejoining PACIV in 2026, Tania held leadership roles at Amgen, supporting validation, quality, and compliance initiatives in highly regulated manufacturing environments. In her current role, she combines her technical background with regional leadership and business development, focusing on expanding PACIV's presence in North Carolina, building industry relationships, and connecting clients with the technical resources needed for successful project execution. She is also committed to mentoring professionals and developing talent within the life sciences industry.
Tania holds a bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering and a master's degree in Manufacturing Competitiveness, both from the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico. Originally from Puerto Rico and now based in North Carolina, she enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with her children. She has also pursued studies in Culinary Arts and enjoys bringing people together through food.
Ireland
Brendan Hyland — Business Development Manager
Brendan Hyland is a Business Development Manager with more than 20 years of experience in process engineering, business development, and strategic marketing within the chemical and manufacturing industries. His background includes designing and implementing process systems for chemical plants, developing customer solutions, and creating marketing strategies that support business growth and strengthen client relationships.
Throughout his career, Brendan has worked closely with engineers, technology partners, and clients to develop solutions for complex industrial needs. Prior to joining PACIV, he served as Head of Marketing at PMI Software and Freefoam, and as Marketing & Business Development Manager at Cardform (Dublin, Ireland) and Saint-Gobain Inc. (New Jersey, USA). He also worked as a Marketing Consultant for Kline & Co. (New Jersey, USA) and began his career as a Marketing Executive and Process Engineer at Chemtex/Mitsubishi (New York, USA). This combination of technical and commercial experience allows him to understand customer challenges and identify opportunities that connect engineering capabilities with business needs.
Brendan holds an MBA in Marketing and International Marketing from the City University of New York, a Bachelor of Science in Technology from London Metropolitan University, and a Certificate in Digital Marketing from CMIT in Dublin, Ireland. Outside of work, he enjoys playing tennis, biking, and traveling.
Tony Collins — Operations Manager
Tony brings over 28 years of experience in pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical manufacturing, with expertise spanning small molecule APIs, mammalian cell culture, and vaccine drug substance production.
He holds a Master of Engineering Science in Pharmaceutical & Biopharmaceutical Engineering from University College Cork, a Diploma in Project Management from UCD College of Business, and a Six Sigma Green Belt Certification.
Tony has contributed to several major capital projects, gaining extensive knowledge in GMP facility design, product qualification, and audit readiness. His background includes strong project management capabilities and a proven ability to collaborate with engineers, technology partners, and leadership teams to deliver optimal solutions.
Before joining PACIV, Tony held key roles across leading organizations in the life sciences sector. His experience includes serving as a technical expert at Polpharma Biologics, Operations Manager at MSD Cork, Supervisor at Regeneron Limerick, and various operations roles at Pfizer Cork, BMS Dublin, Organon Dublin, and Nycomed Cork.
Tony’s deep industry knowledge and leadership make him a vital part of PACIV’s commitment to delivering excellence in automation and compliance solutions.
