Board Members

David Bessette
CHAIRMAN OF THE SOLAR APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM & CHAIR OF FLASEIA'S EDUCATION COMMITTEE












Steve Rutherford
As Program Manager for the SEAL Delivery Vehicle, he gained initiation into the systems development realm by incorporating the latest, most capable and advanced technologies into a premier undersea platform. He achieved phenomenal results in less than two years by consolidating a team of the most talented engineers from industry and government working closely with cutting edge special operators. In less than two years, he managed to improve the world-wide reach and through-water communications capability of the system. He installed the first prototype large format Li-Ion battery system and significantly improved situational awareness for the operators resulting in a more safe and effective system.
Serving as Program Manager for Maritime Surface Platforms, Steve quickly improved the lethality of the combatant craft systems taking the Remotely Operated Stabilized Automatic Mount (ROSAM) weapon system through certification and Fielding and Deployment Release (F&DR). He fielded over 20 systems in less than six months improving the capability of the Special Warfare Combatant Crewman. Recognizing the limitations of obsolete navigation and intelligence equipment, Steve led a systems development effort to improve situational awareness for SWCC personnel by upgrading the navigation systems on the fleet of surface platforms and improved intelligence related capabilities. Finally, he established the foundation and baseline for the next generation of maritime combatant craft by careful and quantitative risk analysis of the most modern craft on the market. His work reduced development risk for the program which led to a requirement that outlined the “art of the possible” with regard to surface craft. His work included detailed analysis and assessment of shock mitigation, signature reduction; power vs load limitations, endurance and transportability. He averted years of cost overruns and schedule delays.
