Asset Optimization Consultants

Over 400 Years Combined Experience

Our executive team comprises three industry leaders with more than six decades of combined experience. Together, we have delivered hundreds of successful Risk Based Inspection (RBI) and Asset Integrity Management (AIM) programs throughout asset-intensive industries such as oil and gas, refining, petrochemical, chemical, midstream, and mining.

We are known for our unique learning management approach, which aligns best practice work process, best-in-class technology, and collaborative relationships for unmatched results. In addition to our executives and team leaders, our collaborative relationships include your people as well as the expertise of longtime consultants around the globe for the most innovative asset management integrity solutions.

Executive Team

Scott JonesPresident and CEO

Scott brings more than 25 years of tremendous leadership experience, most notably as co-founder, General Manager, and, later, CEO of Capstone Engineering. Under his direction, Capstone grew to more than 200 people before it was sold in 2010. Since then, Scott has continued to serve as a subject matter expert of risk-based inspection programs at the plant and enterprise levels. The pragmatic, knowledgeable leader is recognized by colleagues for his "ability to see the big picture and keep organizations moving forward in a positive direction." In addition, his degree in Finance from Stephen F. Austin State University has established Scott as "one of the lucky few who has in-depth knowledge of both finance and operations."

Leon JohnsonVice President, Performance and Learning

Leon's reputation as the guru of learning management began as co-founder of Capstone Engineering more than 20 years ago. There, he designed an innovative training and development program that was based on demonstrated performance rather than the traditional "time in grade" systems. His successful approach reached beyond his employees to the training programs of his clients. Since leaving Capstone in 2010, Leon has remained focused on the arenas of training and personnel development as a consultant and learning manager. In addition to his degree in Industrial Engineering, he is a licensed teacher in the State of Texas and a Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP).

Mike HurleyVice President, Technology

Mike shares a like-minded understanding of the needs of his clients, thanks to more than 25 years of experience as an engineer on the client side of the chemical and petrochemical business. He began his career as the sole engineer at a small plant in Beaumont, Texas, and climbed to manager of mechanical integrity at the largest site of a company in Houston, Texas. His background in plant management, fitness for service, analysis, maintenance/repair, evaluation, quality assurance/control, and safety standards culminated in the implementation of one of the first successful risk-based inspection programs in the chemical manufacturing industry, which was later established as the standard within the corporation. An author and patent owner, Mike is responsible for the technical direction of AOC.

Other Team Members

Chris PayneSenior RBI Consultant

With more than 20 years of inspection experience in the pharmaceutical, chemical, and petroleum-based industries, Chris' primary focus for the last decade has been on the implementation and management of risk-based inspection (RBI) databases.

Don CongerSenior RBI Consultant

With more than 35 years of experience with companies such as Sandefer Oil & Gas, SGS Industrial Services, and Capstone Engineering, Don is responsible for the design, evaluation, implementation, and management of Integrity and Process Safety management systems.

Vibha ZamanSenior Consultant

Vibha is a Professional Engineer with over 20 years of diverse experience including corrosion consulting and pipeline integrity management. She has spent the last 12 years in Asset Management Consulting supporting a wide array of offshore and onshore pipeline integrity management projects and corrosion studies for refining, oil sands, gas processing, and petrochemical sectors.

Paul RaithbySenior Consultant

Paul has 20 years Mechanical Maintenance, Reliability and Integrity experience in the hazardous chemicals industry as a Chartered Engineer and a leader in Inspection Management in a highly regulated environment. Complementing his Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Paul also has an MBA in Industrial Management and is a Six Sigma Black Belt.

Paul SheriffConsultant

Paul Sheriff has 30 years of Mechanical Maintenance, Reliability, Project Management and Integrity experience split evenly between the steel industry and the hazardous chemicals industry. He has been a Chartered Engineer for over 25 years and is a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. As well as a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Paul also has a MSc in Engineering Management and is a Six Sigma Black Belt.

Chris ArthurSenior Consultant

With more then 20 years of inspection in the chemical and petroleum-based industries. For the last 18 years his primary focus has been on the implementation and management of risk-based inspection. Chris has implemented programs for companies like Tesoro, HollyFrontier, Koch, Sunoco and others.

Lawrence PetersenTeam Leader

Lawrence Peterson is known for his attention to detail as a Team Leader for AOC. He has 15 years of experience as a former coordinator, inspector, and project manager at various engineering companies. Lawrence holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.

John DickersonTeam Leader

With 16 years of experience, John has spent nearly half his life in the reliability field. Starting out as a Level 1 NDE technician, and obtaining all of the requisite API certifications along the way, John has advanced his career and has been employed by inspection contractors as well as refining and chemical companies. His time on the owner/user side of the business will allow him to fully understand and anticipate the needs and goals of AOC's diverse client base.

Brandon JohnsonTeam Leader

Brandon has 16 years of experience providing Mechanical Integrity risk-based and maintenance inspection services in petrochemical and refining facilities. Various types of projects that he as managed and worked on include implementation and management of risk-based Mechanical Integrity systems, CML Optimization, CUI, and developing turnaround inspection scopes. Brandon holds API certifications in 510, 570, and 580.

John DannaProject Manager

John is an expert on the complete implementation of process safety management, including mechanical integrity, RBI, and design basis documentation. He has more than 35 years of experience in process industries, energy, and technical project management.

Steve PaulusCAD Drafting

Steve has more than two decades of experience as a draftsman and piping designer for large refineries and chemical plants. As the owner of OffsiteCAD, he provides basic and custom drafting services for chemical plant environments.

Steve ElmerSenior Software Consultant

With over 20 years of experience as a technician and leader in agile software environments, Steve is known for his ability to work across various platforms, technologies, and tiers, from the database to user interface and interactive design.

Adriana RiveroOffice Manager

With more than 20 years of experience of senior-level executive support, management, and training. Adriana has a strong ability to streamline processes, maximize efficiency, and foster professional relationships within organizations. Her viewpoint centers around what role she can play in helping others find solutions. She is committed to excellence in service and always practices personal accountability in the workplace.

Nadia ClarkTalent Acquisition Specialist

Nadia Clark brings more than 20 years of experience in business management, recruiting, and human resources. She is Director of Recruiting at Elise Resources. Nadia has a B.B.A. from Albertus Magnus College and a Master's in Public Health from Connecticut State University.

Mona LarsonSenior Technical Writer

For more than 20 years, Mona has provided technical writing for corporations such as Hewlett Packard, British Petroleum, Shell, and Chevron. She is known for her excellent, detail-oriented communication and ability to work well with a team.