Gain insights into how industrial connectivity accelerates digital transformation, reduces cybersecurity risks, and unlocks operational efficiency.
Ted Kerkam – Sr. Director Product Strategy, PTC Kepware
John Dyck - CEO, CESMII
Stephen Sponseller is the Kepware Channel & Business Development Director, Americas at PTC. He came to PTC via the Kepware acquisition, where he started in 2011 to grow Kepware’s oil and gas business and now leads a team that focuses on Kepware’s multiple Channel programs. Starting his career in 1995, Steve has worked in the manufacturing, computer software, industrial automation, and information technology industries, serving a variety of vertical markets. Steve has a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and a master's degree in engineering from Norwich University.
Abby Eon serves as senior vice president overseeing PTC's digital thread portfolio and acting as general manager of the Kepware segment. In her role, Abby directs the convergence of customer solutions, platforms, and opportunities at PTC. As GM of Kepware, she guides strategy, product R&D, and operational execution within this segment. Since joining PTC in 2016, Abby has led engineering and product teams and contributed to strategic and technological advisory councils. Prior to PTC, she held engineering positions in software and managed teams in the media industry focused on film and television production. Abby holds a dual bachelor’s degree from New York University in computer science and film, television, and radio.
Brian is a seasoned expert with two decades of experience in heavy industry and manufacturing technology. As a Specialist Leader for Deloitte’s Smart Manufacturing business, he drives many converged OT/IT/ET architectures, unlocking value trapped within his clients. Before Deloitte, Brian cut his teeth in engineering consulting with ten years of experience in designing and delivering process control and electrical systems for global EPC firms and held sales leadership and solution architect roles for a top-tier industrial automation supplier.
Ted brings over 20 years of product discovery, development and commercialization to his role working with the Kepware Product team. In this role, he focuses on helping to deliver industry-leading, customer-centered connectivity products that help simply and securely connect the systems driving industrial transformation.
John Dyck was appointed CEO of CESMII - The Smart Manufacturing Institute, in June of 2018. CESMII is a Manufacturing USA Institute chartered with transforming the U.S. manufacturing market and increasing global competitiveness through the democratization of Smart Manufacturing technologies, knowledge, and business practices.
John brings a highly pragmatic perspective to CESMII, and a crisp focus on outcomes that will benefit the Nation’s energy and economic security by sharing existing resources and co-investing to accelerate development and commercial deployment of innovative technologies. He was recognized by the Society of Manufacturing Engineering (SME) in 2020 as one of ‘30 Leaders Transforming Manufacturing in the USA’.
Prior to joining CESMII, John held senior leadership positions in large corporations like GE and Rockwell Automation, and was effective in raising VC funding and building a successful software startup called Activplant.