Keel Executive and Leadership Team

Allen Couture, the Chief Operating Officer at Keel, directs all fabrication and machining workflows across the organization. Overseeing the integration of legacy entities like Pegasus Steel and Merrill Technologies Group, the Chief Operating Officer ensures operational consistency throughout the manufacturing lifecycle. This leadership role involves optimizing production efficiency to meet the rigorous standards required by the U.S. Navy and defense sector partners. By streamlining supply chain logistics, Allen Couture directly impacts the company's ability to deliver complex hardware on schedule. The Chief Operating Officer manages cross-functional teams to maintain high output quality while scaling capacity for industrial customers. Through rigorous oversight of shop floor performance, Couture secures the operational excellence necessary for long-term growth within the defense industrial base. This position requires constant coordination with engineering departments to refine technical processes and maintain a competitive edge in precision manufacturing.

John Geiger, the President, Midwest at Keel, directs regional manufacturing operations and business development initiatives across the central United States. Overseeing the integration of regional facilities into the broader corporate strategy, the President, Midwest ensures that local production capabilities meet the stringent quality requirements of the defense industrial base. This leadership role involves managing client relationships and expanding market reach within the regional industrial sector. By optimizing local resource allocation, John Geiger directly impacts the efficiency of fabrication and machining projects delivered to defense partners. The President, Midwest collaborates with executive leadership to synchronize regional output with national supply chain objectives. Through the oversight of regional facility performance, Geiger secures consistent operational standards and drives growth in the central market. This position requires deep engagement with local industrial stakeholders to identify new opportunities for integration services, ensuring that the regional footprint remains a vital component of the overall company mission.

Kwang Chen, the Chief Information Officer at Keel, architects the digital infrastructure supporting advanced manufacturing and secure data management. Overseeing cybersecurity protocols and enterprise resource planning systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures the protection of sensitive defense-related intellectual property. This leadership role involves implementing scalable technology solutions that connect disparate manufacturing sites into a unified digital ecosystem. By modernizing internal communication platforms, Kwang Chen directly impacts the speed and accuracy of project delivery for industrial clients. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with operational leaders to integrate automated machining data into real-time reporting dashboards. Through the deployment of robust network architecture, Chen secures the technological foundation required for complex systems integration. This position demands constant vigilance regarding data integrity and compliance with federal defense standards, ensuring that all digital assets remain resilient against evolving cyber threats while supporting the broader mission of the organization.

Silvia Van Dusen, the Chief People Officer at Keel, directs human capital strategy and organizational development across the entire enterprise. Overseeing talent acquisition and workforce training programs, the Chief People Officer ensures the alignment of personnel capabilities with the specialized demands of precision fabrication and defense manufacturing. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of safety, innovation, and technical excellence among the diverse teams inherited from the merger of Pegasus Steel, Merrill Technologies Group, and Metal Trades. By implementing comprehensive professional development initiatives, Silvia Van Dusen directly impacts the retention of highly skilled machinists and engineers. The Chief People Officer manages performance management systems to drive accountability and operational efficiency. Through strategic workforce planning, Van Dusen secures the human resources necessary to meet the evolving requirements of the U.S. Navy and other industrial customers, ensuring that the company maintains a high-performing workforce capable of executing complex integration projects.