Meet the Team

Stephen Threet

Chief Operating Officer

Stephen W. Threet is the co-founder Cumberland Engineering and Technical Group and has over 30 years of nuclear and high hazard operations and technical project management experience.  He has served in senior operations and/or technical management position at five Department of Energy (DOE) Nuclear sites, supporting the starting up and/or operation of over eight different nuclear Hazard Category II facilities.  These facilities include nuclear production and power reactors, nuclear material and waste processing and storage facilities and nuclear test facilities.  From standing watch as an Engineering Officer of the Watch and Engineering Watch Supervisor in the US Navy to successfully managing technical projects and programs requiring the identification, flow down and implementation of various regulatory requirements.  He has developed an excellent reputation for solving issues related to start-up/re-start and commissioning activities has repeatedly been successful in developing effective teams of highly talented and experienced personnel in the accomplishment of various assignments with several different companies.

Mr. Threet is considered a Conduct of Operations Subject Matter Expert.  His expertise in Conduct of Operations includes advance work in Training, Procedures, Safety Basis Implementation and Compliance, and Human Performance.  Mr. Threet has played key roles in commercial projects as well.  He served on the Start-up Team on a one-of-kind launch pad for the Delta IV Space Program at the Kennedy Space Center, at Cape Canaveral, Florida.  Additionally, he was one of the Founders, and served as the Technical and Operations Director for the construction and commissioning of an advanced plasma arc smelter, used for the recovery of Platinum Group Metals.   Mr. Threet also has one successful patent to his credit and has successfully launched a product from idea conception to its placement into major brick and mortar stores throughout the United States.   

Mr. Threet has been married to Kimberly Mason Threet for over 41 years.  They have been greatly blessed with two wonderful children and five grandchildren.                  

Jana Smith

Business Operations Manager

Jana Smith is a seasoned strategic professional with over 30 years of experience in management, specializing in the healthcare industry. Over the past 15 years, she focused on regulatory reporting and contracting, showcasing her expertise across 22 states. Jana contributed her talents to a large insurance company, excelling in navigating the intricate landscape of hospital, provider, and vendor contracting.

Throughout her extensive career, Jana underscored a profound understanding of the complexities inherent in healthcare management, particularly in the areas of regulatory compliance and contractual negotiations. Her strategic acumen and in-depth knowledge significantly contributed to the success of her employer, ensuring the delivery of comprehensive and effective insurance solutions.

Beyond her professional achievements, Jana is a dedicated mother of two who takes immense joy in being a grandmother to two beautiful grandchildren. Her ability to balance a successful career with a fulfilling family life attested to Jana’s exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills.

With a proven track record in healthcare management, Jana Smith remains a valuable asset to her industry, having brought a wealth of experience and expertise to her endeavors.

Ted Torres

Director of Resource Technology & Development

Theodore (Ted) Torres has over 30 years experience in nuclear operations and research, including extensive experience in formalized operations training, presentation and mentoring.  Interfacing between safety analysts and field personnel, implementation and auditing of operations for compliance with DOE O 422.1 is a focus area.  Mr. Torres has managed procedures programs for DOE facilities, and written procedures for use in nuclear environments.  Additional expertise in computer network and control systems, digital control systems, and other aspects of computers and data management.  Participated as design lead for computerized systems in DOE megaports program, and has significant experience in both digital and analog controls systems and protocols.

Natalie Adams

Director of Infrastructure

Stephanie Burton

Senior Recruiter

Erica Kircher

Director of Research

Erica Kircher has a diverse professional background including expertise in training coordination and data analysis. Erica has proven instrumental in designing and implementing comprehensive training programs that significantly enhanced team performance and operational efficiency. Her ability to assess needs, develop targeted curricula, and facilitate impactful workshops has fostered significant improvements in team skills and productivity. This experience honed her ability to communicate complex concepts effectively and manage cross-functional teams.
While working in data analytics, she applied her analytical skills to interpret complex data and generate insights that informed key business decisions. Her proficiency in data collection, statistical analysis, and visualization contributed to optimizing processes and supporting strategic initiatives.
Erica’s analytical mindset and problem-solving abilities are complemented by a strategic approach to aligning initiatives with organizational goals. Her experience in evaluating methodologies and presenting findings clearly ensures that insights are both actionable and impactful.