Leadership

CEO

Gary Hamer



"When we started Champion in 2000, we chose the name to express that our company would provide the best solutions to help people solve their technology challenges. We've held true to our name by developing a team of professionals who are truly dedicated to the service of our clients. I'm proud of what we've accomplished in the past, but I'm even more excited to see what our Champions will do in the future."


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Gary co-founded Champion more than twenty years ago with the mission of delivering innovative solutions and unsurpassed service while achieving steady, sustainable growth. As CEO, he continues to drive the development of a collaborative, empowered workforce to actively contribute to the success of every project. 

Gary holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Louisiana State University.

PRESIDENT

Mehrdad Ghorashi



"Champion shows how a team with common goals and values brings success to our customers, employees, and community all at the same time. The commitment to strive for excellence every day is what makes me proud to be part of the Champion team."


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Mehrdad has been a part of Champion for more than 20 years– serving as Automation Engineer and Business Manager before assuming his present role of President in 2017. Mehrdad’s industry expertise ranges from plant-floor automation solutions to strategic business intelligence tools. 

Mehrdad holds a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from Louisiana State University and is a member of the International Society of Automation.

VICE PRESIDENT

Brad Jordan



"At Champion, we pride ourselves on customer service and technical excellence. This is driven by a dedicated team and culture whereby everyone supports one another. The environment and commitment to improvement is a main factor in the success of the company, it has allowed me to grow as a person and a leader."


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Brad brings over 25 years of experience in industrial automation to his role of Vice President. Beginning as Business Manager in Lake Charles in 2005, his business acumen and technical aptitude played an instrumental role in Champion’s regional growth and success. Brad took on his present position in 2021 and continues to drive collaboration and operational excellence across the company. 

Brad holds a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from McNeese State University. 

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Brandon Zemlo, PE



"Champion is a solutions-driven company that thrives on the challenge of exceeding customer expectations. Champion’s commitment to continuous improvement, combined with our collaborative culture sets us apart in the field."


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Brandon brings over 25 years of experience in control system engineering for critical infrastructure to his role of Director of Operations. Drawing on his knowledge of business and operations management, Brandon leads Champion’s development and implementation of industry-leading project execution methodologies. 

Brandon holds a Bachelor of Science in electric engineering and a Master of Business Administration from Marquette University and a Master of Project Management from University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is a licensed Professional Engineer and holds patents related to remote machine diagnostics. 

HR GENERALIST, RECRUITER

Laurie Firmin



"Working for Champion makes me feel like I am part of a team striving for excellence -- people working together and helping each other in a professional but relaxed atmosphere. To me, Champion = Teamwork."


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Laurie leverages a passion for people and over 20 years of human resources experience in her role of Recruiter/Human Resources Generalist. She works with Champion’s leadership to identify, attract, and retain top talent nationwide. Laurie also leads the development of internal HR services, policies, and programs.

Laurie is a member of the National Society of Human Resource Management (NSHRM), Greater Baton Rouge SHRM, and NOLA SHRM. 

HS&E SPECIALIST

Jodie Bland



"The creative and collaborative spirit here at Champion affords me the unique opportunity to continually challenge and sharpen my own professional skill set as I work among some of the brightest minds in the technology industry."


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Jodie has over two decades of multi-faceted knowledge of occupational health and safety– including service as a Navy Corpsman attached to the Marine Corps, medical education administration, and HS&E experience in the maritime oil and gas industry. As Health, Safety, and Environmental Specialist, he manages Champion’s safety and compliance initiatives, training, and development. 

Jodie holds a Bachelor of Science in health sciences from South University and is a Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) certified Safety Management Specialist (SMP). He is also a member of the American Society of Safety Professionals Greater Baton Rouge and Bayou Chapters. 

AUTOMATION MANAGER

Asa Ange



"Champion’s team has a passion for solving problems and developing solutions. Our determination to understand every client’s needs and an ownership of project success have built lasting relationships and delivered consistent results."


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Asa, who joined Champion in 2006, assumed the role of Automation Manager in the Sabine Region in 2022. As Automation Manager, he uses strategic thinking and exceptional technical leadership to exceed client expectations and make lasting impacts on his teams.

Asa holds a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from McNeese State University, is an ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP), and a Certified EIT in Louisiana.

AUTOMATION MANAGER

Kevin Castille



"We have created and continue to build upon a culture where being for each other is a top priority. At Champion, we treat each other like family and work hard to succeed together. This practice, along with our highly talented and professional team, has been our foundation on which we have built over 20 years of quality solutions and lasting relationships with our clients."


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Kevin leads our Baton Rouge team in the role of Automation Manager. Since joining Champion in 2012, he has prioritized fostering strong client relationships and mentoring colleagues. Leveraging his extensive experience in the oil and gas, mining, and chemical industries, he consistently delivers high-quality automation solutions. 

Kevin holds a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from McNeese State University and is an ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP). 

OT SOLUTIONS MANAGER

Joe Driver



"Champion has allowed me to learn and grow from a technical and personal level. I’m constantly amazed by the dedication to our clients and the ability to work around such an innovative group of people."


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Joe has been a transformative member of the Champion team for nearly two decades. Beginning his career as an Automation Engineer, he now leads a growing team of operational technology (OT) specialists as OT Solutions Manager. In this role, Joe spearheads Champion’s development and implementation of cutting-edge industrial cybersecurity and OT initiatives. 

Joe holds a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from Louisiana State University. He is also a member of the International Society of Automation (ISA) and a certified Global Industrial Cyber Security Professional (GICSP). 

AUTOMATION MANAGER

Carl Jarvis



"Champion has a culture that embraces an entrepreneurial drive. It is a company with deep client relationships that stem from two decades of mutual success. Here at Champion, every day I look forward to building on the company’s accomplishments to see how far we can take it."


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Carl joined Champion in 2021 as Automation Manager in Houston– bringing with him extensive experience in industrial automation and control systems (IACS) in the refining, petrochemical, and midstream industries. Leading the Houston team, he ensures every client receives technically excellent solutions coupled with a positive, productive service experience. 

Carl holds a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He is also an alumnus of the U.S. Navy’s Nuclear Propulsion Program, where he served as the Reactor Controls Division Officer on the USS Nimitz. 

AUTOMATION MANAGER

Daniel Kopsco



"Champion's modern approach to professional development of our employees allows our teams to deliver quality and effective solutions to our clients. As a vendor-agnostic system integrator, we deliver custom solutions that precisely address client needs. Seamlessly integrating cybersecurity expertise, Champion serves as a consultative extension of the client's team, ensuring optimal solutions for their unique requirements."


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Daniel joined Champion in 2014 and took on the role of Automation Manager in New Orleans in 2022. He is committed to fostering lasting relationships with clients and utilizes his experience in the oil and gas, mining, and chemical industries to consistently deliver quality automation solutions. 

Daniel holds a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from Louisiana State University. 

AUTOMATION MANAGER

Evan Ploshay



"I feel honored to be a part of this brilliant and passionate team at Champion. Day in and day out I am impressed with the commitment to thrilling our customers through our technical excellence and focus on customer service. Coming to Champion gives me the opportunity to surround myself with dynamic people who encourage me to push myself personally and professionally every day."


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Evan joined Champion in 2023, bringing with him nearly 20 years of experience in client growth and business development working with industrial automation and control systems (IACS) integrators. As Automation Manager in Salt Lake City, he leads a dynamic team focused on technical excellence and best-in-class service. 

Evan is Sandler Sales Certified and holds a Bachelor of Science in human resources management from the Richard T. Farmer Business School at Miami University.

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