Buz Zey, President

Prior to founding NovaTech LLC in 1984, Buz was VP of Technology for the Pritchard Corporation in Kansas City. He was responsible for technology used in the petrochemical industry including refineries, pipeline operations, natural gas processing, and utility plants. His current efforts for NovaTech include the management and integration of our utility and process operations with a particular emphasis on R&D functions.

Buz held a number of technical positions with other companies before joining Pritchard in 1974. He graduated from Central Missouri State University with a BS in Chemistry and an MS in Environmental Engineering from the University of Missouri.

Volker Oakey, Chairman

Volker Oakey is responsible for the market and financial strategy of the combined Novatech Process and Utility organizations. His current focus is the expansion of internal product development and external alliances with best-in-class product manufacturers. This will result in greater service and technology offerings to our customers around the world.

From 1986-2001, Volker was the Chairman and CEO of Bitronics, Inc., a manufacturer of substation-hardened digital meters and transducers. Because of their durable engineering and outstanding customer support, Bitronics meters were specified 4-to-1 over any other meter for substation applications.

Volker began his career at Bethlehem Steel Corporation, where he eventually held the position of Assistant Treasurer. He has a BA in Economics from the University of Maryland and an MBA from the Wharton School of Business.

John Drescher, VP Administration

John is chiefly responsible for the integration of our many domestic and international offices. His decades of experience in global commerce include several leadership roles at the former Bethlehem Steel Corporation. His accomplishments at that company include managing a 300% increase in Canadian sales over a three-year period from 1992-1995. This performance earned him the presidency of Bethlehem Steel de Mexico. John has a BA in economics from Westminster College and is a decorated former US Army Captain.

Ron Gullickson, VP Utility Operations

Ron Gullickson joined NovaTech in 1989 after a 14-year career with a Midwest industrial distribution firm. Ron has held positions with NovaTech as a Project Manager from 1989 through 1991 and Manager of Operations from 1991 through 1993. In 1993, Ron became Vice President of Operations for NovaTech. Currently, Ron is involved in operations throughout the entire NovaTech organization with his main responsibility as oversight of the Utility group located in Kansas City. Ron graduated from Baylor University in Waco, TX in 1973 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree majoring in Management.

Ray Wright, VP Marketing

Ray Wright has sold and marketed automation products and systems for the past 23 years, including industrial robotics with Unimation ('81-85), Programmable Controllers at Modicon, ('87-'97) Protective relays at ABB, ('97-02) and substation automation and process automation at NovaTech ('02 to present). During this time, Ray has consistently developed new approaches to automation problems, including the first industrial robot at General Motors Baltimore and suites of new products for substation automation while at Modicon, ABB and NovaTech. Ray's education includes a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from General Motors Institute (1978) and a Masters of Administrative Science from Johns Hopkins University (1985).