CEO
Carol Wideman is a cofounder and CEO of Vcom3D, the developer of patented, award winning, multilingual, context-sensitive, 3D virtual character animation software and authoring tools. The company has also developed innovative solutions for individual and collaborative learning as well as cross-cultural communication. These systems include Vcom3D developed software and a range of hardware devices, including the Apple iPhone.
She is a former K-12 and University educator, General Electric (GE) engineer, as well as a business leader at GE Simulation and Training Systems in Daytona Beach, Florida, and Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) in Orlando, FL. Carol has testified before The U.S. House Science Committee, Subcommittee on Research, and briefed the NATO Task Group on Advanced Authoring Technologies as well as the Defense Science Board IED Task Force on Medical IT. She is a member of the National Science Foundation Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Advisory Committee. Carol frequently speaks at universities and learning conferences.
She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Florida, a Master of Science degree from the University of Florida (UF) and Executive Training from the GE Corporate Training Center in Crotonville, New York.
CTO
Ed is co-founder of Vcom3D. In his role as Chief Technology Officer, he directs a team of software developers, linguists, and educational technologists in the development of virtual human applications for education, training, and accessibility. He previously held positions as Chief Scientist and Technical Director at Lockheed Martin Information Systems Company. Ed earned a B.S. in Mathematics from the College of William and Mary and the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Systems Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He has been awarded five patents in the area of real-time visual simulation. Ed is a frequent presenter at the Interservice/Industry Training Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) and other forums focusing on the use of simulations in experiential learning. He is a member of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), and the Phi Beta Kappa honorary scholastic society.
CFO
Jeff co-founded Redgate Communications with Ted Leonsis and raised $8M from the venture capital community. AOL later acquired the company for a stock transaction valued at $35M. Jeff also brings M&A experience from his tenure at Harris.
VP, Programs and Business Development
Matt is Vice President for Programs and Business Development at Vcom3D. In this role, he directs a team of product and marketing managers in an effort to create software products and solutions based on needs of the government, education, and corporate communities. Matt previously held positions at SAIC and Icon Systems, as Director of East Coast Operations, supporting Warfighters in the Live Training domain. Prior to this, Matt served in the Army for 28 years, retiring as a Colonel. His assignments included: Deputy PEO, PEO STRI; Project Manager, Future Force (Simulations); Project Manager, Instrumentation, Targets and Threat Simulators; Product Manager, Ground Combat Training Systems; and numerous operational Cavalry assignments and various acquisition assignments. A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy, Matt also holds a Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Washington. An active member in the Orlando M&S community, he is Executive VP of the Sunshine Chapter of AUSA and on the Board of Directors of the Central Florida Chapter of the NDIA.
Director, Software & Graphics Development
Dan holds a B.A. in Film Studies from the University of Florida and a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Central Florida. He has worked in the Film and Video production industry and now leads the development of award winning interactive multimedia and simulations technology for communication, education and training, accessibility and gaming. Dan led the development of the original SigningAvatar educational product which took "Best in Education" and "Best Overall" honors at the SIGGRAPH 2000 Web3D RoundUP, and has been featured by CNN and on the National Science Foundation website.
Chief Software Developer
Tu received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Florida where he graduated with Honors. He has over 10 years of professional experience which includes developing 3D character animation systems, authoring tools, and interactive educational training. Tu also shares a patent for a method of animating 3D computer generated characters.
Team Leader, Sign Language Projects
Jason, Deaf and a native ASL signer, is involved in the research and innovation of Vcom3D's sign language products. He also manages the research partnerships between Vcom3D and several universities such as, Gallaudet University. Jason earned his B.A. in Political Science from Boston University. He has taught American Sign Language and ASL/English at major colleges and universities for the past 13 years. He is actively involved in the Deaf community and hopes to bring better educational tools to the community utilizing Vcom3D's products.
Technical Director
Todd has worked in computer animation for over 17 years. He has done special effects work for several direct to video films and worked on numerous video games, including Sega of Japan’s, coin operated title, Behind Enemy Lines, as well as Dukes of Hazzard and Trophy Buck 2 for Sony’s Playstation console. Additionally, Todd authored the 1st and 2nd editions of the technical manual, Maya Feature Creature Creations, for Charles River Media. Todd heads up all character development for Vcom3D’s product lines.
Manager, Signing Products and Projects
Cindy holds a B.S. in Communications from Stephens College in Columbia, MO. She has worked in marketing and as an events planner for more than 18 years and now markets virtual human characters for education of Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. Cindy is the primary interface for all Sign Smith customers and partners and is the product manager for the Sign Smith product line.
Operations
Ernie holds a B.S. in Management Information Systems from The University of Central Florida and an M.B.A. from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. He has worked in the IT field for over 10 years and more specifically as an IT director and administrator for more than 5 years. With his experience he has helped direct company infrastructure growth, managed support for end users, provided software product management and developed disaster recovery and security policies. He is the principal interface for all Vcom3D customer support and is the product manager for Vcommunicator Mobile.
