Our Leadership

Pat Hood is the CEO and founder of the Rushlight enterprise. He started the first business, Cornerstone Research Group (CRG), in 1997 in his basement, with no contracts and no customers—only a dream and a lot of drive. More than 25 years later, that company has over 100 employees and has spun off multiple new entities and subsidiaries based on innovative technologies. Patrick has over 37 years of experience in defense and aerospace R&D, operations, entrepreneurship, business strategy, and management. He has founded or co-founded multiple operating start-ups and has been recognized eight times as an awardee of the INC 5000 fastest growing private companies. He is a local fixture in the Dayton Business Journal’s annual “Who’s Who in Aerospace and Defense” list. Patrick holds a B.S., a M.S., and a Ph.D. from the University of California–Davis in materials science. Patrick has a heart for encouraging other entrepreneurs and mentoring professionals in their careers. In addition, he desires to give back to and support the region where he built his businesses.

Chris Hemmelgarn is the Chief Technology Officer for Rushlight Assets, where he is responsible for the enterprise-wide technical strategy that is aligned with both near-term actions and long-term goals focused on accelerating product maturation and transition. He also manages government affairs and oversees business operations for the Integrated Capabilities Office, a team focused on developing and delivering missionized systems to the U.S. military. With over 20 years of experience in aerospace and defense R&D, business strategy, IP licensing, and executive leadership, Hemmelgarn has played key roles throughout his career. He was the first aerospace engineer hired at CRG, where he helped establish the Aerospace Systems Center, a team that has had significant contributions to aerospace and defense with its involvement in multiple X-plane programs and several other advanced military systems. As CRG’s VP of strategic development, followed by chief revenue officer, and later president, he led efforts that resulted in a 200% revenue increase from 2018 through 2024. Hemmelgarn holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering and an M.S. in aerospace engineering from the University of Dayton, and is pursuing an M.B.A. in innovation and entrepreneurship at Cedarville University.

Andy Cothrel has over 20 years of experience in the corporate world including executive roles at Abbott Labs and Roche, and 17 years in startups, consulting, and venture, with a focus on commercializing technology-based products across multiple industries. His expertise spans commercial, regulatory, technical, exit transactions, and organizational aspects, making him an asset in monetizing intellectual property. Cothrel has worked with clients ranging from commercial giants to startups, delivering results in a wide range of industries, including medical/life sciences, health IT, and defense/dual-use technologies. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from The Ohio State University, a M.S. in Engineering from the University of Michigan, and has completed post-graduate work at both the Cranfield School of Management and London Business School.

Paul McNiel is a highly experienced senior financial executive for manufacturing and defense-related companies, with expertise as a CPA in public accounting (Big 4 firm) and international finance. He has provided financial leadership and strategic planning for privately held and publicly traded companies, managing complex accounting, treasury, cash flow, audit, and employee benefits matters, as well as hands-on operations experience. McNiel has successfully implemented growth strategies, including identifying and integrating business acquisitions and divestitures, raising investment capital, and serving as an officer and director on several boards of directors for both not-for-profit and for-profit manufacturing companies. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance and an M.B.A. in finance and international business from Wright State University.

Dave Whalen began his career in operations research analysis, building a strong foundation in data-driven decision making. With experience in finance and a background in architecting business information applications, Whalen focuses on creating infrastructure that empowers people to solve their own problems. He holds an undergraduate degree in statistics and a master’s degree in public administration, combining analytical expertise with strategic leadership. Over his career, Whalen has gained experience in IT management, cybersecurity, and corporate applications, designing systems that streamline workflows and enhance efficiency. His approach emphasizes aligning technology solutions with organizational goals while supporting the success of individuals and teams.

Jeff Bennett is an accomplished operations professional with over 25 years of experience in strategic planning, new business development, and logistics. For more than 15 years, he has been a key contributor at CRG, specializing in new business startups, spin-off implementation, and resource allocation. His expertise spans corporate management, human resources development, payroll, and 401k implementation. Previously, Bennett held leadership roles at Clopay Plastic Products Co. as a master scheduler and distribution supervisor and at Gosiger, Inc. as general manager for product support. He also spent nine years as a traffic manager at Paxar Corp., Rittal Corporation, and The Duriron Company in Dayton. Bennett holds an M.B.A. in management from Wright State University.

Chrysa Theodore has 20+ years of experience in defense and aerospace R&D, technical and operations strategy, implementation, and executive management. She joined CRG in 1998 as a researcher and was its first full-time employee. Theodore has successfully led and mentored the growing technical staff while supporting administration and operations through talent strategy, recruiting, proposaling, contracting, and executive leadership. She volunteers to create awareness of career opportunities available to the next-generation STEM workforce and serves on several committees, including at the University of Dayton. Theodore holds a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering from the University of Dayton and has prior experience as a manufacturing engineer at General Motors and Vernay Laboratories.

Kristin Cable is responsible for the operations of CRG’s technical centers, which include the Research and Development Center, Power and Energy Center, Aerospace Center, and Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Center. Overseeing a team of approximately 50 people, she ensures center leadership drives the technical execution of contract R&D and internal programs while managing revenue, advancing team competencies, and achieving key metrics in growth, revenue, gross margin, and technology transition. Cable also spearheads talent strategy, focusing on retention, skill growth, recruitment, and professional development through the Career Development Program, which provides structured evaluation, feedback, and leadership training. With 20 years of experience at CRG, Cable has managed over $19 million in R&D funding and led projects in medical, aerospace, composites, and consumer goods. She has developed patient transport platforms, advanced medical devices, biodynamic acceleration sensor system, and a health monitoring garment. Holder of eight patents and author of 10+ papers, Cable graduated cum laude with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of Dayton.

Ben Dietsch brings over 23 years of professional experience in advanced materials and manufacturing, with expertise in engineering, sales, program management, and executive leadership. Currently, he leads Cornerstone Research Group’s Arsenal business unit, which focuses on delivering readiness and materiel to support the Department of Defense mission. Dietsch has also run two CRG startup companies, commercializing composite technologies for the aerospace and defense markets. His career spans roles at CRG, S&K Technologies, and GE Aviation, where he worked on composites, novel resins, additive manufacturing, and aircraft assembly. Dietsch holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in chemical engineering from the University of Dayton and is a past president of the Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE) North America region. He remains active in SAMPE and the Dayton Region Manufacturers Association, contributing to industry innovation and growth.

Dave West brings over 20 years of expertise in organizational leadership, business development, program management, and systems engineering. Currently, he applies his skills at Cornerstone Research Group, focusing on organizational startup, personnel mentoring, capital investment strategy, and execution excellence to develop unique systems that leverage existing and new integrated capabilities. West has authored business development plans, led cross-business unit integration initiatives, and created tools for enterprise-wide capability enhancement. His prior experience includes roles at Lockheed Martin, Ball Aerospace, and SAIC, where he implemented market penetration strategies, opportunity tracking, and capture management, and served as chief systems engineer and program manager for high-value Department of Defense programs. West holds an M.B.A. from the University of Phoenix, a bachelor’s degree in management information systems from Wright State University, degrees in communications technology and aircraft weapons technology from the Community College of the Air Force, and a graduate certificate in systems engineering from Steven’s Institute.