Jack Wade is the Founder and CEO of Z Microsystems. Jack started Z Micro, then known as “the world’s smallest Sun Systems Integrator,” in 1987 in his dining room. Since then, it has grown to become a major supplier of ruggedized computers to the US Armed Forces. Before founding Z Micro, Jack helped EDS develop its Medicare software and worked on several projects for SAIC. Jack attended Indiana State University, where he automated the university’s class registration, grade reporting, cost accounting systems, and supported faculty research.
John Howell is the Vice President of Operations for Z Microsystems. He oversees production, purchasing, warehousing materials, manufacturing engineering, and customer service. John has spent the past 17 years of his career at Z Micro, joining when it was just 10 employees strong. He began in production, but was later promoted to Production Manager. From there, he advanced to Director of Operations until he reached his current position. John received his degree in business from San Diego State University.
Jason Wade is the Vice President of Product Marketing and Sales at Z Microsystems. He joined the company in 2004 as Sales Manager for the Northeastern US and later became Sales Manager for the Western US. In 2008, Jason became Z Microsystems’ Director of Engineering, where he served for almost three years. Jason has extensive experience in system administration, software and hardware development, and technology management. He regularly works with the USAF and UAS suppliers to help solve technical problems that enhance UAS performance. Jason earned bachelor of science degrees in applied mathematics and physics from UCLA and an MBA in technology management from UC Davis.
Randall Millar is Vice President of Engineering at Z Microsystems and oversees all facets of product development from conceptual design through delivery to the customer. Randy brings more than ten years of executive experience having served as Vice President of Engineering and COO at DigiVision. He has extensive technical experience in the design of video processing systems and has been granted a number of patents for his work on real-time enhancement algorithms for medical, military, and consumer markets. Randy earned his degree in electrical engineering at UCSD.
Richard Schmidt is CFO at Z Microsystems and is responsible for management and review of all financial, accounting and human resource functions for the company. Schmidt has twenty-five years of diverse financial and tax management experience, including nine years in a "Big 4" public accounting firm environment. He has consistently implemented successful strategies for financial growth and effectively managed teams of professionals as well recruiting and training of personnel. Previously, he has served as CFO for Volvo Construction Equipment and Services, Cybertel Communications Corporation, and Iseki, Inc. He is a licensed Certified Public Accountant and received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Gonzaga University.
Rick Elliott has been the Vice President of Quality Assurance for Z Microsystems since he began working here in 2000. Rick previously ran a consulting firm that specialized in troubleshooting, quality certifications, and quality training, where he worked with companies such as Huck International, Encad, Heat and Control, and Browning USA. Rick is a certified lead assessor for ISO 9001 and Six–Sigma Black Belt.
Bob Kopas is the Vice President of Military Programs for Z Microsystems. He coordinates with other members of our management team on activities relating to production, sales, engineering and customer service for our Military customers. As a US Navy Surface Warfare Officer with over 28 years of military experience, Bob has served in numerous jobs, most notably as the first Commanding Officer of USS MAKIN ISLAND (LHD 8). Other tours include Commanding Officer of USS HARPERS FERRY (LSD 49) and two tours on the staff of Commander, Naval Surface Forces as Assistant Chief of Staff for Computers, Communications, Command & Control, Combat Systems and Intelligence Systems (C5I) and Assistant Chief of Staff for Training. Bob earned a Master’s of Science degree in Computer Science from the Naval Postgraduate School; a Masters of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College; and a Bachelors of Science Degree in Computer Science from Purdue University. He has also completed Joint Professional Military Education at the Joint Forces Staff College.