Our Team
Dr. Bennett T.C. Siew
Ben is a Managing Director and the founder of Bennett Partners. He works with investors and entrepreneurs to implement customized solutions that resolve immediate issues and drive bottom-line, organizational performance. His areas of expertise include Board facilitation, individual assessment, organizational benchmarking and development, due diligence, performance management, succession planning as well as executive coaching. He has consulted with companies at all stages of development and conducted applied research in numerous industry sectors. The American Academy of Achievement, the Military Order of the World Wars, and the Ohio Board of Education have recognized him for leadership. Ben has been a member of the American Psychological Association, the Colorado Psychological Association, the Society of Consulting Psychology, the Academy of Management, and the National Association of Corporate Directors.
Ben serves as a Board member for privately held companies, as well as non-profit organizations such as the Student Emergency Relief Association, Inc. (SERA)—a non-profit offering financial aid and educational support to students affected by natural disasters. He was a National Merit Finalist and earned a degree in biology and religion from Duke University. Ben holds a Master's and a Doctorate in Psychology from graduate studies at Wake Forest University and the University of Denver. Ben is a proud father of three amazing children—including twins.
Ms. Barbara B. Atkeson
Barbara is a consultant with Bennett Partners. Her professional track
record includes previous positions as a CFO, associate at a private merchant
bank, as well as a financial analyst with Morgan Stanley. She has
experience fund-raising, evaluating investment opportunities, performing due
diligence, negotiating transactions, monitoring portfolio company
performance, and assisting with strategy and financings. Barbara leverages
her coaching expertise to help senior management teams and individual
executives improve operational results.
Barbara earned a degree in English from Yale University and an MBA from
Stanford University. She also maintains active involvement as a trustee
with charitable organizations such as Summer Scholars a non-profit offering
year round literacy to 900 elementary school students in the Denver Public
School system.
Mr. Karl W. Kottke
Karl is a consultant with Bennett Partners. He is a decorated, FA-18 Hornet fighter pilot and Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy with over a decade of leadership experience. Karl has flown over 30 combat missions and is the only instructor pilot this decade to hold both premier leadership positions at the elite Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN). He has received an Air Medal with Bronze Star and Combat Distinguishing Device, the Atlantic Fleet's Michael Hoff Award for tactical excellence and leadership, and the Captain Scott Speicher Leadership Award.
In addition to team and project management, Karl is adept at threat assessment, system analysis, tactical development, mission planning, and instruction. During his tenure at TOPGUN, he provided more than 35 formal lectures to over 200 students, military leaders and industry representatives; consulted with intelligence agencies and engineers; authored numerous professional chapters and articles; and was named the institution's chief instructor pilot. Karl is the Navy's designated expert on several tactical skill sets and weapons systems. He managed a $6M budget and 220 personnel while holding leadership positions in a forward-deployed combat unit. His efforts focused on human capital improvement, resource optimization, and quality assurance processes. As an operational consultant to an executive body of Navy officials, he adapted weapons procurement methodology
in order to save the service $100M over the next decade. Karl graduated summa cum laude with a BSE and MS in Mechanical
Engineering and Materials Science from Duke University, and has matriculated for his MBA from Harvard Business School. Karl
is a proud husband to his wife Tina and father to his son BaeJin.
Mr. Stirling E. Olson
Stirling is the CIO at Bennett Partners. His experience includes over 15 years of software
and database development, including 3 years in Japan with Mitsubishi Electric, and 4 years as a
CIO in the global transportation industry. Stirling has designed and developed numerous
Internet-based assessment systems as well as managed assessment technology projects in a
team environment.
Stirling holds a BSE in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from Duke University.
His extensive experience managing database development teams in enterprise and professional-level
technologies means that security, reliability, and ease-of-use are woven into every assessment system
developed by Bennett Partners.
Ms. Emma V. Russell
Emma is a consultant with Bennett Partners. She has worked across diverse industry sectors including state and federal government agencies, independent and non-profit organizations, and private consulting. Her skills include outcomes-based project development, the implementation of technical solutions, data/budget management, financial analysis and strategic planning. In addition, as a field engineer for environmental remediation projects, Emma was responsible for material specification, design implementation, subcontractor management, quality control/verification and data analysis/reporting. Emma strives to use her analytical skills to develop practical approaches to defining and achieving human gain. Honoring flexibility, functionality, and aesthetic appeal, she also expresses her technical and creative skills in the competitive world of fashion design.
Emma earned a degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Duke University, with further studies in Fashion Design at the European Institute of Design in Madrid, Spain. She has EU and US citizenship, and currently lives in Barcelona, Spain with her partner and son. Emma is fluent in Spanish, conversant in French, and at a basic level in German and Russian.
Dr. Mark Suyeishi
Mark is a consultant with Bennett Partners. His professional track
record includes experience providing assessments, facilitation, program
planning and development, diversity training and other seminar
workshops, and crisis interventions. He has served as a liaison for
various organizations, helped build a multi-disciplinary team, and
worked with Employee Assistance Programs. Mark serves as a member of
various credentialing and quality care committees.
Mark was the recipient of the Jean Peart Sinnock Award from Pacific
Lutheran University. He holds a Master's in Social Work and a Doctorate
in Psychology from the University of Denver.
Ms. Brandi A. Wright
Brandi is a consultant with Bennett Partners. Her professional track record
includes serving as a manager and director supervising a team of 20+ staff members.
She has organized and implemented the administration and analysis of assessment tools,
progress measures, and demographic data. Brandi's experience in individual and group
settings has included a range of skills training including goal-setting, crisis intervention,
anger management, stress management, and structure development.
Brandi earned a degree in Psychology and Educational Studies from Emory University and a
Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Colorado. Brandi is a
Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Colorado. She also maintains active
involvement with Karis Community, a private mental health organization for adults.
Brandi's greatest joy in life is spending time with her family.
Dr. David A. Wright
David is a consultant with Bennett Partners. He specializes in operationalizing
data analysis, customized assessments, leadership training, team-building, and organizational
development for optimal impact. David's professional track record includes management
experience with a national, healthcare organization where he's provided staff supervision,
program implementation, and change management. His expertise includes individual assessment
and the application of a cognitive-behavioral approach for a myriad of issues.
David has served as Board President for a local, non-profit agency that provides
residential and treatment services to adults. He has also worked in an acute medical
setting providing emergency psychological services. David is a member of the Mental
Health Association of Colorado and works on the Pro Bono Committee that assists
underprivileged members of the Denver community. He is a member of the American
Psychological Association and the Colorado Psychological Association. David graduated
with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Zoology from Miami University, and earned
a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Colorado at Denver.
David holds a Doctorate in Psychology from the University of Denver.
Mr. Siddharth Bammi
Siddharth is an associate with Bennett Partners. His experience includes developing cost models for projects sponsored by General Motors, Alcan and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). He has also served as a third party consultant at CB Richard Ellis and Wells Fargo Bank, managing teams of consultants at these client sites. Siddharth uses his expertise to help address and measure various corporate performance issues.
Siddharth earned a degree in Metallurgical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) - Bombay and a Master of Science in Technology and Policy from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Mr. Idrissa A. Boly
Idrissa is an associate with Bennett Partners. He has professional experience in data analysis through ECOLOC, the local economy data management project in West Africa. He has also worked as a research assistant on various projects related to health, microeconomics, and development. Idrissa has proficiency in a wide array of data management and analysis methodologies.
Idrissa graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Macroeconomic and Development Management from the University of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. He holds Master's degrees in economics from the University of Colorado at Denver and the doctoral program in economics at Duke University. He also received a certificate in data management from the Municipal Studies Institute of Cotonou, Benin. Idrissa is a former Fulbright Scholar who maintains support of Burkina Faso by managing a web site on behalf of students from Burkina studying abroad, Fils du Faso. Idrissa is fluent in French and enjoys playing soccer.
Ms. Marilyn Coming
Marilyn is an associate with Bennett Partners. Her professional experience has been developed in key strategic areas of business in both manufacturing and sales environments. She has leveraged her skills in product costing and accounting, project management, operations, and sales within a Fortune 500 company for the past 20 years. Her leadership abilities and desire for success and goal attainment have won her several recognition and achievement awards. Marilyn's analytical skills have been used to develop process improvements and produce efficiencies that allow teams to reach targets and increase productivity. She applies a customer driven focus and strives to develop tailored and meaningful results for clients.
Marilyn has a degree in Finance from the University of Northern Colorado and a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Denver. She is also active in the community, serving on the Board of Directors of a local financial services firm.
Dr. Robert A. Rella
Rob is an associate with Bennett Partners. His diverse background of training and professional
experiences includes leadership and management positions within the U.S. military, financial advising,
professional services and retail industries. In particular, he served as a U.S. Air Force psychologist for
six years prior to shifting to the private sector as a financial consultant and portfolio manager for Salomon
Smith Barney. As a former sales and marketing coordinator, he guided work with private equity and venture
capital investors as well as a wide array of emerging growth companies. He has operational experience in
managing a high volume, high dollar retail business. He is driven by the opportunity to have positive impact
in all of his consulting and coaching activities. He has regularly presented on leadership topics to senior
leaders in business, military and sports arenas. Rob is an active member of the American Psychological
Association and has held leadership positions within this organization, including serving as chair of the Graduate
Student Board. Rob earned a degree in psychology and neuroscience from Colgate University. He holds a Master's
and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Nova University. Rob has two daughters.
Dr. Manuel J. Jayo
Manuel is an Advisory Board Member of Bennett Partners. As a former professor, researcher,
patent-holder as well as a NASA finalist for Spacelab Life Sciences-3 Mission, Manuel has held numerous
leadership positions and published over 30 journal articles and 40 abstracts. His professional contributions
with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) include positions as an NIH-Fellow with Wake Forest School of
Medicine as well as serving as a Permanent Member, Reviewer and Site Visitor for the National Center for Research Resources (NCRR)-NIH.
Manuel holds a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine and a Doctorate in Pathology from Kansas
State University. He is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathology, a Member
of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command's (USAMRMC) research programs for breast
cancer and osteoporosis, and an associate member of the National Association of Corporate
Directors. Manuel is a founding Board member of the Student Emergency Relief Association,
Inc. (SERA)—a non-profit that provides financial aid and educational support to
students affected by natural disasters. Manuel has served as Senior Pathologist for
Pathology Associates (PAI)—a Division of Charles River Laboratories, Inc., and
he is currently the Senior Director of Preclinical Development & Translational Medicine
for Tengion, Inc.
Dr. Chun Huh
Chun is an Advisory Board Member of Bennett Partners. Dr. Huh serves as a
Research Professor in the Department of Petroleum and Geosystems
Engineering at The University of Texas (UT) at Austin. Before joining
the faculty at UT, he worked as an Engineering Advisor at the ExxonMobil
Upstream Research Co., Houston, Texas — a leading research laboratory
in the oil and gas industry. He did research mainly in theoretical modeling
of basic mechanisms for various enhanced oil recovery processes, and numerical
simulation of those processes, covering from the rock pore scale to the oil
field scale. At ExxonMobil, as a senior technical advisor, Prof. Huh was
actively involved in a wide spectrum of activities for optimized production
of oil and gas from fields. During his last 8 years at ExxonMobil, he was
engaged in developing, organizing and managing a number of proprietary,
high-risk research projects, whose aim was to make a significant impact on
oil and gas business with innovative ideas. He served as Editorial Review
Chairman for the Society of Petroleum Engineers' "Reservoir Evaluation and Engineering Journal,"
served as a member of the Technical Program Committee for the 1998, 2000 and 2002 SPE/DOE Improved
Oil Recovery Symposiums, and he is an associate member of the National Association of Corporate Directors.
Chun holds a Doctorate in Chemical Engineering from the University of Minnesota and conducted post-doctoral research at McGill University, Montreal, Canada. He also received a degree in Chemical Engineering from Seoul National University. Chun has published numerous articles, holds multiple patents, and developed the "Huh correlation" used in industry for surfactant flood design.
Dr. Edward H. Ip
Eddie is an Advisory Board Member of Bennett Partners. His prior
experience includes serving as a research scientist for the Educational
Testing Service, Statistics & Psychometric Division, Large-scale
Assessment Group as well as being on faculty at the University of
Southern California, Marshall School of Business, Information &
Operations Management Department. Eddie is currently on faculty at Wake
Forest School of Medicine, Department of Public Health Sciences,
Biostatistics & Social Sciences & Health Policy.
Eddie holds a Master's degree in Education and a Doctorate in Statistics
from Stanford University. He also received a post-graduate certificate
in software engineering after graduating from the University of Hong
Kong. Eddie has published numerous research articles, authored 2 books,
and serves as an editor and management committee member for the "Journal
of Educational & Behavioral Statistics." Eddie specializes in
psychometrics; data warehousing, business intelligence, and data mining;
analysis of dependency; and multivariate ordinal data analysis. His
areas of interest include fundamental research on the study of
multivariate dependency, and applied research on using psychometric and
data mining methods to analyze large business and educational databases.
Dr. Reri M. MacLean
Reri is a Strategic Partner with Bennett Partners. Her longstanding track record includes
founding businesses, managing organizations and teams, and providing management consulting.
She specializes in customized executive assessment and leadership coaching, team-building, and
organizational development. Her methodology is informed by a thorough understanding of clients'
organizational imperatives. Reri's process enables organizations to accurately identify, hire and
develop the right people for critical positions. She is a regular speaker on the business
applications of Emotional Intelligence.
Reri is President of the Los Angeles Professional Coaches and Mentors Association, and
serves on the National PCMA board. She is a member of the American Society for Training and
Development, and the National Association of Corporate Directors. Reri earned a BA in Humanities
from Macalester College, a postgraduate degree in Montessori Education, and a Master's degree in
Counseling Psychology from Whitworth College. She holds a Doctorate in Psychology from the
University of Denver. Reri's children enjoy careers in business and finance.
Our clients benefit from the individual and collective resources of Bennett Partners. We leverage our consulting professionals and strategic partners to meet the domestic and global needs of our clients.
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