The Bear Creek Ai leadership team brings a wealth of experience and expertise across various sectors, driving BCAi’s mission to enhance engineering practices with innovative Ai solutions.

The leadership team of Bear Creek Ai (BCAi) consists of the following members:

  • CEO and Managing Partner

    B.S. and M.S. in Engineering, University of Alabama – Birmingham; Ph.D. in Materials Science Engineering, Vanderbilt University.

     

    Over 45 years of experience as a research scientist and consulting engineer, collaborating with top-tier corrosion and materials engineers. Founded CC Technologies in 1985, growing it into a leading corrosion and materials research firm in the U.S. (acquired by DNV in 2005). Conducted over 40 major research projects, including leading the forensic investigation of the Deepwater Horizon blowout preventer (Gulf of Mexico oil spill). Currently serves as SVP Pipeline Services (part-time) at DNV North America. Past President of NACE, Fellow of AMPP, and inductee of the Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame.

     

    As Bear Creek AI’s Founding Member and CEO, Neil provides leadership and strategic direction required for a cutting-edge AI company with the vision “to pioneer advanced AI solutions that revolutionize how engineers access, utilize, and leverage knowledge, setting new standards for innovation and efficiency.”

  • Director

    B.S. and M.S. in Engineering, University of Alabama – Birmingham; Ph.D. in Materials Science Engineering, Vanderbilt University.

     

    Over forty-five years’ experience as university professor, research scientist and consulting engineer. Taught Engineering at Clemson University and University of Alabama – Birmingham for 20 years. Published over 100 technical papers in welding and materials processing and holds 15 patents. Directed over 30 major research programs, most notably for the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and currently for NASA. Founder (1998) and CEO of Vista Engineering, LLC., a consulting, research and testing firm specializing in product design, metallurgy, welding, composite materials, materials testing, and forensic investigations. Fellow of ASM, AWS, and NAFF.

     

    As Bear Creek AI’s Founding Member and Director, Ray guides strategic initiatives for practicing engineers and university collaborations.

  • CTO

    B.S. in Physics, University of Alabama – Birmingham; M.S. in Materials Science Engineering, Vanderbilt University and The Ohio State University.

     

    Over 40 years of experience as an entrepreneur and innovator across tech and arts sectors. Co-founded Red Mountain Technologies, where he developed the first integrated accounting software for the Unix system and multi-user software for major U.S. labs. Founded Bear Creek Technologies, pioneering VoIP integrations, automated network management, and led the company to significant growth before selling. Founded Bear Creek Glass, growing it into North America's largest producer of handcrafted glass sinks.

     

    As Bear Creek AI’s Founding Member and CTO, Joe is the thought leader and drives the vision for the Bear Creek AI Ecosystem, leading the way in advancing innovative AI solutions.

  • Director and Managing Partner

    B.S. in Accounting, University of Alabama – Birmingham.

    Over 40 years of experience in commercial banking, partnering with CEOs to ensure their company’s business growth and success. Former EVP Commercial Banking Division Head at Regions Bank (retired). Currently Co-Founder and CEO of TAN Composites, LLC.

    As Bear Creek AI’s Founding Member, Director, and Managing Partner, Mike oversees commercial strategies and builds strategic relationships to support the company’s growth and success.

  • Director

    B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, The Ohio State University.

     

    Over 35 years of experience in executive leadership roles across diverse industries, with expertise in governance, stakeholder engagement, risk management, and applied technology solutions. Renowned for fostering collaboration and driving innovation. Serves on the ASME Board of Governors, is a recipient of ASME’s International Pipeline Conference Lifetime Achievement Award and is an ASME Fellow.

     

    As Bear Creek AI’s Director, Pat leverages his extensive expertise to promote sustainable growth and develop cutting-edge AI-driven strategies.