Management Team

Mr. Schoening serves the Company as its Chief Executive Officer. He has been instrumental in establishing the systems and infrastructure required to continue Optex System's rapid growth. This activity was rewarded with Optex System's recent ISO9001:2008 Certification. Prior to joining Optex Systems, Danny was the Vice President of Operations for The Finisar Corporation AOC Division for 4 years where he led a team of up to 200 employees to produce vertical cavity lasers for the data communications industry at production rates of hundreds of thousands of units per week. Prior to Finisar, Danny was the Director of Operations for multiple divisions of Honeywell International. Serving the Automotive, Medical, Aerospace, and Consumer Commercial Markets. During this 17 year period, Danny was recognized with Honeywell's Lund Award, their highest award for developing employee resources. Danny has a broad experience level in the following technologies: Mechanical Assembly Processes, Micro-Electronic Assembly Processes, Laser Manufacturing, Plastic Molding, Metal Machining, Plating, Thick Film Printing, Surface Mount Technology, Hall Effect Technology and MEMS based Pressure Devices. Danny received a Bachelors of Science in Manufacturing Engineering Technology from the University of Nebraska, an MBA from Southern Methodist University, and holds three United States Patents.

Ms. Hawkins joined Optex Systems in April 2007 as controller and was promoted to Chief Financial Officer on November 19, 2014. She became a Certified Public Accountant in 1992 and has over 25 years' experience in Financial Accounting and Management, primarily focused in the Defense and Transportation Industries. She has a strong background in both Financial & Cost Accounting, with extensive Government Pricing, Financial Analysis, and Internal Auditing experience. Her past history includes Program Management, Materials Management and Business Development. Her previous experience included positions at General Dynamics -- Ordinance and Tactical Division (formerly Intercontinental Manufacturing), Luminator, a Mark IV Industries Co. and Johnson Controls -- Battery Division. Karen received her Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration in Accounting from Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas in 1986.

Mr. Bates has thirty-five years of experience related to optical component and system manufacturing. He is currently the General Manager of the Applied Optics Center in Dallas, Texas where he oversees the Thin-film Coating and Optical Assembly Operations. He has held various positions throughout his thirty-five years of experience within Litton Industries, Northrop Grumman Corporation, and L-3 Communications. He previously served as Vice President and General Manager within the Warrior Systems Division of L-3 Communications. Mr. Bates received a Bachelor of Science of Business Administration from DeVry University and an MBA from the University of Texas at Dallas.