Leadership

Matthew Nuckols, PMP

President

Amy Nuckols

Senior Vice President, Business Operations & Chief Informative Office (CIO)

Nick Perry

Senior Vice President, Business Development

Ian Finnerty, PMP, PE

Senior Vice President, Program and Project Management

David Allen, PE, REM

Vice President, Technical Services & New Mexico Operations

Jeff Gerdes

Vice President, Supply Chain Management

Derek Gordon

Senior Vice President, Nuclear Facility Operations & Safety

Christi Finnerty, CPA

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Director of Finance/Accounting

Tina Davis, SHRM-CP

Director, Human Resources

Lee Bernstein

Chairman of the Board

Mr. Bernstein has over 45 years of experience in all facets of project management, project controls, engineering, and construction. He is a proactive leader who maintains a high level of client and corporate satisfaction through accurate goal definition and problem assessment, teaming, and effective implementation of practical management and information solutions. Mr. Bernstein is a leader in the energy community and founding member of the ETEBA business organization. He has provided written and verbal expert testimony regarding management of over $12B of engineering and construction. He is published and has lectured on program management domestically and internationally.

Matthew Nuckols, PMP

President

Mr. Nuckols has 30 years of experience in project and program management, operations, engineering and construction. Prior to joining SMSI in 2020, Matt held various leadership roles supporting government clients such as the Department of Energy (DOE) and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and in commercial projects spanning industries such as mining and metals, telecommunications, and infrastructure. Known for building and leading high-performance cross functional teams, he skillfully manages programs and projects with highly complex customer requirements. Matt has been responsible for leading major capital project execution integrated with ongoing high-hazard facility operations and critical mission work at multiple DOE sites. Matt has a BS in civil engineering from Colorado State University.

Amy Nuckols

Senior Vice President, Business Operations & Chief Information Officer (CIO)

Ms. Nuckols is a dynamic and driven leader with more than 25 years of experience and expertise building high performing organizations that deliver business results more efficiently and effectively. She provides leadership and integration of SMSI’s business operations to deliver comprehensive services to over 400 employees providing expert management and technical consulting services to customers across the National Security enterprise. Her functional responsibilities include Corporate Management, Contracts, Finance/Accounting, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Cyber Security operations and services. She leads across these departments to align goals and objectives, set performance expectations, ensure successful execution of projects and initiatives, and drive continuous improvement to meet the needs of our rapidly growing staff, clients, and projects. Amy holds an MBA from the University of New Mexico and a BS from the University of the South.

Nick Perry

Senior Vice President, Business Development

Mr. Perry has more than 35 years’ experience in Acquisition Services Management, Contract Management, Business Management, Business Development, and Supply Chain Management. He held senior positions at Bechtel (30 years) and at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He is versed in all aspects of Government Contracting with an in-depth knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulations and a strong knowledge and understanding of Procurement and Contracts Processes and Procedures. Mr. Perry has experience on large Institutional Programs that has given him a broad understanding in working and balancing processes and procedures between project work and institutional requirements. He has led and managed Procurement and Contracting Professionals for over 25 years. Nick holds a BS, Business Administration, Bristol University.

David Allen, PE, REM

Vice President, Technical Services & New Mexico Operations

Mr. Allen has more than 39 years of DOE experience in multidisciplinary program management, nuclear operations, environmental restoration, engineering, and construction of capital projects, including rising to the prestigious Senior Executive Service (SES). His career has focused on projects with budgets up to $1B including baseline management and control, project management, and regulatory compliance including ER, D&D, D&R, and S&M activities. Mr. Allen lead critical high-visibility projects at multiple DOE locations because of his leadership and technical acumen resulting in multiple awards for superior achievement. He holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering (Nuclear emphasis) from the University of Kentucky. He is a licensed PE in KY and is a Registered Environmental Manager (REM). He has extensive Safety Basis, ES&H, QA, and Accident Investigation training.

Christi Finnerty, CPA

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Director of Finance/Accounting

Ms. Finnerty has more than 25 years of experience in finance and accounting operations. She leads accounting and finance functions and partners closely with executive leadership to advance operational and strategic priorities. She has a proven track record of modernizing accounting processes, implementing data-informed decision-making, and guiding organizations through periods of growth and change. She is passionate about building high-performing teams and strengthening financial accountability across the organization. Christi holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Baltimore and a Master of Business Administration from Loyola College in Maryland. She is also a Certified Public Accountant.

Jeff Gerdes

Vice President, Supply Chain Management

Mr. Gerdes has over 20 years of Government Prime Contracts and Procurement Management experience. He specializes in managing large teams of supply chain professionals responsible for specialty procurements of nuclear process equipment for high technology applications, construction, and services subcontracts. He also has extensive experience in Engineering and Construction (EPC) project planning under Earned Value Management System (EVMS) requirements. He’s been responsible for managing prime contracts valued at up to $3B for DOE, NNSA, and DOD projects, and is currently leading a supply chain scope for LANL’s Associate Laboratory Directorate for Plutonium Infrastructure. He holds a BA in History from the University of Tennessee and an MEng, Industrial Engineering/Supply Chain Management from Clemson University.

Derek Gordon

Senior Vice President, Nuclear Facility Operations & Safety

Mr. Gordon has over 30 years’ DOE experience in management and engineering roles. Serving Los Alamos National Laboratory for most of his career, Mr. Gordon has held several leadership positions, including Senior Director in an organization with over 1,000 engineers for the last ten years. Prior to Los Alamos, he supported SAIC, Merrick, and the United States Air Force. Mr. Gordon has a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of New Mexico, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Minnesota. In addition to his education, Mr. Gordon is a Registered Professional Engineer, as well as Certified Risk Analyst.

Ian Finnerty, PMP, PE

Senior Vice President, Program and Project Management

Mr. Finnerty has 30 years of experience in large engineering, procurement, and construction / construction management (EPC / EPCm) projects. He’s experienced in working multiple business lines including government, nuclear, power generation and high voltage transmission lines, infrastructure, and oil and gas. He possesses excellent project engineering, project management, planning, cost management, communication, and negotiation skills with the ability to influence decisions and develop positive relationships. Ian holds several professional certifications including PMP, PE (MD) and CEng in the UK. He has a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Imperial College, London and a Master of Science degree in Management with a focus in Project Management from the University of Maryland.

Tina Davis, SHRM-CP

Director, Human Resources

Ms. Davis has 20 years experience as a Human Resources professional supporting both government and commercial contractors. She provides expertise in managing HR functions, developing policies, and ensuring compliance. She has served in multiple leadership roles effectively managing both large and small teams. Ms. Davis holds a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor’s Degree of Arts from Inter-Americana University of Puerto Rico, as well as her Society of Human Resources Certification (SHRM-CP).