The conference – hosted by Index AR Solutions at Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg, Virginia – is scheduled to allow participants to travel to Williamsburg on Monday, October 20 and return to any mainland U.S. destination by the night of Tuesday, October 21.

Attendees will experience hands-on Index demos and exhibits, listen to speakers describe how their companies are using and considering using Index AR Solutions, and network with other participants.

View highlights from last year’s conference:

CONFERENCE EXHIBITS

A morning session on October 21 will give conference participants the opportunity to walk around and interact with Index mobile apps, eBooks and experts. Breakfast will be served just outside the ballroom and participants are encouraged to eat, network and experience these best-in-class digital products.

The augmented reality demos and displays will highlight a few of the more than 1,000 Index AR Solutions eBooks, mobile apps and projects. Clients are encouraged to spend some time at their own displays/demos and speak to their experiences.

FEATURED PRESENTERS

The Index Fall 2025 Conference will include thought-provoking presentations from industry and business leaders who will share their experience implementing Index mobile apps and eBooks for workforce development. Stay tuned for additional presenters to be added as they are confirmed.

Dr. John E. Alex – Medical Director, Riverside Simulation Training Lab

Multimodal Learning in Hospitals: Riverside / Index Partnership Update

Dr. John E. Alex is an Emergency Physician, Healthcare Simulation Educator, and Medical Director for the Riverside Simulation Training Lab at Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News, VA.

Prior to joining Riverside, Dr. Alex retired from the U.S. Navy after 20 years of military service. His military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2 awards), Joint Service Achievement Medal, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. He is also a designated Naval Flight Surgeon and a qualified Fleet Marine Force Warfare Officer.

In 2015, Dr. Alex was selected to be the first Deputy Director of the Healthcare Simulation and Bioskills Training Center at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth where he led a staff of simulation specialists in efforts to provide essential medical training to hospital personnel, trainees, and local operational forces.

Gerald Allex – Training Director, Xcel Energy

Panelist

Gerald Allex is a Director of Training for Xcel Energy. Gerald has been with Xcel Energy for the past 23 years providing oversight for various training programs. For the first 19 years, Gerald managed the Nuclear Operator Training programs for the company’s two nuclear sites in Minnesota, ensuring the programs remained accredited with the Industry of Nuclear Power Operators. Over the past four years Gerald has moved to the company’s non-nuclear side to provide direction in our eight-state operating territory for Gas Training and OQ Evaluation, Plant Operations Training for all our coal, gas and hydro plants, and Safety and Compliance Training programs for the company. Prior to joining Xcel Energy, Gerald spent over eight years in the U.S. Navy as a nuclear mechanical operator and chemistry technician having an opportunity to serve on board a ballistic missile submarine and finishing his military career as a trainer at a prototype facility in upstate New York. Gerald has a Bachelor of Science degree in Nuclear Engineering Technology from Excelsior University.

Dan Arczynski – President & CEO, Index AR Solutions

An Index State of the Union

Dan co-founded Index AR Solutions in 2015 and the company has grown to become a premier workforce development partner for large US clients. For nineteen years prior to Index, Dan held a series of executive positions in the shipbuilding industry. He served as Corporate Vice President of both Business Development and Strategy at Huntington Ingalls Industries as well as Sector Vice President of Strategy at both Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding and growth initiatives. Dan also served on the Board of Directors for Continental Maritime of San Diego, AREVA Newport News and Savannah River Nuclear Solutions. Prior to shipbuilding, Dan was Vice President of Strategy and Vice President of Mergers and Acquisitions for Shawmut, a large New England regional bank. He was also a consultant for Marakon Associates, a firm focused on creating shareholder value for its clients. A U.S. Army veteran, Dan served for twelve years attaining the rank of Major. During this time, he led five platoon-size units and commanded a light infantry company. He also taught economics, finance and investments at West Point. Dan is a 1978 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy where he was on the Dean’s List, Commandant’s List and Superintendent’s List. He is a 1986 graduate of the Harvard Business School where he graduated with Highest Distinction and was elected Baker Scholar.

John Arczynski – Senior Vice President & COO, Index AR Solutions

Closing Remarks

John is Senior Vice President at Index AR Solutions and has been with the company since its founding. As Chief Operating Officer, John oversees all company operations to include eBook production, application production, project management, software architecture, research and development, human resources, information technology, facilities, accounting, and finance. A graduate of James Madison University, John holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in both Economics and History. He enjoys skiing, wakesurfing, pickleball, and traveling and always strives to deliver the best results whether in his personal hobbies or business projects.

Chase Bland, P.E., P.M.P. – Manager, Substation Engineering Detail Design, Dominion Energy

Panelist

Chase Bland is a manager at Dominion Energy leading the Substation Engineering Detail Design department. His team has two focus areas – Physical Engineering and Protection & Controls. The Physical Engineering team is responsible for the layout, configuration and material procurement of all new and existing substations within the Dominion electric service territory. The Protection & Control team is responsible for the design and coordination of all relays, AC and DC systems and material procurement for all substations within the territory. Chase joined Dominion Energy in 2006 as a cooperative student while attending Virginia Commonwealth University. Upon graduating in 2008, Chase began his career within the Substation Engineering department as a Physical Design Engineer. He has held various roles since then, focusing as a lead engineer for projects of varying complexity as well as conceptualization and estimation of substation projects starting in 2015. In 2018, he transitioned into leadership, with engineering teams, project management teams and budgets under his guidance. He earned his current title in 2024. Chase earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in Mechanical Engineering with minors in Mathematics and Physics in 2008. As a Mechanical Engineer by education, he is a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Virginia by passing the Electrical Engineering exam focused in Power Systems. He is also a certified Project Management Professional by the Project Management Institute.

Anthony W. Gagliardo, Ed.D. – Vice President of Nuclear, Technical & Enterprise Learning, Xcel Energy

Nuclear Workforce Development: Challenges, Opportunities and Growth

Dr. Anthony W. Gagliardo is a nationally recognized leader in operational excellence and workforce development, known for transforming global organizations through innovative training strategies, cost optimization, and talent development. As Vice President of Nuclear, Technical & Enterprise Learning at Xcel Energy, he oversees multimillion-dollar training operations and has redefined global learning efforts through his work with the World Association of Nuclear Operators and the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations. His earlier role at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory included leading the Future Workforce Destination 2025 initiative, which helped the organization earn recognition as one of the top public-sector learning and development organizations. Dr. Gagliardo’s impact spans the private, public, and government sectors, including leadership roles at the FAA, where he transformed air traffic control operations and spearheaded national training programs. As Executive Director of the Association of Collegiate Training Institutions, he successfully advocated for legislation supporting aviation workforce development. His early career with Northwest Airlines and Boeing laid the foundation for his expertise in technical training and corporate learning. Holding an Ed.D. in Organizational Management and multiple professional certifications, Dr. Gagliardo continues to be a driving force in bridging technical and corporate workforces to achieve sustainable, long-term results.

Chuck Goddard – Rear Admiral, USN (Ret.)

Strategic Workforce Challenges in USN Shipbuilding

Chuck Goddard is a seasoned leader in ship design, construction, and naval program management, with a distinguished career spanning both the U.S. Navy and the defense industry. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President for the FFG 62 Program at Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM), following his successful role as Capture Executive for the $5.5 billion FFG(X) program. From 2011 to 2014, he was CEO, President, and GM of FMM, where he oversaw the delivery of the USS Fort Worth (LCS 3), R/V Sikuliaq, and R/V Reuben Lasker, while executing over $100 million in shipyard improvements and transitioning to full-rate LCS production. Previously, at Lockheed Martin, he served as Director of Aegis Program Integration and Capture Manager for the Aegis CSEA competition, securing a historic win. His 30-year Navy career culminated as Program Executive Officer for Ships, with prior leadership roles including Vice Commander of NAVSEA, chair of the SUBSAFE review, DDG 1000 Major Program Manager, and New Construction Officer at SUPSHIP San Diego. A U.S. Naval Academy graduate with an M.S. in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from MIT, Chuck is also a qualified Surface Warfare Officer, Navy Salvage and Diving Officer, and Level III Program Manager, and he is a recipient of the American Society of Naval Engineers’ Gold Medal for exceptional technical and program leadership.

Patricia Habersham, Ph.D. – Associate Teaching Professor, Biology, William & Mary

Panelist

Dr. Habersham has served as Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of Biology at William & Mary since 2019, where she teaches courses including Introduction to Molecules, Cells, and Development; Designer Genes; and Cell Biology. Prior to joining W&M, she held roles as a science teacher in the public schools (Jamestown High School, WJCC), Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Hampton University, a research associate in aquatic toxicology at Dow Chemical, and a postdoctoral fellow in environmental and occupational health at Rutgers. he earned her B.S. in Chemistry from North Carolina A&T State University and her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences/Biochemistry from Carnegie Mellon University. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes hands-on inquiry, integrative thinking, and preparing students to engage with the challenges at the interface of biology and society.

Paul Heideman Ph.D. – Professor of Biology, Emeritus, William & Mary

Panelist

Dr. Paul Heideman holds a B.S. in Biology, M.S. in Zoology, Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and post-doctoral research in Evolutionary Physiology. He has published more than 70 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters. Professor Heideman has been a Biology faculty member at William & Mary (W&M, 1994-2024). He has taught biology courses including Introductory Biology (both semesters), sophomore Integrative Biology: Animals, sophomore Human Physiology, upper-level Animal Physiology with laboratory, and Writing from the Reader’s Perspective.

His first research interest, the evolutionary neuroendocrinology of fertility, has been supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF), producing publications on how fertility, appetite, and body mass are affected by heritable variation in the brain and hormonal systems. Professor Heideman’s 2nd and current research interest is improving STEM education. Professor Heideman has collaborated with the W&M School of Education as Principal Investigator (PI) of three 5-year NSF Noyce grants and supplements (2008-2024) to recruit and prepare new STEM teachers for grades 6-12. As part of these grants and his research, he has taught (1) courses on the practical elements of learning intended for first-year college students, and (2) a course for graduate students that applies our current understanding of memory and learning to STEM teaching. He has papers published and in progress on improving learning skills. Professor Heideman became Professor of Biology, Emeritus, W&M, in summer 2024. He is continuing his efforts on improving STEM teaching as a Co-PI on a new NSF Robert Noyce grant (2024-2029) to W&M as well as continuing his research on student learning skills.

Ken Meneley – Director (Ret.), PacifiCorp

Public Safety Portal (PSP) for Wildfire and Disaster Response

Before becoming a consultant for Index AR Solutions, Ken dedicated over 37 years to PacifiCorp, including 6 years as the Director of Business Operations – T&D (Transmission & Distribution). In this role, he was responsible for leading the strategic planning and execution of complex, high-risk operational technology projects within the T&D organization. His work involved coordinating across multiple departments—such as engineering, finance, legal, field operations, and regulatory teams—to align project goals, ensure compliance with safety and NERC reliability standards, and enhance operational efficiency. Ken also managed resources, monitored project scope, cost, schedule, and risk, and implemented corrective actions when necessary. In addition, he supported tools and processes to optimize technology and grid operations while leading, mentoring, and developing his team to ensure ongoing performance excellence and continuous improvement.

James Merlo, Ph.D. – CEO, North American Generator Forum

North American Generation – Update

Dr. James Merlo, Chief Executive Officer of the North American Generator Forum (NAGF), is a seasoned human factors engineer with extensive experience in organizational leadership spanning from military service to executive management. As CEO, he oversees daily operations and strategic initiatives aligned with the NAGF Business Plan. Before joining NAGF, he was Vice President at KnowledgeVine, a leader in Human Performance Implementation, and previously held a key role at the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), where he led efforts to evaluate industry vulnerabilities and human performance impacts on the Bulk Electric System. A U.S. Army veteran with over 22 years of service, James held several leadership roles, including Deputy Brigade Commander in Baghdad during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Assistant Professor at West Point. Academically accomplished, he holds a B.S. in Human Factors Psychology from West Point, an M.S. in Engineering Psychology from the University of Illinois, and a Ph.D. in Applied Experimental and Human Factors Psychology from the University of Central Florida. He has authored over 50 publications and enjoys snowboarding, wake surfing, and spending time outdoors when not working.

Margaret Saha, Ph.D. – Chancellor Professor of Applied Science, William & Mary

Panelist

Dr. Margaret Saha is a Chancellor Professor of Applied Science at William & Mary with affiliate appointments in the Neuroscience Program and the Department of Biology.  She completed a Ph.D in the History of Science from Michigan State University and a Ph.D. in Molecular Developmental Biology from the University of Virginia. She joined the faculty of the Biology Department at William & Mary in 1993 where she has taught Bioengineering and Synthetic Biology, Developmental Biology, Introductory Biology, Phage Lab, Genomics Lab, and Bioinformatics. She has served as the Program Director for five consecutive Howard Hughes Medical Institute Science Education grants to William & Mary and has also served as a member and Chair of the Executive Board for Beckman Scholars Program. As the mother of five children who all attended public schools, she has been actively involved in outreach to local high school students and teachers.  For the past eleven years, she has served as the faculty advisor for the award-winning William and Mary Synthetic Biology iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine) team. Her research focuses on understanding the molecular genetic mechanisms underlying early neural plasticity and regeneration,  phage genetics, particularly developing novel tools for bioengineering and synthetic biology to promote environmental conservation and sustainability.  Her research has been funded by grants from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. Various awards include a Presidential Faculty Fellowship from the National Science Foundation, Virginia Outstanding Faculty Award, and election to the American Association for the Advancement of Science a Faculty Fellow.

AGENDA

LOCATION

Located near the heart of Colonial Williamsburg in southeastern Virginia, Kingsmill Resort is a top golf and spa destination nestled within a gated community. Kingsmill features an unparalleled range of accommodations, a stunning James River setting, two must-play championship golf courses and a boundless range of recreational activities and leisure pursuits right on the grounds.

Kingsmill is a 45-minute drive from Richmond International Airport (RIC) and Norfolk International Airport (ORF) and a 20-minute drive from Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF).

Learn more about Kingsmill Resort, its accommodations and amenities at kingsmill.com.

REGISTRATION AND FEES

There are three elements to the Index Fall 2025 Conference fees: 1) the Conference registration, 2) the optional Monday evening dinner and reception, and 3) Kingsmill accommodations. Please be sure to purchase Conference registration and Kingsmill accommodations if staying for both days. When purchasing the Conference registration, you will also have the option to purchase a ticket to the Monday evening dinner and reception. If you are not staying at Kingsmill Resort and arriving Tuesday for the retreat only, you only need to purchase Conference registration.

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION AND OPTIONAL MONDAY EVENING DINNER

The conference registration fee of $150 includes breakfast Tuesday, October 21, beverages and snacks throughout the day, and a lunch buffet. Tickets to the Monday evening dinner and reception are $70 and sold separately.

CLICK HERE FOR RETREAT REGISTRATION AND OPTIONAL MONDAY DINNER TICKETS

ACCOMMODATIONS

Kingsmill Resort has reserved resort guestrooms for retreat attendees at a special rate (plus taxes and fees) for one night of accommodations. A credit card will be required to make a reservation. If booking by phone, please identify yourself with the Index AR Solutions Conference.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK ACCOMMODATIONS

CONTACT INDEX AR SOLUTIONS

For more information about the Index AR Solutions Fall 2025 Conference, please contact:

Scott Sommers
Senior Vice President
Scott.Sommers@IndexARSolutions.com
916-223-7273