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.

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.

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.

John Hopkins – President and CEO, NuScale Power

Small Module Reactors – Update

John L. Hopkins has served as Chief Executive Officer of NuScale Power since December 2012 and as a member of the company’s Board during the same period, following a tenure as Executive Chair from 2012 to 2021. Prior to NuScale, he held a long-standing leadership career at Fluor Corporation, where he began in 1989 and ultimately served as a corporate officer from 1999 until 2012, overseeing global operations and business development. He is actively involved in several professional organizations, including serving on the Executive, Audit, and Compensation Committees of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce—where he also previously chaired the Board and Executive Committee—and contributes to energy policy through roles with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Nuclear Energy Advisory Committee (2019–2020), the Nuclear Energy Institute Executive Committee, and energy task forces at the Atlantic Council and IAEA Group of Vienna. Additionally, he is a senior energy policy advisor at I Squared Capital and has held senior board roles with Fluor Netherlands, Fluor United Kingdom, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, and the Business Council for International Understanding. Mr. Hopkins brings extensive expertise in nuclear energy, strategic stakeholder relations, and executive leadership, supported by a B.B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin and completion of several advanced management programs.

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.

Dr. Michael S. Oshiki – President, Riverside Regional Medical Center

Multimodal Learning in Hospitals – Riverside / Index Partnership Update

Dr. Michael S. Oshiki joined Riverside in 2022 after retiring from the Army, where he served as the commander (Chief Executive Officer) of William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, TX and Fox Army Health Center in Huntsville, AL. Dr. Oshiki also served in operational assignments as a command surgeon (Chief Medical Officer) at every level from battalion to corps in both conventional and special operations units. He additionally served in clinical assignments as a department chief at Madigan Army Center in Tacoma, WA, and McDonald Army Community Hospital in Newport News. His final assignment before retiring was serving at the Pentagon as the Assistant Deputy Secretary of the Army for Health Affairs. Dr. Oshiki has extensive experience in the practice of full-spectrum family medicine, as well as in teaching and research. After earning dual Bachelor of Science Degrees in zoology and history from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he served for seven years as a Combat Arms officer in the US Army. Dr. Oshiki then went on to earn his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the Uniformed Services University and completed a residency in Family Medicine at DeWitt Army Community Hospital in Fort Belvoir, VA, where he served as Chief Resident. Dr. Oshiki was selected as a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians in 2007, has been a member of the Uniformed Services Academy of Family Physicians since 1998, and is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a member of the American Association of Physician Leadership.

Doug Schmidt, Ph.D. – Dean, School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics, William & Mary

Leveraging AI in Industry – William & Mary / Index Partnership Update

Dr. Douglas C. Schmidt is the inaugural Dean of William & Mary’s School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics, set to launch in fall 2025. A two-time alumnus of the university, Schmidt earned his B.A. and M.A. in Sociology before pursuing advanced degrees in Computer Science at the University of California, Irvine. With over 30 years of experience, he has held prominent academic and government positions, including Director of Operational Test & Evaluation for the U.S. Department of Defense and faculty roles at Vanderbilt University, where he served as the Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Engineering in Computer Science and Associate Provost for Research Development and Technologies. Schmidt’s research interests encompass mobile cloud computing, distributed real-time systems, and generative AI, with a focus on enhancing the accuracy of large language models. He is a prolific author with over 700 publications and more than 50,000 citations. As Dean, Schmidt aims to integrate liberal arts and sciences with technological innovation, preparing students for success in a data-driven world.

Scott Sommers – Senior Vice President, Index AR Solutions

Closing Remarks

Scott Sommers is Senior Vice President at Index AR Solutions, responsible for the company’s Marketing initiatives, as well as Client and Corporate Development. Prior to Index AR Solutions, Scott Sommers was SVP, Finance and Corporate Development at SureWest Communications. He was instrumental in setting the Company’s strategic direction, leading the sale of the directories, wireless and tower assets as well as the acquisition of the Kansas City properties. He also lead the restructuring of the corporate compensation plans, freezing the defined benefit plan and outsourcing of non-core functions.

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