Joe Polk, President/CEO

Joe Polk started Vantage Systems in 1992. Throughout the 1990s Vantage Systems was primarily a small business resource for NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Polk provided his personal software and systems expertise to numerous Goddard projects including HST, R-XTE, TRMM, ICESAT, Swift and others.

He started the business from scratch, applying technical skill to his innate understanding of what his customers wanted. His advocacy of employee recognition has fostered an ability to attract and keep talent.

Polk has over 25 years experience in business and technical management positions. He brings a healthy respect for the use of advanced technologies in applications as unforgiving as Space. He continues to be “hands-on” in his day-to-day work with Goddard Space Flight Center, his very first customer. In addition, he exercises control over the strategic and fiscal direction of Vantage Systems.

Mike Ahan, Executive VP/COO

Mike Ahan is a seasoned executive and technical manager, with special expertise in the development of new products, services, and enterprises.

Ahan is known for his ability to create effective teams, financial management, and negotiation and management of strategic partnerships. Ahan’s hard work, integrity and work ethic are key drivers for the company’s success.

He has overseen all aspects of strategic planning ─- from market research, to infrastructure. He has experience with government, civil and commercial markets. His unique experience base extends to international markets.

Larry Dunham, Sr. Management Staff

Larry Dunham has more then 25 years experience in aerospace management ranging from project manager to Vice President. Dunham's previous positions before joining Vantage Systems have given him a broad background in the organization, management and financial planning of large programs. Dunham has supported the HST mission for 26 years including serving as the Anomaly Response Manager for each Servicing Mission. Currently, Dunham is the HST Operations Systems Engineering Manager responsible for a contractor team of about 70 engineers. Dunham's many awards include the NASA Space Flight Awareness (SFA) Award, and most recently the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal.

Ted Sholar, Sr. Management Staff

Ted Sholar has over 22 years of experience in the field of aerospace mechanical systems engineering. His areas of expertise include technical program and project management as well as technical supervision of mechanical engineering staff. Sholar’s experience includes spacecraft structures, components, mechanisms, scientific instruments, and ground support equipment for both ELV and STS payloads. Major programs supported include MMRTG, New Horizons (Pluto) Mission, CONTOUR, TIMED, XTE, EUVE, MSX, ACE, FUSE, HST, SPARTAN, and GAS.