Key Personnel

Board of Directors

Owner and Chairman: John D. Tickle

John Tickle graduated from the University of Tennessee with a B.S. in Industrial Engineering. He has been at the helm of Strongwell (then called MMFG) since 1972, when he came to serve as President and General Manager. Under his leadership, the company has grown to become the recognized world leader in pultrusion and pultruded FRP. He transitioned to Chairman in 2011 when he hired G. David Oakley, Jr., to serve as President and CEO. John’s wife, Ann (not pictured), is also a stockholder and serves on Strongwell’s Board.
 David-Oakley

President and Chief Executive Officer: G. David Oakley, Jr.

David Oakley graduated from the University of Tennessee with Honors in 1989 earning a B.S. in Business Administration with a Major in Marketing. Oakley came to Strongwell in 2011 from HAPCO Pole Products in Abingdon, Virginia where he had been President since 2007. Prior to becoming President, he had held management positions in marketing and business development and as Vice President – Product Management with HAPCO.
Rick Bauerly

Board Member: Rick Bauerly

Rick Bauerly joined the Board in 2022 when Granite Partners gained minority ownership in Strongwell. He is the Founder and CEO of Granite Partners, shaping vision and strategy. A graduate of Saint John's University, Rick also holds an MBA and MPA from Harvard University. In prior roles, Rick co-founded Venture Allies, was in general management at Bauerly Companies, and worked for Deloitte & Touche.

Other Corporate Officers

David-Gibbs

Vice President of Sales and Engineering: David Gibbs

David Gibbs has been in the composites industry since 1995 and possesses a broad range of experience in chemical engineering, process engineering, manufacturing, operations management, strategic planning, market development, and product development. He graduated from Tennessee Tech with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering. David's areas of responsibility include corporate domestic and international sales, structural engineering, quality, and R&D.
 Angie Barr

Chief Financial Officer: Angie Barr

Angie Barr began her career with Strongwell in 1999 as Accounts Payable Administrator. Angie has held positions of increasing responsibility within the Corporate Finance department, most recently as Virginia Operations Controller with responsibility for the Bristol and Highlands facilities. In July 2015, Angie was promoted to Corporate Secretary and Treasurer, and in October 2016, to her current role as CFO. She holds a B.B.A. degree with an Accounting concentration from Lincoln Memorial University.