ACI employees stay current with the latest technology to offer the widest possible range of solutions to any business problem. Many of our employees have achieved professional certifications to assure our clients of our expertise.

Our People

Henry Bass
President, in charge of daily operations and strategic direction
Henry Bass is ACI's founder, owner, and president, since 1996. Every member of the ACI team helps run the business, but he makes the day to day business decisions, and sets the strategic direction of the company. Henry enjoys all things technical, from websites and databases to radio controlled flight and autonomous robots. His Masters in Mechanical Engineering focused on custom software extensions to 3D computer-aided design, and his MBA focused on factory automation and operations management. Henry was deployed to Iraq from 2008-2009 through the Army Reserves where he kept a blog at http://www.henrybass.com/blog/index.asp. His wife of 26 years, Lisa, enjoys mothering ACI and their two boys, Eric and Ethan. When not at work, Henry cherishes time with his family, leads Boy Scouts, coaches FIRST Robotics Tuxedo Pandas, and serves the Virginia Tech Army ROTC. Henry also serves on the board of directors for the Roanoke Blacksburg Technology Council. He is certified in ColdFusion development and is a Certified Systems Engineering Professional. As a Certified Professional Behavior Analyst, he moderates several groups for the LX Council.

Jim Wyers
CEO, assisting Henry with a focus on business development and human resources
Jim first came to ACI in May of 2005 after retiring from the US Army with almost 22 years of service. After a short time away from ACI, Jim returned to assume his primary role as CEO. His primary functions are to oversee the overall performance of ACI, and keep the company focused on our customers. He also enjoys working daily with the department directors on their short and long term projects, and provides the directors all flexibility to manage their own teams. When not at work, Jim enjoys spending most of his time with his family and all of the activities that go with having teenagers, Hannah and Nick. He serves on the New River Valley Lacrosse Board and the VTCRC IT-SIG board. Jim draws his happiness and strength from his faith, his wife of over 20 years, and his children.

Chad Bresette
Senior Developer
Chad joined ACI in January of 2012. He is a Java web developer with over 7 years of experience in web development. He has worked on projects that use various technologies such as JSF, Jquery, Oracle, SQL Server, MYSQL and other varying technologies. In his spare time, he enjoys going to church, reading, playing games, learning more about programming and spending time with his family and friends.

Melanie Cassell
Developer
I grew up on a tobacco farm in SW Virginia and still live on the family farm. I started my career as a CNC programmer for a Weidemann Punch Press. I have worked in various roles as programmer, software developer, QA, and Technical support. I took a break from the computer world and worked Front Desk at Wytheville Community Center. I missed the challenges of the development world and am glad to be working with ACI. In my spare time, I enjoy being outdoors, hiking, gardening, and reading.

Jakob Clapsaddle
Developer
I joined ACI part-time in June of 2021 while still attending Radford University and working towards a degree in Computer Science. While at Radford I was able to build my skills with Java, PHP, C/C++, Ada, and SQL. Outside of class I studied iOS development on my own through online resources which remains to be a big interest to this day. After graduation I was brought onto the team full-time and have been able to work on mobile app development. Outside of work I can be found participating in anything outdoors related and enjoying the many things the NRV has to offer.

Angela Combs
Accounting Manager
Angela has been with ACI since 2007. A CPA with a background in public accounting and private industry, Angela now works full time handling ACI's finances. The remainder of her time is spent with her two children and trying to keep up with their busy schedules. She enjoys hiking, gardening, and attending her children's sporting events.

Lee Cooper
Senior Software Architect
Lee joined ACI in January of 2011. A Computer Science graduate from Virginia Tech, Lee spent over 15 years as a defense contractor in Huntsville, Alabama developing missile simulations for the Army. His role focused on graphics, image processing, and hardware-in-the loop testing. In 2007, he took a job with a CRC startup in order to move to the New River Valley with his wife and two children. Lee started doing embedded systems consultant work on ACI’s Zero3 project in 2010 and joined the company full time a year later. He has a strong background in software engineering and testing, C/C+, Python, and Java. When he is not driving to track meets and soccer games, Lee might be found enjoying the southwest Virginia mountains.

Laureen Fleming
Director of Commercial Services
Laureen joined ACI in 1997 as a website designer and now manages the Commercial Services division. Her primary roles include business development, proposal preparation, client liaison, and project management. These roles allow Laureen to work closely with the talented and hardworking ACI employees as well as all our clients. When not at work, Laureen enjoys spending time with her two children and family friends. Her other interests include swimming, reading, cooking, and watching football. The entire family loves to watch college football and root for the Hokies.

Natalie Goad
Developer
Natalie joined ACI in November 2018 and is a graduate of Virginia Tech with a degree in Management Science. She has over 28 years of IT experience, in a variety of environments, including commercial, Defense Department and other Government Agencies. She has over 15 years of experience supporting advanced software development ranging from computer-based training to web development. In her spare time, Natalie likes to travel, enjoys college football and spending time with her family and friends.

Ed Harvey
Senior Graphic Designer
Ed has been at ACI since June 2005. He has over 20 years professional experience in the graphic design field, keeping his skills current. Ed works in a variety of programs and languages, including Flash / ActionScript, Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, InDesign, Fireworks, Maya, HTML5 / CSS, Joomla, Wordpress, and Ensemble. Outside of work, Ed enjoys following college and professional sports, working on home improvement projects, and spending time with his wife and two young children.

Sarah Harvey
Junior Web Developer
Sarah joined ACI in June 2020. She is a graduate from Radford University with a degree in Computer Science and Applied Mathematics. During her time at university she gained experience using languages and frameworks such as Java, Python, Django, JavaScript, React, C#, and SQL, as well as helpful development tools such as Docker and Git. She started at ACI working as a contractor, doing development work for 1901 Group in Blacksburg, VA. Outside of work she enjoys reading philosophy books, playing video games, and spending time with family and friends.

Chase Irby
Junior Web Developer
Chase has been with ACI throughout most of the time following his graduation from Radford University in 2015. While initially working with MySQL in conjunction with PHP, lately he's working primarily with Angular. His enthusiasm doesn't just stop at the software side of things and routinely builds and upgrades PCs. Outside of work, you can find him (once again) on the computer playing the multitude of games he owns, reading fictional sci-fi or high-fantasy novels, weightlifting, or bowling.

Richard Morgan
Network Administrator
Richard started with ACI in March of 2012. Richard has an extensive background in network administration and support. His experience includes a diverse range of technologies including Unix and Windows Servers, Active Directory, BlackBerry Enterprise Server, Cisco networking, Microsoft Lync, and virtual infrastructure installation and maintenance.

Rusty Riley
Senior Web Developer
Rusty has been with ACI since 1999. Wanting to remain in the NRV after graduating from Virginia Tech, Rusty was fortunate to have the opportunity to do U.S. Army contract work for ACI. The focus there shifted from classic ASP to ColdFusion, which he has worked with for over 11 years. Since then, his projects include ACI Portal, Ames Textile Corporation, and Zero3. Rusty now lives and works in North County San Diego.

Kevin Sharp
Mid-level Developer
Kevin joined ACI in May 2013 and is a computer science graduate of Virginia Tech. He has 8 years experience performing dual roles as a software developer and build engineer with limited experience as a Solaris system administrator. He is experienced developing in C and Java on Windows and Solaris for JBoss, WebLogic, and WebSphere application servers using Oracle and MSSQL databases. As a build engineer he is experienced in Ant scripting, command line scripting, Microsoft InstallShield, and deploying on and troubleshooting the previously mentioned application servers. Kevin is passionate about music and enjoys returning to Lane Stadium for the annual Marching Virginian Alumni halftime show to play the Hokie Pokie again on his trombone. He also enjoys playing old timey mountain music on his banjo. When not playing music, he enjoys hiking on the Appalachian Trail, euro games, and video games.

Daniel Stahl
Junior Web Developer
Daniel began work at ACI in October 2019 after graduating spring of that year. He attended Bridgewater College with a major in computer science and a minor in math, spending one summer building a mobile application in an internship. At ACI Daniel has worked with Angular, HTML/CSS, and SQL on web application development. His experience also includes Java, C++ and Python, though his specialty is building and enhancing web interfaces. He enjoys walking and hiking, as well as reading, particularly hard sci-fi, and playing piano.

Joseph Turner
Junior Web Developer
After working part time for a summer, Joseph moved to full time at ACI in September 2019. He mostly develops in Python/Flask and .NET/MVC. Both frameworks have demanded knowledge of jQuery and SQL/MySQL. After graduating from Virginia Tech with a Computer Science degree and before starting at ACI, Joseph applied his problem-solving skills to staff, payroll, and live music management at a local brewery. Usually an active musician himself, this was one of many outlets for his passion for music and community building.

Mike Yopp
Network Engineer
Michael joined ACI in the Fall of 2011 as a network engineer and is currently enrolled at New River Community College with aspirations of becoming a web developer. He has spent the last 4 years working as a computer technician. Mike ensures the continual up time of our networking equipment and troubleshoots clients’ hardware and software remotely or on site. He has a love for all things in the technology field, and in his free time, he enjoys science fiction movies, board games with friends, and Geocaching.