Dr. Cole J. Kupec II is the President and co-founder of CE Solutions Inc., a company offering cost estimating, operations research, and acquisition support services. He served as a twice elected member of the board of directors of the International Cost Estimating and Analysis Association (ICEAA), a global nonprofit that supports operations researchers. In addition to teaching and promoting the cost estimating profession, he is published on the defense industry workforce, public sector operations research, project management, andragogy, and STEM education. Dr. Kupec guest lectures at the collegiate level as well as at national conferences. He has supported and mentored marketing, real estate, and defense start-up companies with an outstanding track record.

Huntsville was recently ranked the 4th most prosperous city and one of the best places for career building opportunities. Why do you think Huntsville is so unique for younger career seeking individuals and entrepreneurs?

It is no surprise to me or anyone on my team that Huntsville, AL continues to be prosperous and rank high in career opportunities. Huntsville has an abundance of entry level to senior positions in various industries, as well as a robust entrepreneurial network and a spirit to match.

How is your experience unique in your field, and what are you doing personally to innovate and produce change in your field?

I have contributed to many relevant studies, analyses, and projects done by the federal government, academia, and industry, always with the personal aim of encouraging dynamic, responsible progress. I have worked on tools, strategic management initiatives, and operations research projects that have made a tangible impact on how business is accomplished. That is something I have been very proud of, and I have strived to promote professional data analytics, management, and cost estimating standards along the way.

What is the best place in town to hang out in your free time?

The Huntsville Museum of Art and the surroundings features in Big Spring Park are as pleasant an area to spend free time as you could wish.