Leadership
Rick Walters
President and CEO
Years of Service
Since December 1978
Favorite quote that inspires you?
“Do better today.”
What is one community experience at DeKALB that has stuck with you?
I worked with a wonderful, amazingly driven person to help establish the DeKALB Chamber Partnership. This helped bring community resources together and share synergies. They are a strong entity today and make a difference.
What makes a happy day for you?
Simply waking up and seeing what God is blessing me with that day.
Doug Bonecutter
Vice President
Years of Service
Since January 2017
What are the values that drive you?
My value alignment is God, family, work. If I remind myself to stay grounded in this belief, most days go pretty well.
What are you most passionate about at work?
Continuous improvement and getting everyone engaged in it.
What is your favorite quote that inspires you?
“If you want to change the future, you must change what you are doing in the present.” – Mark Twain
Tabatha Christman
Accounting Manager
Years of Service
Since August 2020
Who has been the greatest inspiration in your life?
My grandparents. My grandpa got me my first PC at 5 and kept me updated. He really helped feed my desire to learn technology at a young age and continued to all the way through high school. That desire pushed me to college and where I am today.
What values drive you?
Honesty, integrity, and a strong work ethic.
Where do you love to spend your time – where’s your happy place?
I love to visit the mountains. I Have made a few trips to the Great Smoky Mountains and can truly relax.
Sales
Jamie Butler
Sales Administrator
Years of Service
Since November 2023
Who has been the greatest inspiration in your life?
My mom has been a strong, independent single mom my whole life. I have seen her struggle and seen her accomplish things that she thought to be impossible. I got to watch her go back to college and get her master’s degree in criminal justice to show us to never give up on yourself or your dreams and that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.
What are you most passionate about at work?
Building long-lasting relationships with my colleagues and with our customers and working with a team to make daily jobs better for everyone.
What makes a happy day for you?
Helping others at work, home, in the community, or at church. Seeing someone else happy makes me happy.
Engineering
Jonathan Sheehan
Engineering Manager
Years of Service
Since February 2024
What are you most passionate about at work?
Creating a culture in the workplace that makes coworkers enjoy their job and want to come back the following day.
What is your favorite quote that inspires you?
“Patience; good things come to those who work hard and do the right things.”
What makes a happy day for you?
Getting the opportunity to watch my children succeed on the playing field, in the classroom, or in life in general.
Mike Mukensturm
Operations Manager
Years of Service
Since June 2025
Who has been the greatest inspiration in your life?
My father has been one of the greatest inspirations in my life. I’ve always looked up to him for his high level of work ethic, and yet he was always focused on the family at the same time, keeping family his number one priority.
Your background and its impact on DeKALB?
In 25 years in manufacturing, I’ve worked in a variety of roles with the primary roles being Operations and Production management. I enjoy developing and mentoring new and young talent through identifying high-potential associates through on-the-job training as well as more individualized development programs. Improving communication channels is also important, ensuring effective cross-functional communication.
Where do you love to spend your time – your happy place?
My happy place is spending time with loved ones. Often during these times, you will find me with family kayaking down local rivers and streams.
Quality
Jacob Smith
Quality Engineer
Years of Service
Since May 2023
What is your background and how does it impact DeKALB?
My background is in parachute inspect and medical device manufacturing. It helps bring a high standard of quality to my work.
What are you most passionate about at work?
Quality and safety.
Where do you love to spend your time – where’s your happy place?
At home with my wife, baby, puppy, chickens, and ducks.
Materials
Bob Grimes
Materials Manager
Years of Service
Since May 2018
What are your passions outside of DeKALB?
Football, especially Miami Dolphins football.
What is one community experience at DeKALB that has stuck with you?
I think it’s the complete involvement that DeKALB has in the community. DeKALB is very community-driven.
What makes a happy day for you?
Leaving feeling like I accomplished something.