Avectra / Executive Team

Barry Malek - Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Barry is the Chairman and CEO of Avectra. He is responsible for developing the key strategic direction of Avectra and leading his executive team to develop an effective execution strategy. Barry works closely with expert advisors and industry representatives to position Avectra as an innovator in the non-profit, association, and related technology communities. Barry's software background was solidified during the mid-1980s while working on engineering Computer-Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAD-CAM) software development and sales through the University of Arizona and the Catholic University of America. Barry started his career in 1980 working at Bechtel Power Corporation where he participated in the engineering design and construction of nuclear power plants. He completed his education at the University of Maryland’s School of Aerospace Engineering and also holds a degree in Hospitality & Guest Relationship Management from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Darryl Hopkins - Vice President, Professional Services

Darryl Hopkins is Avectra’s vice president of Professional Services at Avectra and oversees project management, software engineering and analyst teams to deliver solutions for the company’s netFORUM Enterprise Association Management Software (AMS) installations.  Throughout his career at Avectra Darryl has held key roles including serving as Technical Director where he managed the technical services teams, conducted design session and coordinated among multiple departments during the implementation process.  Darryl also developed Avectra’s technical training and curriculum and has overseen Avectra’s pool of technical trainers and documentation for netFORUM including the Avectra Wiki. Prior to joining Avectra in 1998, Darryl was the Database Manager and System Administrator for a trade association that used Avectra Association Management Software. Darryl also spent five years on Capitol Hill as a Legislative Assistant and political campaign aide for two Members of Congress.  He also was a staff assistant for a professional association where he helped with membership, events, and various I.T. tasks. Darryl is a graduate of the University of Virginia with a degree in American Government.

Don Prodehl - Vice President, Research and Development

Don is Avectra’s vice president of research and development. As the leader of Avectra’s technology team, he successfully sets and manages the direction and strategy for all of Avectra’s products. With more than 19 years of experience in providing technical solutions to the association industry, Don has planned and implemented e-business, e-commerce, and Internet strategies for more than 200 associations and has participated in more than 100 system implementations. Prior to joining Avectra, Don was the vice president of technology and product management at CVENT, an Internet-based application service provider specializing in electronic marketing, online event management, and business intelligence. His background includes executive positions at association management system vendors and SMITHBUCKLIN, the largest U.S. association management firm for trade associations, professional societies, and corporations. Don completed his undergraduate studies at Augustana College and earned an MBA from the Keller School of Management.

Bruce Lovett - Vice President of Marketing

Bruce Lovett is the Vice President of Marketing, responsible for developing and implementing strategies to reinforce and grow Avectra’s position as the leader in solutions to manage both small and large membership-based organizations. With over 25 years experience in technology marketing, Bruce most recently served as the Product Executive for VeriSign’s Supply Chain Solutions group. Bruce as also served as vice president of marketing for Vastera, Landmark Systems, e-Security and Versatility. Having directed the successful launch of over 30 new products during his career, Bruce has in-depth knowledge of international marketing, market research, branding, strategy formulation, new product development and sales operations. He received his B.A. degree from the University of Virginia and his Masters degree from George Washington University.

Brad Layman - Vice President of Sales

Brad Layman serves as Vice President of Sales for netFORUM Team and netFORUM Pro – Avectra’s flagship on-demand association management software products for member-based organizations. As a key member of Avectra’s senior leadership team, he is focused on supporting existing netFORUM Team and netFORUM Pro users and continued expansion of the company’s customer base. Layman previously served as vice president of sales & marketing for VSGi, a leading integrator of video, voice, web, data collaboration and communications solutions. Before joining VSGi, he was vice president of U.S. sales for Cable and Wireless, a provider of IP networking and enterprise hosting solutions. Layman also helped drive significant sales growth while serving in top management positions at Dynamicsoft, a leading provider of carrier class infrastructure software, and UUNet, one of the world’s largest IP network providers. He is a graduate of Bethany College in West Virginia.