Meet Our Team

Joe Drago

Chief Executive Officer

Prior to becoming CEO of PURVIS Systems Joseph Drago was the founder and President of Integrated Management SOLUTIONS (IMS Inc.). Started in 1998, IMS Inc. is a technology consulting firm that specializes in providing project and program management, test and evaluation and training services across Public Safety, Department of Defense, and Public Gaming industries. Since its founding, IMS maintained a close partnership with PURVIS and the two organizations worked collaboratively in the successful pursuit and performance of mission-critical technology projects for dozens of public safety agencies throughout the US. Joe has served on the PURVIS Systems Board of Directors since 2001 and was elected Chairman of the Board in 2017. Prior to starting IMS, Inc, Joe was a Vice President for Analysis & Technology, a Department of Defense company. Joe’s combination of experience in leading the performance of large-scale contracts and successful demonstration of executive leadership skills across multiple industries provides the leadership expertise necessary to advance PURVIS and drive the organization towards the achievement of its strategic goals and corporate growth initiatives.

Susan Correia

Sr. VP, Corporate Administration
Human Resources

Sue has been working at PURVIS since 1983 and played a key role in bringing PURVIS’ headquarters from New York to Rhode Island. Sue oversees all human resources and administrative leadership strategies to attract and retain a valuable workforce. She plays a key role in PURVIS’ business process development and systems enhancements. As lead to the company’s HR operations nationwide, Sue is involved in the oversight of all employee relations such as recruiting, onboarding, benefits, payroll, and corporate security. She also is the Plan Administrator and provides oversight on employee retirement plans. Sue is a current member of our Board of Directors at PURVIS where she serves as the Board’s Secretary.

Tom Rossi

Vice President, Federal Business Unit

Tom Rossi has over 35 years of documented leadership success. After a distinguished 20-year career as a Naval Officer that included command of a Destroyer, Tom served as a VP at Anteon Corporation (now GDIT); EVP and GM of Caton Connector Manufacturing; Director of Operations at SRI International; President and CEO of Hall Spars and Rigging; and President and COO of Network and Simulation Technologies. Tom graduated from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. and earned his Master’s degree from the United States Naval War College in Newport, RI. As the leader of Federal Operations, Tom is responsible for the day-to-day operations and strategic planning of this PURVIS business unit.

Debbie Proffitt

Vice President, Federal Business Development

As the Vice President for Federal Business Development, Debbie is responsible for pursuit of new business opportunities and partnerships, retention of current business/contracts and proposal development. Debbie has over 39 years of experience in operational, project management and business development for the DoD, U.S. Navy, and Public Sector - giving her extensive knowledge pursuing/managing large, highly complex projects. She holds an MBA from the University of Rhode Island and received a PMP certificate. Under her leadership the DoD Business Unit has had tremendous growth with the award of several large new contracts and retention of incumbent contracts in support of the U.S. Navy. She also serves as the Board Vice Chair for Strategic Planning for SENEDIA, The Alliance for Defense Tech, Talent and Innovation, and Board Chair for the Undersea Technology Innovation Consortium (UTIC). Prior to joining PURVIS, Debbie was a Senior Project Manager for large public sector system development projects for Retirement and Motor Vehicle solutions at HP Enterprise Services.

Rick Foster

VP, Public Safety Business Unit

Since joining PURVIS in 2007, Rick Foster has focused on the strategic growth of PURVIS’s public safety business. As VP of the Public Safety Business Unit, Rick is responsible for the overall sales, marketing and operations of that business unit, with an emphasis on growing the company’s footprint in the public safety market. Prior to his current role, Rick was responsible for the sales and marketing of PURVIS solutions within public safety. Under his sales leadership, PURVIS has become a recognized leader in the Fire Station Alerting System market and PURVIS has developed client partnerships with hundreds of public safety organizations in the United States and Canada to deliver tailored mission-critical solutions that empower them to handle life-critical situations quickly and safely. Prior to joining PURVIS, Rick built a progressive career path with a leading healthcare software company, advancing to a position with responsibility for the company's brand and communications strategies.

Michelle Freitas

Vice President of Finance

Michelle began her career at PURVIS as the company’s Controller in 2009 and has progressively held roles of increasing responsibility. In her current role as the Vice President of Finance, Michelle provides strategic leadership for the company’s accounting and finance functions. Michelle also oversees budget and financial planning, contracts, compliance, and all internal and external financial reporting. She currently serves on the Supervisory Committee of a local credit union. Prior to joining PURVIS, she obtained her CPA license and worked in public accounting as well as for large publicly traded companies specializing in SEC and external financial reporting.

Paul Livingston

VP of Technology

In his current role as Vice President of Technology, Paul provides technical vision and strategy for both the DoD and Public Safety Divisions. He is also the technology driver for PURVIS's product, solution, and service strategy. Paul has significant experience in project management, systems design and integration, and communication systems engineering. He has led the development of several hardware and software projects, including the PURVIS Fire Station Alerting System (FSAS) and the PURVIS Electronic Notification System (ENS).

Paul has held a variety of roles at PURVIS since rejoining the company in 2001. He began his career as a hardware designer, then moved on to software engineering and system engineering/architecture. In his most recent role as Vice President of Engineering, he oversaw the development of several successful products.

Tom Kateridge

VP, NY Operations

Since joining PURVIS in 2007, Tom is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the NY Division Operations, including the Queens Village Facility, Field Services Staff, ERS/Bench Technician/Electro-Mechanical staff and administration staff. As Vice President of the New York Division, Tom manages and provides oversight of all PURVIS’ Maintenance Contracts and activities within New York including oversight for the successful performance and delivery of the maintenance and repair services provided on the FDNY CAD, VA, ERS, ATS systems and all associated peripheral equipment under these contracts. Prior to working at PURVIS, Tom held roles of increasing responsibility with Verizon Communications, giving him 20+ years’ experience managing large-scale projects across functional disciplines, including hardware and software installations, systems maintenance, computer and IT operations, testing, and training.