Meet Our
Innovative Team
Innovative Automation has over 30 years of automotive, automated assembly systems and test systems experience. In working closely with top OEMs and Tier One manufacturers, Innovative has a proven track record of success.
Our systems are complete, on time, and meeting first-time quality, uptime, and throughput requirements.
Michael Lalonde
Michael is the President and CEO of Innovative Automation. Michael Joined Innovative in 2006 as an Account Manager transitioning to VP Business Development. Michael has over 20 years of experience in mechanical design. innovative process engineering and automation.
Kim Marshall
Kim serves as Vice President of IGC Solutions, our internal shared services department encompassing HR, Accounting, and IT. As one of our original team members, Kim has been an integral part of the organization since 1993, leaving a lasting impact through her leadership across various Accounting and HR roles.
Tom DeConkey
Tom is Vice President of Operations at Innovative Automation, overseeing design, manufacturing, and project management. A licensed Professional Engineer, he began his career as an electrical designer and programmer, and brings over 30 years of experience delivering advanced automated assembly and test systems. His work has supported innovation across the transportation, life sciences, energy, and consumer products sectors.
Mary Gray
Mary Gray serves as HR Manager at IGC Solutions. Since joining the organization in 2016, Mary has played a key role in shaping HR strategy and supporting company growth. She holds a BA in Sociology, a Post-Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management, and a Master’s degree in Business, bringing both academic knowledge and practical expertise to her leadership in people and culture.
Ali Aliasgari
Ali Aliasgari serves as the Quality Assurance, Systems and Continuous Improvement Manager. Ali is a Professional Engineer who joined Innovative in 2023, bringing over 22 years of global experience in quality and organizational excellence across the automotive and broader manufacturing industries.
James McLachlin
James is an Account Manager and Professional Engineer that began his career at Innovative as a Mechanical Designer in 2015. Since then, working in Applications and transitioning to the sales role. Prior to this James worked in off-road vehicle manufacturing.
Kevin King
Kevin is the Engineering Manager and a licensed Professional Engineer. He began his career with Innovative as a co-op student and has grown into a leadership role overseeing multidisciplinary engineering teams. Kevin combines technical expertise with a strong understanding of machine safety to drive innovation and continuous improvement. He is also passionate about mentoring emerging talent and advancing the company’s engineering capabilities.
Jim Stobbe
Jim is a Professional Engineer who joined Innovative in 2015 bringing over 30 years of OEM, Automotive Tier 1, Architectural Stone processing and Global manufacturing experience. Jim is our VP of Supply Chain and Special Projects.
Scott MacKennan
Scott is the Manager of Information Technology at IGC Solutions. He began his career at Innovative in 1997 as an Electrical Designer before transitioning into IT. With nearly 30 years of experience, Scott leads the organization’s technology strategy, driving innovation and ensuring secure, reliable systems that support IGC’s automation solutions.
Stephan Vanpletsen
Stephan is our Sales Group Lead and Account Manager. After joining Innovative in 2007 he worked as a control systems programmer and developer before joining the sales team in 2011.
Kevin Botham
Kevin is an Account Manager and joined Innovative in 2015. Kevin brings with him significant tool and die, and metals manufacturing and assembly experience of over 25 years.
Trefor Armstrong
Trefor is an Account Manager at Innovative Automation with a broad background across departments including Mechanical Design, Applications, and RoboTape Sales. Since joining IAI in 2015, he has contributed to global sales efforts, distributor partnerships, and internal initiatives like the JHSC and CI coordination. A Professional Engineer, Trefor brings diverse industry experience and a strong understanding of IAI’s operations.
Stephen Rowell
Stephen is an Account Manager joining Innovative in 2021. Stephen brings with him 25 years experience in automation involving mechanical fasteners, automatic feeding and packaging.
