Leadership Team
Danny Schoening serves as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board for Optex Systems Inc. where he has been instrumental in establishing the systems and infrastructure required to execute the company’s rapid growth. This activity was rewarded with Optex System’s recent ISO9001:2008 Certification.
Mr. Schoening previously served as the Vice President of Operations for The Finisar Corporation AOC Division for 4 years where he led a team of up to 200 employees to produce vertical cavity lasers for the data communications industry at production rates of hundreds of thousands of units per week. Prior to Finisar, Mr. Schoening was the Director of Operations for multiple divisions of Honeywell International, serving the automotive, medical, aerospace, and consumer commercial markets. During this 17-year period, Mr. Schoening was recognized with Honeywell’s Lund Award, their highest award for developing employee resources.
Mr. Schoening has a broad experience level in mechanical assembly processes, micro-electronic assembly processes, laser manufacturing, plastic molding, metal machining, plating, thick film printing, surface mount technology, hall effect technology and MEMS based pressure devices. Mr. Schoening received a Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering Technology from the University of Nebraska, an MBA from Southern Methodist University, and holds three United States Patents.
Karen Hawkins serves as the Chief Financial Officer and a Board Member for Optex Systems Inc. Ms. Hawkins is a Certified Public Accountant with over 22 years of experience in financial accounting and management, primarily focused in the defense and transportation industries.
Ms. Hawkins previously served as Controller and Program Manager for General Dynamics – Ordinance and Tactical Division – Garland for over 13 years. During her tenure there, Ms. Hawkins managed a 3 year $250M Army IDIQ contract, as well as oversaw purchasing, production control, and warehousing functions. Prior to her employment at General Dynamics, Ms. Hawkins served in various finance and accounting positions at Luminator, a Mark IV Industries Co, and Johnson Controls, Battery Division – Garland.
Ms. Hawkins has a strong background in both financial and cost accounting, with extensive government pricing, financial analysis, and internal auditing experience. Her past history also includes program management, materials management and business development. She brings over 14 years of direct experience in government contracting with a strong expertise in CAS/FAR.