Board of Directors
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PIE3 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit run by a volunteer board of directors, typically 7-9 adults with experience in coaching and mentoring teams, many with experience in science and technology careers. The organization began as a booster group for the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Team 2199, then sponsored by Liberty High School in Eldersburg.
Over time, other teams fell under the PIE3 umbrella, and Team 2199 became a community based team open to students from any school or background. In the fall of 2021, PIE3 was recognized by Carroll County Public Schools as a valued Partner. We are proud to continue the work we do together with CCPS to provide opportunities for more students to get engaged in STEM through robotics teams. If you are interested in serving on the Board, please contact us to find out more. |
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Current Officers:
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Tom Milnes – President
Tom is Chief Scientist, Ship and Shore Based Navigation Group at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL) where he is a member of the Principal Professional Staff. He has been the Systems Mentor for FRC Team 2199 – Robo-Lions for over ten years. His son Tommy (former Electrical Lead) and daughter Coralie (former Public Relations Chair) are Robo-Lions alumni, He hold the following degrees:
• MS – Electrical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University • BS – Applied Math, Brown University • BA – Ancient Studies, Brown University Kelly Vollmer – Secretary
Kelly Vollmer is a learning specialist at a local independent school. She has been an educator for over 15 years, specializing working with neurodiverse students. She was introduced to FIRST Robotics in 2013 and started an FLL Junior team with her son and his friends. In 2017, she began mentoring her son's FLL team and continued until 2022. During her time as a mentor she saw how much confidence, independence and critical thinking skills were developed through FIRST Robotics. Her son is now a proud member of the Robo-Lions, FRC Team 2199. She is director of Carroll County's Roar of the Robots, a two-day FLL tournament. She is happy to serve as secretary of PIE3 and help bring robotics to more children. |
Our Board members can be camera shy! We will add more photos soon. |
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Rose Young – Co-Treasurer
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Brant Conaway – Co-Treasurer
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Rose retired after teaching High School Physics and Engineering Teacher for 17 years in public and private schools. She previously served as a Naval Engineering Duty Officer, worked in logistics and research and volunteered in schools and her community. She has been the Lead Mentor for the FRC Team 2199 since it was founded, and her sons Michael and Sam are alumni of the Robo-Lions. She has been a key volunteer and committee member for nearly all Maryland FIRST programs. She holds the following degrees:
• BS – Physics, US Naval Academy • MS – Applied Physics, Johns Hopkins University • MS – Curriculum and Instruction, McDaniel College |
Brant is a Program Manager of Development at Northrop Grumman. His work experience includes roles as Mechanical Engineer, Systems Engineer, and Chief Engineer in the Semiconductor, Material Handling, and Aerospace industries. He is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and holds a US Patent. Brant has been a coach and mentor for FLL, FTC, and FRC since 2017. His son Austin is currently the design lead of FRC Team 2199, the Robo-Lions. He holds the following degrees:
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Current Directors:
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Fred Needel
BIO In progress
Joe Duva
Joe is Chief Engineer, Large-Scale Analytic Systems Group at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL). He is a Build Mentor of FRC Team 2199, the Robo-Lions. His son Brian is a computer engineer on the team, and his son Charlie will be joining an FTC Team. Joe coached PIE3 FLL teams for several years. He holds the follow degrees:
• MS – Computer Science, Johns Hopkins University • BS – Computer Science, University of Maryland Joe Walton
BIO in progress |
VacantSharon Vandegriff
Sharon was a homeschooling mom for 18 years and a caretaker for the last five years. She is a mentor for the FTC team that her husband, Jon, coaches: 7393 ElectronVolts. Two sons, Johan & Lincoln, are alumni and mentors of eVolts; all four children were members of FLL team Snowmobots; one of Jr FLL SnowMonkeyBots.
She has the following degrees: B. S. Spanish & Mathematics, Mount Vernon Nazarene University M. S. Mathematics, Ohio University |