THE DREAM TEAM
Our dedicated team of experienced professionals are committed to safety, quality, and customer satisfaction.
Meet our management team.
GLORIA PERNACCIARO
Owner/CEO
Born in Munich, Germany, the daughter of a tool and die maker, Gloria has worked hard to forge her success. She is an accomplished executive specializing in corporate development and strategic planning. From founding a court reporting agency at 23 years old, to owning a real estate holding company and metal stamping company, Gloria understands business. She founded AHT with her husband Chuck in 1998, knowing they had something special to offer the manufacturing industry. Gloria’s role at AHT includes development of long- and short-term strategies, guiding the company to best practices and procedures, and financial management.
When she isn’t working, Gloria enjoys golf, traveling, Hallmark movies, and spending time with her family and beloved dogs in the great outdoors.
CHUCK PERNACCIARO
Owner/President
An accomplished biomedical and electrical engineer graduating from Milwaukee School of Engineering, Chuck brings valuable technical savvy to the table. He is responsible for the day-to-day operations here at AHT; and his results-oriented, problem-solving approach to customer needs are a result of his analytical ability, logical reasoning, and creative thinking. Chuck’s eagerness to provide our customers with the proper heat treating applications generates enthusiasm and creates positive energy.
Chuck loves spending time with his wife and their Labrador Retrievers. In the summers he can usually be found boating or fine-tuning his skills on the golf course. Whether on the back of a Harley Davidson motorcycle or an Arctic Cat snowmobile, he’s always looking for adventure.
PHILIP PERNACCIARO
Vice President
Philip began working summers at AHT when he was just 14 years old. What started as a part-time job, evolved into a passion for the heat treating industry that could not be quenched. He spent years in quality control gaining appreciation for the importance of the inspection process and communication. Philip's wealth of knowledge in all areas of heat treating operations makes him an invaluable asset to our overall success.
When he's not working Philip enjoys grilling, golfing, and video games. A big movie buff, his favorites include "Singin' in the Rain," "Tropic Thunder," and "Alien".
MARY PERNACCIARO
Director of QMS
Mary is the talent behind AHT's effective Quality Management System. She developed and implemented our quality assurance policies and procedures, calibration procedures, and work instructions for heat treating & pyrometry – and that’s the short list! As Director of QMS, Mary ensures that our heat treating services adhere to ISO 9001, AS9100D and AMS (Aerospace Material Specification) quality standards. Mary successfully leads us to achieving and maintaining annual certifications and accreditations.
Mary received her bachelor’s degree in social work from Western Illinois University. She went on to receive her doctorate in Restorative Justice from Lewis University. Her hobbies include camping, fishing, and roasting s’mores over an open campfire with her puppy!
JERRY OTTERSON
Plant Manager
Jerry is the heartbeat of the shop. Managing both commercial and aerospace processes, he also handles logistics, order entry, and customer support. Warmly referred to as the "induction guru" and "salt pot master," his extensive knowledge of heat treating runs deep because he’s worked in the heat treating industry for 50 years! Having been with AHT since 2001, Jerry knows exactly what our customers need, and his production team delivers.
Before coming on board to the AHT Team, Jerry worked in the heat treating division of Barber Colman/Invensys. At Invensys, Jerry received the “Excellence Award” in recognition of outstanding performance. A proud Marine, the only thing he enjoys more than watching college sports is riding his Harley Davidson.
BILL HAWKER
Maintenance Manager
Bill has dedicated his life to heat treating. He started in his dad’s heat treating shop when he was 13 and has been part of the AHT family since 2001. As maintenance manager, Bill works tirelessly to ensure that the mechanical, electrical, structural, and control aspects of our furnaces are maintained to the highest quality. But his talents don’t stop there; Bill also finds time to lend a hand to the Production and Quality Departments.
Bill’s passion for engineering and mechanics carries over into cars. He enjoys restoring vintage cars and was involved with automobile racing “back in the day.” Bill’s other hobbies include gardening, fishing, and spending as much time as possible with his wife and four adult children.