Our Team
Thomas has 25 years of global consulting experience, working across industries on projects ranging from strategy design to operating model transformation. He is a recognized thought leader on operational excellence and process redesign. Prior to founding Purpose Works, Thomas was a founding partner of OXYGY/Valeocon Consulting. He started his career with ABB and AON. Thomas is based in Northern New Jersey and enjoys reading and music.
Meisha Williams Bertels is the firm’s marketing director, where she oversees all online and offline marketing efforts. She has 15 years of digital marketing experience and is the founder of Phase One Strategy, a boutique marketing advisory firm. She is based in Northern New Jersey and is an accomplished chef.
Jennifer has over 25 years of experience managing people, projects, and priorities. With a background in start-ups, management consulting, and non-profits, she is committed to making work better. Jennifer is an expert in corporate communications, business administration, and system creation. Now based in Maui, she is a hiking, swimming, and sea turtle enthusiast.
Petra Miebach enjoys acting as a change catalyst, supporting organizations and teams with transformation.
Focusing on operational excellence, change management, and education and training, she has over 25 years of international experience in business operations and change leadership.
Originally from Germany, Petra is now based in Westchester, New York, and loves the outdoors and photography.
Focusing on operational excellence, change management, and education and training, she has over 25 years of international experience in business operations and change leadership.
Originally from Germany, Petra is now based in Westchester, New York, and loves the outdoors and photography.
Valerie has 20+ years of experience advising clients on how to increase business performance through the alignment of strategy, business process, organizational design and technology. She is well-versed in project & change management, as well as process design & excellence, quality management and strategy evaluation. In her spare time, she enjoys surfing, reading and traveling.
Rebecca Schumer is a consultant to mission-driven organizations, with expertise in strategy and human-centered design, stakeholder management and impact communications, and operational excellence. She has experience in working with for-profit and philanthropic organizations. A native New Yorker, Rebecca now resides in Los Angeles with her husband and their son, Ziggy.
John Uzzi is a recognized expert on motivational work design, business process reengineering, and change management. He has extensive experience in the banking and insurance industries. He is co-author of the book, Reengineering for Results. John, a grandfather of 8, is based in Northern New Jersey.
Joe Spadaford is a recognized operations executive in financial services and has four decades of experience driving strategic change at Citibank, First Chicago, AXA Equitable, Computershare, and American Stock Transfer, Having led several operational transformations, he advises clients on process reengineering, work design, and digital transformation. Joe is based in Pennsylvania.
A scientist and engineer by training, Fang has 20 years of industry experience from start-up biotech to big pharma companies. Prior to management consulting, he had technical and managerial roles in R&D, manufacturing, quality, and continuous improvement. Fang is an expert in applying scientific methods, statistical thinking, and data analytics to solve technical and business problems. He is based in Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina and volunteers for STEM education and professional organizations.
The Stone Mason Logo
Our logo is inspired by a visual Thomas’ grandfather, a stone mason, used for his business. He built a successful firm that lasted nearly a hundred years, restoring historical buildings. The work of the stone mason resonated for several reasons: it requires craftmanship, the outcome is built to last, and it contributes to a larger purpose.
Michelangelo, the sculptor of the statue of David said: “The sculpture is already complete within the marble block, before I start my work. It is already there, I just have to chisel away the superfluous material.”
We see our purpose the same way: to bring out the best in your organization.