Dr. Rick Jacobs specializes in performance measurement, research design and analysis, and test validation and development.  In addition to his role at EB Jacobs, Dr. Jacobs has been a Professor of Psychology at The Pennsylvania State University since 1979 and has been a regular contributor to the general industrial psychology literature with over 50 articles, book chapters and presentations.  Dr. Jacobs has been the principal investigator of research grants with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Brookhaven National Lab to develop new methods for understanding and auditing inhibitors to safety in high reliability (nuclear power plants) work settings.  He also has conducted extensive research into the relationships among seniority, experience, performance and attitudes in the private and public sectors, with particular emphasis on the teaching profession.  Dr. Jacobs has been the recipient of several high honors within his field including achieving the status of Fellow for the American Psychological Association/American Psychological Society/Society of Industrial and Organizational Psychology (1997); William A. Owens Scholarly Achievement Award (2000); Yoder-Heneman Personnel Research Award (1992); and James McKeen Cattell Award for Excellence in Research Design (1980).

Role: Dr. Jacobs is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of EB Jacobs.  He provides the company’s vision and strategic leadership, and has pioneered EB Jacobs’ work in the transit industry through his partnership with the American Public Transit Association.  Dr. Jacobs also develops new business and business initiatives, directs project activities and provides expert testimony.

Joined the Team: Founder, 1980

Education: 1978: Ph.D. Industrial/Organizational Psychology, University of California at Berkeley; 1974: M.A. Industrial/Organizational Psychology, San Diego State University; 1972: B.A. Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles

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Chuck Boyle has broad leadership experience and a track record of operational achievement in new ventures, business turnaround, strategy, and consulting in domestic and expatriate assignments in Europe.  He has worked in technology-based startups and operating units of US and European public companies such as Xerox, Johnson & Johnson, Advanced Technology Laboratories and SHL plc at Director through CEO level.  Chuck has also worked with US intelligence agency initiatives when he was appointed Managing Consultant by the Soviet Academy of Science to develop commercial transformation of military intellectual property.  He has been an invited speaker on organization and strategy in several graduate business schools.  He has also served on venture capital, industrial psychology, business and community advisory boards.  Throughout his career, Chuck has focused on selection and alignment of people for improving business performance.

Role: Chuck Boyle is the Chairman and a co-founder of EBJacobs.  He is responsible for business strategy and commercial development with an emphasis on new markets and lines of business.

Joined the Team: In 1998 as CEO, The Americas Region, SHL plc, with responsibility for the predecessor Landy, Jacobs & Associates business acquired by SHL in 1997.  Since 1980, Chuck has engaged the professional services of the Landy, Jacobs & Associates principals in his corporate affiliations.

Education: 1979: MBA, The University of Chicago; The Executive Program, The University of Chicago; 1967: BA, General Arts & Science, The Pennsylvania State University.

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Dr. Janet Echemendia is dedicated to the area of public sector testing and training, where her 20+ years of experience span approximately 50 public sector organizations and include the development of all forms of performance assessment and appraisal systems, candidate preparatory training programs and assessor training programs.  Her private sector work includes the development of professionalism training programs for nuclear personnel and assessment centers for personnel at all levels of supervision/management.  Dr. Echemendia also has taught courses in the Industrial/Organizational Psychology Department at The Pennsylvania State University, and served as an occasional reviewer for the Journal of Applied Psychology.

Role: Dr. Echemendia is the President and Co-Founder of EB Jacobs and provides leadership and guidance over all EB Jacobs business and initiatives.  Dr. Echemendia oversees all operations within the organization including directing project activities, administration, marketing and finance and provides direction to staff in procedures, processes and policy-related issues. 

Joined the Team: 1985

Education: 1991: Ph.D. Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Bowling Green State University; 1982: M.A. Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Bowling Green State University; 1979: B.A. Psychology, State University of New York at Albany

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Dr. Jay Silva is an Industrial-Organizational psychologist who specializes in statistical analysis and computer applications in the area of personnel research and selection.  Dr. Silva previously worked as a Senior Research Scientist at the US Army Research Institute (ARI) and Personnel Decisions Research Institutes (PDRI).  While at ARI, Dr. Silva was appointed to serve on the Committee on Scientific Activities and was elected Vice-Chairperson.  At PDRI, he pursued personnel selection, performance appraisal, and competency modeling research for large corporations and Federal Government agencies such as the State Department, FBI, and CIA.  Dr. Silva’s research on test fairness was selected as one of the top ten research projects conducted for Army laboratories in 1993.  Over the years, Dr. Silva has published and presented his research on minority selection, fair treatment, and adverse impact to a variety of audiences.

Role: Dr. Silva is a Managing Senior Consultant who plays a complex role directing multiple functions at EB Jacobs from a regional office in Gainesville, Florida.  He directs projects for public safety, transit and private sector agencies and develops new business in these sectors.  Dr. Silva also oversees and directs the statistical analysis staff and activities; designs and develops computer applications for testing and analysis; conducts applied research activities; and provides expert statistical analysis, direction and advice.  Recently, Dr. Silva directed the development of computerized applications of EB Jacobs’ Law Enforcement Aptitude Battery (LEAB) and Bus Operator Selection Survey (BOSS) program.

Joined the Team: 1998

Education: 1988: Ph.D. Industrial/Organizational Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University (minor in statistics); 1986: M.S. Industrial/Organizational Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University; 1983: B. A. Psychology, Rutgers University.

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Joseph A. Hinish II is highly experienced in entry-level and promotion test development and administration in the public and private sectors.  Mr. Hinish leads EB Jacobs’ efforts in the development and implementation of physical and medical tests and standards, cognitive ability tests, and middle and high-level executive assessments.  Mr. Hinish also has played a key role in the development of EB Jacobs’ on-line Law Enforcement Aptitude Battery (LEAB) and specializes in the design and coordination of large-scale test administration logistics and security procedures.

Role: Mr. Hinish plays a multi-faceted role at EB Jacobs where he directs both public and private sector projects; leads activities involving medical and physical standards, executive assessments and large-scale test administrations; and serves as the managing director of office operations in charge of coordinating staff assignments and communications, and overseeing personnel administrative functions.  Mr. Hinish has been instrumental in the development of the content and specifications for EB Jacobs’ on-line Law Enforcement Aptitude Battery (LEAB) and associated Job Analysis Transportability program.

Joined the Team: 1988

Education: 1990: M.S. Industrial/Organizational Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University; 1984: B.A. Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University

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Dr. Greg Loviscky has substantial experience in directing public sector projects, including entry-level and promotion testing in public safety and transportation.  He also has worked on many aspects of middle- and upper-level executive assessment in the private sector, including assessing candidates, providing candidates with feedback, and training assessors.

Role: Dr. Loviscky has directed job analysis, test validation, candidate preparation, and test administration efforts for entry-level and promotion testing in police and fire departments throughout the country.  He has also been involved with many of those same activities for executive assessment and transportation projects.

Joined the Team: 1993

Education: 2000: Ph.D. Industrial/Organizational Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University; 1996: M.S. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Old Dominion University; 1992: B.S. in Labor & Industrial Relations, The Pennsylvania State University

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Nicole Howard is highly experienced in all aspects of entry and promotion testing in the public sector, having managed close to 50 contracts in the public safety and transit industries.  She also specializes in all facets of executive assessment in the private sector, having served in the role of lead administrator as well as in the role of assessor responsible for evaluating and providing feedback to middle-level and high-level executives.

Role: Ms. Howard directs entry-level and promotional-level public safety projects for EB Jacobs from a regional office in Ocean Springs, MS.  Her experience in designing selection systems for public safety includes conducting job analyses; developing, administering and validating all forms of tests and assessments; and conducting rater and candidate training programs.  Ms. Howard also plays a key role in the delivery and implementation of EB Jacobs’ Bus Operator Selection System and in the administration of executive assessment programs in the private sector.

Joined the Team: 1997

Education: 1996: M.S. Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Old Dominion University; 1994: B.S. Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University

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Brian Himelright specializes in the management and direction of public safety projects with particular expertise in EB Jacobs’ entry-level systems.  His expertise encompasses all project stages from developing new business to preparing final reports and providing assistance in expert consultation.  Mr. Himelright plays a lead role in the implementation of EB Jacobs‘ on-line Law Enforcement Aptitude Battery (LEAB) as well as in the development of physical ability tests and standards, Academy curriculum validation programs and competency-based oral assessments.

Role: Mr. Himelright’s responsibilities include all aspects of entry-level and promotional-level project management.  His experience in designing selection systems includes conducting job analysis; developing, administering and validating all forms of tests and assessments; conducting rater and candidate training programs, and validating Academy curricula.  Mr. Himelright plays a major role in training client personnel on the use of EB Jacobs’ on-line LEAB system and overseeing all aspects of its implementation.

Joined the Team: 1997

Education: 1997: B.S. Industrial/Organizational Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University

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George H. Conrad is directly responsible for managing the data analysis staff and services at EB Jacobs.  His expertise includes working with a large variety of statistical analysis packages and computer programs, managing databases and performing complex statistical analyses.  Mr. Marchione’s previous research experience and publications are in the area of psychosocial treatment evaluation, which was supported by the National Institute of Mental Health.

Role: Mr. Conrad is EB Jacobs’ Data Analysis Manager responsible for managing databases involving as many as 25,000 cases and data sets from ongoing, multi-phase test administration programs.  Mr. Conrad analyzes data for the purpose of producing test scores and eligibility lists, developing scales measuring personality constructs and conducting criterion-related validity research.  He also is responsible for designing and coordinating the analysis team’s work policies, procedures and guidelines to ensure the accurate and timely delivery of data and information to EB Jacobs’ clients.  Mr. Conrad also played a major role in the validation research and analyses conducted to develop EB Jacobs’ Law Enforcement Aptitude Battery (LEAB) scoring protocol.

Joined the Team: 2010

Education: 1996: M.S. Agriculture Economics, The Pennsylvania State University; 1998: B.S. Economics, University of New Orleans

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Chris Williams is a dedicated member of the analysis staff, having direct responsibility for the Bus Operator Selection System score reporting.  Her experience includes data entry, management and analysis.  Ms. Williams has expertise with a variety of computer applications, statistical packages and programs.

Role: Ms. Williams provides support for all data analytic functions performed at EB Jacobs.  In this role, she is responsible for the accurate and timely entry/scanning and verification of job analytic, test and other data.  She also designs and develops customized scan sheets and participates in the establishment of analysis policies and procedures.  Ms. Williams also is directly responsible for the maintenance and reporting of results associated with the Bus Operator Selection System (BOSS).

Joined the Team: 2001

Education: 2000: A.A. in Accounting/Business Administration, DuBois Business College

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Becky Rock is in charge of office administration for EB Jacobs and maintains communication with internal personnel, clients and outside vendors.  She has expertise in all office management operations and in a wide variety of computer programs and applications.

Role:  In her role as office manager, Ms. Rock is responsible for facilitating coordination and communication among project staff and activities.  She maintains project schedules, provides administrative support to all professional staff, communicates and coordinates with vendors for outside services (e.g., printing), assists with EB Jacobs’ marketing efforts and participates in decisions concerning administrative policies and procedures.  Ms. Rock also is responsible for the acquisition and travel-related arrangements associated with external assessors used in EB Jacobs’ assessments.

Joined the Team: 1993

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J.B. Evans specializes in the management of public safety projects. His expertise encompasses all project stages from developing new business to preparing final reports.  Mr. Evans spent the years prior to joining EB Jacobs serving in the United States Air Force and was member of the 2nd Security Forces Squadron at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana where he performed all aspects of law enforcement and security ranging from the apprehension and detainment of suspects during routine traffic stops, to investigating crime scenes, to controlling entry and exit into Protection Level One Nuclear Weapon Storage Areas.

Role: Mr. Evans responsibilities include all aspects of promotional-level project management.  His experience in designing selection systems for public safety includes conducting job analyses; developing, administering and validating all forms of tests and assessments; and conducting rater and candidate training programs.

Joined the Team: 2008

Education: 2007: B.S. Business Management and Administration, Louisiana State University in Shreveport, 2004: A.A.S. Criminal Justice, Community College of the Air Force

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Tracey Pletcher assists in the management of EB Jacobs’ financial resources, having expertise in bookkeeping and accounting.  She is responsible for project contracts and billing, employee compensation and benefits, expenses and reporting of company finances.

Role: Ms. Pletcher is responsible for maintaining all records related to EB Jacobs’ employees, contracts and finances.  She maintains and oversees project contracts, communicates with client finance representatives, communicates with outside vendors to acquire services, maintains employee data and participates in decisions concerning financial and human resource policies and procedures.  Ms. Pletcher also maintains, and ensures compliance with, employment regulations and contractual obligations pertaining to all forms of insurance and workplace guidelines.

Joined the Team: 1991

Education: 1988: Accounting and Payroll Clerk Degree, Altoona (PA) School of Commerce

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Dr. Harold Cheatham has held professional appointments in higher education including Director of University Counseling at Case Western Reserve University (1969-1974), professor of psychology at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (1974-1981), professor and head of the department of counselor education and counseling psychology at Pennsylvania State University (1981-1996), and professor and dean of Clemson University College of Health, Education, and Human Development (1996-2001).  Dr. Cheatham is a Fulbright Scholar and has served on the editorial boards of the Career Development Quarterly, Western Journal of Black Studies, Journal of Black Psychology, Journal of College Student Development, and as editor of the ACPA Media Board.  His writing and research address multicultural counseling theory and practice, cultural pluralism, and psychosocial development of African Americans in US higher education.  He is editor of a special issue of the Journal of College Student Personnel (1987-1988) titled “Blacks in US Higher Education,” co-editor (with J.B. Stewart) of Black Families: Interdisciplinary Perspectives, Transaction Press, Rutgers University (1990), editor of Cultural Pluralism on Campus (1991), and co-editor (with J.S. Mio et al.) of Keywords in Multicultural Interventions, A Dictionary, Greenwood Press (1999).  Dr. Cheatham was recognized as a pioneer in multicultural counseling and development in the American Psychological Association, Division 17, journal The Counseling Psychologist (July, 1997).  Dr. Cheatham is Dean Emeritus and Professor Emeritus of counseling and education leadership at Clemson University and also achieved Professor Emeritus status at The Pennsylvania State University.  Dr. Cheatham has also received a governor’s appointment to serve as a member of the South Carolina Mental Health Commission from 2004-2009, is a member of the Advisory Board of the Anderson Medical Center in Anderson, South Carolina and has received an appointment to the Public Policy Committee of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity for 2005-2007.

Role: Dr. Cheatham has worked in consultation with EB Jacobs for the past 20 years to ensure that our test and candidate preparatory materials are free of cultural bias. In his role, Dr. Cheatham reviews all test and candidate preparatory material and suggests modifications to ensure the material is free of cultural bias as well as to enhance the format and clarity of test and preparatory material for all candidates.

Joined the Team: 1985

Education: 1973: Ph.D. Counseling/Higher Education, Case Western Reserve University; 1969: M.A. Counseling/Higher Education Administration, Colgate University; 1961: B.S. Psychology/History, The Pennsylvania State University

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Dr. Ruben Echemendia is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in clinical psychology and neuropsychology, with a focus on psychological/neuropsychological assessment, sports-related cerebral concussion, issues related to ethnic/racial minority populations, and the assessment of Spanish speakers.  Dr. Echemendia currently owns and directs a private practice -- Psychological and Neurobehavioral Associates, Inc.  He has consulted with law enforcement and public safety personnel for close to 20 years on matters related to psychological screening, fitness for duty, critical incident debriefing and employee assistance programs.  He also is experienced in litigation related to psychological assessment, having served as an expert in over 30 civil and federal cases.  Previously, Dr. Echemendia was Director of the Psychological Clinic at The Pennsylvania State University for 15 years, where he was instrumental in developing the clinic into one of the largest and most comprehensive university-based training clinics in the U.S.  Dr. Echemendia also was instrumental in developing a psychological assessment program at Penn State and taught advanced graduate courses in assessment in clinical psychology and clinical neuropsychology there for 18 years.  Born in Cuba, Dr. Echemendia is bilingual in English and Spanish and has served as an expert for various national panels that have examined the mental health needs of ethnic minority populations.  Dr. Echemendia has an extensive publication record, a significant proportion of which focuses on assessment.  Dr. Echemendia is a consultant to several organizations including the American Psychological Association and his research has been externally funded by a variety of agencies including the National Institute of Mental Health.  Dr. Echemendia graduated from an APA approved graduate program in clinical psychology and completed an APA approved clinical internship in clinical psychology.

Role: Dr. Echemendia has worked in consultation with EB Jacobs for the past 20 years to provide services related to the psychological screening of law enforcement candidates.  In his role, Dr. Echemendia has convened panels of licensed psychologists to review the entry-level job requirements for each agency and establish standards and guidelines for use in reviewing test (e.g., MMPI-2) results as well as for conducting follow-up clinical interviews and rendering dispositions concerning the psychological fitness of entry-level candidates.

Joined the Team: 1986

Education: 1984: Ph.D. Clinical Psychology, The Bowling Green State University; 1982: M.A. Clinical Psychology, The Bowling Green State University; 1979: B.A. Psychology, Hofstra University

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Dr. Larry Kenney specializes in environmental and exercise physiology.  His research focuses on the effects of age and fitness on cardiovascular and thermoregulatory responses to exercise, heat stress, and dehydration.  He has received numerous awards for research, including a Faculty Scholar Medal and the Outstanding Research Career Award from the College of Health and Human Development at Penn State.  His public safety work includes close to 20 years of experience in the development of medical standards and development, validation, and implementation of physical abilities test batteries.  He has published over 130 papers in scientific journals and was Senior Editor of the 5th edition of the American College of Sports Medicine's (ACSM) Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription.  Dr. Kenney is the immediate past President of ACSM (2003-2004) and is a Certified Exercise Specialist and Program Director.

Role: Dr. Kenney has worked in consultation with EB Jacobs for close to 20 years to provide services related to the development of physical ability and medical tests and standards for employees.  Dr. Kenney has worked with EB Jacobs staff to design physical ability simulations and standards for law enforcement, fire service, healthcare and communications personnel to assess the essential abilities required for job applicants, recruits and incumbents.   In addition, Dr. Kenney has convened panels of physicians across a variety of medical specialties to review the entry-level job requirements in the above-mentioned industries to establish protocols and standards for evaluating the medical and physical fitness of job applicants.   Finally, Dr. Kenney was instrumental in the development of EB Jacobs' physical ability test preparation program for candidates.

Joined the Team: 1987 

Education: 1983: Ph.D. Physiology, The Pennsylvania State University; 1980: M.S. Biology, Indiana University of Pennsylvania; 1978: B.S. Biology (minor: Chemistry), Indiana University of PA

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