Meet Our Team
Together, we succeed at Pinao.
At Pinao, you are not a number; you are an invaluable member of a team. All our employees bring a unique combination of education and experience that create diversified and effective teams in support of our customers.
Our Operations Team, which includes our Executive, Human Resources, Business Development, Information Technology, and Program Managers, oversee these teams to ensure every mission is a success for our customers.
Cari Gomes
President | Encinitas, CA
Cari Gomes founded Pinao Consulting in 2014 and has served as the company’s President ever since. As the President, Cari sets the tone and expectations for the company. Along with the senior staff, she oversees the establishment of the strategic plan, including high level budgets, forecasting, plans for growth, and long-term business plans.
Prior to founding Pinao, Cari received her Master of Science Degree in Geology from the University of North Carolina, Wilmington.
Heather Crosser
Vice President | Fredericksburg, VA
Heather Crosser joined Pinao Consulting (previously Kilderkin Group) in 2014 as a Senior Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) Analyst. Over the years, she has taken on increasing leadership roles, serving as Facility Security Officer (FSO), Human Resource Manager, Director of Corporate Operations, and now Vice President—demonstrating Pinao’s commitment to growing talent from within.
As Vice President, Heather oversees all operational functions at Pinao, ensuring that every department—including HR, Business Development, Proposals, and Accounting—works seamlessly to drive the company forward. She plays a pivotal role in aligning strategic goals with daily operations, keeping the team focused, efficient, and always moving in a positive direction.
Heather views the Pinao team as family, fostering a culture of integrity, collaboration, and a fun, supportive work environment. Prior to joining Pinao, Heather worked with a government contractor for 18 years with duties ranging from administrative, FSO, HR, Program Management, software testing, helpdesk support, business development and pricing for proposals. With a career in government contracting that began in 1997, she remains deeply committed to supporting our Nation’s Warfighters and the mission-driven work Pinao delivers.
🏆Pinao Award: Living the motto “Work Hard Play Hard.” For wearing many hats, getting the job done, and then saying, “Let’s Go Play!”
Hannah Smith, aPHR
Human Resources / Proposal Manager | Fredericksburg, VA
Hannah Smith first joined Pinao in 2020 as a Program Analyst supporting a government contract. After a brief departure from the company at the contract’s end, she rejoined Pinao in 2021 as the Human Resources and Proposal Manager.
Prior to Pinao, Hannah received her Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and went on to provide research analyst support in this field to the Government.
As the Human Resources Manager for Pinao, Hannah supports the administrative and personal needs of employees through continuous communication and understanding. Her direct knowledge of the current Pinao team also serves as a fundamental part of her role as a Proposal Manager supporting the Business Development Director in expanding Pinao’s workforce.
🏆Pinao Award: Being a “Superhero.” For arriving at the right time, calming the calamity, while paving a safe path for all.
Tim Rader
IT Director | Fredericksburg, VA
Tim Rader joined Pinao Consulting in 2020 as a Program Analyst before pivoting into the IT Director role in 2021. Prior to Pinao, Tim spent several years providing contract technical support to Marine Corps Systems Command in Quantico, Virginia. During his time configuring warfighter computer systems and offering end-user help desk support, Tim gathered the knowledge necessary to contribute to Pinao’s cybersecurity and IT infrastructure.
As the IT Director, he is responsible for administering employee workstations, troubleshooting hardware/software issues, and protecting Pinao’s systems from the rapidly evolving threat of cyber criminals.
🏆Pinao Award: The “Poker Face.” For never breaking a sweat before, during, or after a challenge.
Kim Mitchell
Senior Epidemiologist / Program Manager | Silver Spring, MD
Dr. Kim Mitchell joined Pinao as a Senior Epidemiologist in 2021. In that capacity, she leads an Epidemiology Team that supports the Defense Health Agency’s Vision Center of Excellence (VCE) by providing analytical and technical support for research projects examining eye injuries and other visual dysfunctions among Service members and Veterans. She collaborates with VCE clinicians, data scientists, and other staff members to formulate research questions, plan studies, conduct statistical analysis, and prepare technical reports and manuscripts to advance the VCE research portfolio. She oversees the Epidemiology Team’s training and development and ensures that the team seamlessly integrates with all VCE operations.
Likewise, as part of the Pinao Operations Team, she contributes her skills in critical thinking and program planning to help support the company’s growth as a leading business that provides solutions to clients across disciplines. She holds a PhD in Behavioral and Community Health from the University of Maryland, a Master of Public Health from Yale University, and a Bachelor of Arts from Cornell University.
🏆Pinao Award: The “Eagle Eye.” The keen ability to spot a grammatical error a mile away and to provide detailed responses.