Katie L. Kretz
President | The DeVore Group
Katie L. Kretz is an accomplished executive leader and strategic business consultant with extensive experience in organizational development, strategic planning, operational leadership, regulatory compliance, and fiscal management. As President of The DeVore Group, she partners with businesses, manufacturing companies, nonprofit organizations, and other institutions to develop organizational vision, strengthen operational performance, navigate complex challenges, and position organizations for sustainable growth.
With a strong background in executive leadership and organizational transformation, Katie specializes in helping organizations translate vision into actionable strategies. Her expertise includes strategic business development, organizational assessments, operational restructuring, leadership development, process improvement, and implementing systems that strengthen accountability, efficiency, and organizational effectiveness. She works closely with business owners and leadership teams to establish measurable objectives and build the infrastructure necessary for long-term success.
A growing focus of Katie's consulting practice is supporting manufacturing and industrial organizations as they navigate complex regulatory, quality management, and certification requirements. She provides strategic guidance and implementation support for companies pursuing AS9100 quality management standards, Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), and Joint Certification Program (JCP) requirements. Her approach emphasizes developing practical policies, procedures, internal controls, and operational systems that support certification readiness while improving overall business performance.
Katie also brings significant expertise in fiscal management, financial oversight, budgeting, resource allocation, and organizational growth. Throughout her executive leadership career, she has successfully guided organizations through periods of expansion, financial uncertainty, and operational change. She understands the importance of aligning financial strategy with organizational priorities, strengthening fiscal accountability, and identifying opportunities for revenue growth and long-term sustainability.
Her experience leading complex organizations provides a unique perspective on the connection between people, processes, financial performance, and organizational culture. She has demonstrated success in building high-performing teams, developing leaders, strengthening employee engagement, and creating environments that encourage collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Additional areas of expertise include organizational governance, regulatory compliance, strategic workforce planning, project management, business development, performance measurement, grant development, technology assessments, and change management.
Katie's consulting philosophy is grounded in collaboration, strategic vision, and measurable results. She works alongside clients to identify opportunities, develop practical solutions, and successfully implement strategies that strengthen organizational performance.
Through The DeVore Group, Katie is committed to serving as a trusted advisor, helping organizations achieve operational excellence, regulatory readiness, financial stability, and sustainable business growth.
A Trusted Beacon for Business Growth.
Darren J. Kretz
Darren J. Kretz
Vice President & Partner | The DeVore Group
Darren Kretz is an accomplished business and technology executive with over 25 years of experience in sales, marketing, business development, engineering, technology leadership, and regulatory compliance. As Vice President and Partner of The DeVore Group, he brings extensive expertise spanning telecommunications, information technology, cybersecurity, physical security, manufacturing compliance, and emerging technologies, with experience ranging from entrepreneurial startups to publicly traded technology companies.
At the heart of Darren's professional success is his ability to build meaningful relationships, establish trust, and develop lasting partnerships. A natural relationship builder, Darren understands that successful business development goes beyond transactions. His ability to connect people, understand client needs, and identify opportunities has been instrumental in expanding business relationships and driving sustainable growth across industries and international markets.
Throughout his career, Darren has specialized in strategic business development, organizational growth, technology transformation, regulatory compliance, and operational performance. He combines technical expertise with business insight to help organizations strengthen their competitive position, navigate complex challenges, and implement strategies that deliver measurable results.
A significant focus of Darren's expertise is supporting manufacturing, technology, and defense-related businesses in navigating cybersecurity and regulatory compliance requirements. He brings extensive knowledge of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), Joint Certification Program (JCP), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) cybersecurity frameworks, and federal contracting requirements. His work includes compliance readiness assessments, identifying security gaps, strengthening internal controls, and developing policies and operational safeguards that support certification readiness and contractual compliance.
Darren also has extensive experience in enterprise technology systems, telecommunications infrastructure, integrated security solutions, alternative energy, and smart infrastructure development. With international business experience spanning North America, Central America, Latin America, South America, and Europe, he has successfully led strategic technology initiatives, large-scale deployments, organizational transformations, and market development efforts.
His strengths include relationship management, strategic partnerships, sales leadership, market expansion, cybersecurity risk management, project management, and executive-level business consulting. Darren's ability to bridge technical complexity with practical business strategy allows him to connect the right people, resources, and opportunities to achieve organizational objectives.
As Vice President and Partner, Darren plays a key role in shaping The DeVore Group's strategic direction, strengthening client relationships, expanding business opportunities, and delivering innovative solutions.
Darren believes that strong relationships are the foundation of successful businesses. He is committed to building trusted partnerships that help organizations navigate change, strengthen their competitive position, and achieve sustainable growth.
A Trusted Beacon for Business Growth.
