Welcome to the Team!

With the start of 2018, SPEC is happy to welcome three new members to our team. 

Saunak Basu – IT Director

Join SPEC in welcoming Saunak Basu as our new IT Director. Saunak has his bachelor’s degree in Economics, along with minors in Math and Philosophy from Wabash College in Indiana. He comes to SPEC with 20+ years in IT, specifically in infrastructure and business applications. While Saunak provides daily support for IT issues, he is also responsible for implementing a new ERP system at SPEC in 2018.

If you ask Saunak’s friends, he is the ‘electronics guru’ in their friend circle, often providing advice on the best gadgets. That seems pretty fitting as an IT Director! He is also a certified coach by the U.S. Soccer Federation, and he spends many hours every week coaching a boys travel soccer team in Bolingbrook. He also enjoys traveling with his family; he has been to many national parks, with hopes to travel to Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks this summer.

James Frederick – Manufacturing Manager

James Frederick is the new Manufacturing Manager at SPEC. He oversees the shop, keeping all projects on schedule, and aligning the engineering and manufacturing communication process. James received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois in Computer Science. He comes to SPEC with an extensive experience in being in a shop, including welding and 15 years at Caterpillar.

In his free time, James enjoys being adventurous. He has a pilot’s license, so if SPEC ever got a company plane, we would be set! James is also a certified scuba diver, although there aren’t many places in Illinois to take advantage of that.

Cheri Panasik, Ph.D. – Chief Operating Officer

SPEC welcomes Cheri Panasik, Ph.D. as the Chief Operating Officer. In this role, Cheri will help guide the engineering department while trying to improve company efficiencies. Cheri’s educational background in engineering, business, and product development, along with over 20 years of professional experience in engineering, manufacturing, conformity assessment testing and product development (with over 40 patents) will bring a new aspect to SPEC.

Cheri enjoys outdoor activities, including boating, water skiing, snow skiing, and running. One of her favorite restaurants is The Turf Room in Aurora, and “How Things are Made” is one of her favorite TV shows. She looks forward to becoming a productive SPEC team member. Welcome, Cheri!