Our Team
Derek Eads
CEO
Derek Eads serves as the President of Adgo, where he leads the company’s strategic direction, oversees daily operations, and drives growth across national markets. In addition to his executive leadership, Derek heads Sales and manages Adgo’s key and national accounts, ensuring customers receive innovative and reliable solutions tailored to their automation and control system needs. He also oversees the development and expansion of Adgo’s pump panel product line, a cornerstone of the company’s commitment to excellence in system design, implementation, and industrial automation.
Derek joined Adgo in 2008 as Vice President of Sales and assumed the role of President and CEO in 2012. Prior to Adgo, he built a strong foundation in chemical manufacturing, holding leadership roles as Operations Manager, Plant Manager, Plant Engineer, and Process Engineer with several specialty chemical manufacturers. His broad technical background informs Adgo’s focus on process control, system integration, and automation software for the Water/Wastewater and industrial sectors.
A former Engineer Officer in the Kentucky Army National Guard, Derek served from 1997 to 2011 and rose to the rank of Major, embodying the discipline, leadership, and commitment to excellence that define his professional approach. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology and an MBA from the University of Cincinnati.
Rick Elliott
VP of Operations
Rick Elliott is the Vice President of Operations at Adgo, bringing over 25 years of expertise in system design, implementation, and testing within the industrial automation and Water/Wastewater Industry. Since joining Adgo in 1998 as a Senior Controls Engineer, Rick has played a vital role in advancing Adgo’s reputation for excellence in automation software, process control, and system integration.
Promoted to Vice President of Engineering in 2007, and later to Vice President of Operations, Rick oversees the company’s engineering and production initiatives, ensuring reliable and efficient industrial controls automation across a wide range of municipal and industrial applications. His extensive hands-on experience with PLC’s, VFD’s, and control systems drives Adgo’s commitment to delivering innovative, high-performance automation solutions.
Rick holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati.
Kevin Larison
Production Manager
Kevin Larison serves as the Production Manager at Adgo, bringing extensive leadership experience and operational expertise to the team. Since joining Adgo in 2017, Kevin has been instrumental in driving efficiency, quality, and innovation across our production operations.
Before joining Adgo, Kevin managed both residential and commercial divisions for a waste management company, where he honed his skills in logistics, safety compliance, and process optimization. His deep understanding of industrial operations and commitment to continuous improvement make him a key contributor to Adgo’s reputation for excellence in industrial automation, manufacturing solutions, and production management.
Kelly Throckmorton
Office Manager
Kelly Throckmorton is the Vice President of Administration at Adgo, bringing over 25 years of dedicated service to the company. She oversees Human Resources, Accounting, and Purchasing, playing a vital role in strengthening Adgo’s procurement and vendor relations.
Kelly began her career with Adgo part-time while attending college and joined the company full-time in 1998. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Marketing from Mount St. Joseph University, she has been instrumental in building efficient administrative systems that support Adgo’s ongoing success. Her expertise in business administration, financial management, supply chain coordination, and organizational leadership continues to drive operational excellence and align Adgo’s internal processes with its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.