We ignite greatness –
Leader by leader

Who we are

Catalyzer is a practical, application-focused leadership development consultancy, led by accomplished business leaders and West Point graduates. In addition to helping leaders become catalysts for change, we help organizations with succession planning, recruiting campaigns, training/learning/development frameworks, retention campaigns, absenteeism analysis, and more.

Building CharacterEmpathy

Building TrustAccountability

Leaders
Shaping
Leaders

Our team

Team Catalyzer is a diverse group of experienced and well-educated senior leaders. Those who know us describe our team as adaptable, practical, empathetic, tough, and world-wise. Our team is comprised of West Point graduates, veterans, college educators, and advanced degree earners. Our varied, people-focused backgrounds enable us to connect effectively in the boardroom, on the manufacturing floor, and in the lunchroom, engaging with leaders at all levels, from new hires to the C-suite. We are experts in translating the challenging and “fuzzy” world of leadership into practical, actionable strategies. Feedback consistently highlights our adaptability and authenticity. Simply put, “We’re a jazz band, not an orchestra.”

Stephen A. Ingalls

Stephen A. Ingalls joined the organization in 2010, later served as its President from 2011 to 2015, and now leads the team as its President and CEO. In addition to his strategic leadership, Mr. Ingalls leads curriculum development, program management, and oversees program execution, often facilitating engagements.

Meet Steve

Dennis S. Passovoy

One of Catalyzer’s original plank holders, Dennis Passovoy brings over 45 years of business experience in various roles and diverse industries, including over 15 years in financial services. He has a long and distinguished track record of founding and running businesses, including advising other business leaders. As our Board Chair, Mr. Passovoy provides foundational business advice and supports Catalyzer’s Information Technology (IT) activities and initiatives. (Texas)

Meet Dennis

Christopher D. H. John

Another of Catalyzer’s original founders, long-time Scouting executive Chris John serves as a Vice President and member of the Board of Directors. On the Board, he represents an entrepreneurial perspective and balances Directors as the designated “exit champion.” Every organization needs a “wild-haired” idea guy. For Catalyzer, that’s Chris. (Colorado)

Meet Chris

Joseph Doty, PH.D.

Considered Catalyzer’s most complex thinker, Dr. Joe Doty brings a level of intensity, curiosity, and intellect to programs that substantively influence curriculum development and program execution for the better. A West Point graduate, US Army veteran, and member of our Board of Directors, he is considered among our most accomplished senior facilitators and is our subject matter expert on character development and emotional intelligence. (North Carolina)

Meet Joe

Guy Hatch

A West Point graduate and US Army veteran, Guy Hatch supports Catalyzer’s program execution as a facilitator and coach. He enjoyed rich and diverse professional experiences in organizations like Johnson & Johnson and United Technologies before leading a Connecticut-based business incubator and serving as the CEO of a small, air-separation business. A high-demand coach, Guy is often leveraged in cases where his substantive business acumen is needed. (Colorado)

Meet Guy

Lea Hegge

Easily among the finest professional facilitators we have ever encountered, Lea Hegge began supporting Catalyzer in 2022 and provides substantive value, not only “in the room,” but with curriculum development and diverse thinking on larger, organizational issues. We envision leaning on her talents as the organization grows into a “next phase” and regularly count on her to drive our internal thinking in uncommon ways. (Wisconsin)

Meet Lea

Ellen Houlihan

Among the earliest female graduates of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Ellen Houlihan brings rich academic preparation, extensive industry experience, and substantive governance background to Catalyzer as a Director, facilitator, and coach. We routinely count on these skills and her expertise in organizational transformation, governance, and process engineering during program delivery and coaching efforts. (North Carolina)

Meet Ellen

Jonathan Smidt

A gifted senior facilitator and coach, Jon Smidt brings patient insight, high energy, and rich experience to our organization and those we serve. The consummate communicator, he leverages three decades of teaching experience, primarily with adult learners, supporting the team through curriculum development, facilitation, and coaching. (Tennessee)

Meet Jonathan

Ronnie Spellman

A rare talent we encountered first in 2014, Ronnie sustained a relationship with our organization over nearly a decade, before joining Catalyzer’s Board of Directors in 2023. He brings a deep reservoir of business experience across diverse organizations and industries, and is a critical networker for us in the metropolitan Dallas-Fort Worth area. (Texas)

Meet Ronnie

Joe Yearta

An accomplished business leader and native Alabamian, Joe Yearta supports Catalyzer’s executive team with financial oversight and regular counsel for our CEO/President. The “Roll Tide” contingent on our team, Joe remains engaged with multiple professional organizations in the northern Alabama area and is an important “connector” in the Huntsville/Madison County area. (Alabama)