Six Sigma Associates: Who We Are

One "Sigma Science^SM" cannot fit all clients, sites or even engineers. As they learn about the participants and their processes, experience and sound understanding of the material allows the modules, content, pace and presentation to be modified as appropriate without compromising their philosophy. The principals continually strive to integrate practical techniques found to improve and learn about processes. Data collected during the training is essential to build these relationships. The four principals at Six Sigma Associates (Bill Ross, Doug Sanders, Tony Cooper, Cheryl Hild) will be involved with the presentation of the material to the engineers.

Bill Ross, CEO (303.494.8521) found statistics to be an efficient method for finding improvement opportunities as an engineer supporting supplier improvement initiatives. Suppliers included Fortune 500 companies, low and high tech, low and high volume. This material was not part of his degree (Geochemistry, University of Colorado). Bill learned from and worked with recognized leaders in industrial statistics (including Box, Hogg, Bisgaard, Wadsworth, McLean, Taguchi, and R. Sanders). Self-study and experience made Bill proficient at applying proactive strategies to industrial processes. In 1992, recommended by Dr. Harry, Bill founded Six Sigma Associates and thus became the first consultant in Six Sigma. Under his vision and leadership the principles continuously assess both the applicability and completeness of the material and strive to integrate practical techniques found to improve and learn about processes. A passionate and persuasive speaker, Bill often is the first to introduce managers and engineers to Sigma Science^Æ. (billross@sigma-science.com)

Doug Sanders, Ph.D., President (865.448.3002) studies at the University of Tennessee indicated several experimental strategies that could be very useful, if not necessary, in industry. However, the math typically surrounding these strategies made them very difficult to pass on to engineers. Doug developed a graphical technique that allowed Six Sigma Associates to pass on these strategies. This typifies Doug's philosophy that necessity, not convenience, must drive the tools provided to engineers. Doug usually teaches later in the training as well as directing the Master program. The Master program is particularly rigorous, but practical. Engineers certified by Doug as a Master have successfully replaced Six Sigma Associates in several organizations. (dougsanders@sigma-science.com)

Tony Cooper, Ph.D., Executive Vice President (865.567.4697) is an engineer (Rensselaer) and a statistician (University of Tennessee). This combination of skills and his experience in a multitude of industrial situations yields a unique insight into processes. It became apparent that to reliably find improvement opportunities requires disciplined, but well thought out, data acquisition. (tonycooper@sigma-science.com)

Cheryl Hild, Ph.D. Senior Associate (865.909.0319) joined the faculty at the University of Tennessee's Executive Development Program after receiving her Ph.D. Experiences in industry, which included both administrative management as well as process engineering responsibilities, have integrated to provide a broad, well-rounded set of skills and insights. (cherylhild@sigma-science.com)