Our Team

Our team of integration professionals comes equipped with a diversity of life and work experience, all at your disposal. We’re not just passionate about our work, we’re passionate about yours.

Alexander Johnson
Alexander Johnson

Alex, a mechanical engineering graduate, joined Sycon International to expand his expertise in engineering practices and drive innovative solutions. Outside of work, he enjoys immersing himself in nature, whether hunting in the woods or fishing on the water.

Anthony D. Pooser
Anthony D. Pooser

Tony launched his career at Florida’s Kennedy Space Center, contributing to groundbreaking space operations. Now back in Cajun Country, he’s immersing himself in the region’s rich culture, savoring crawfish, and leveraging his technical expertise as our Business Development Manager. A passionate outdoor enthusiast, Tony enjoys camping, fishing, and discovering new adventures in nature, drawing inspiration from the beauty of the night sky.

Austin J. Melancon
Austin J. Melancon

Austin is an Electrical and Instrumentation Designer at Sycon International, bringing a solid foundation in electrical systems built through prior work experience. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and is dedicated to applying his expertise to innovative projects.

Outside of work, Austin enjoys quality time with his wife, their daughter, and their two dogs. His hobbies include cooking, fishing, and playing the guitar, blending creativity and relaxation into his free time.

Cameron Prudhomme
Cameron Prudhomme

Cameron is a current student at South Louisiana Community College, pursuing a degree in Industrial Electronics. As an intern at Sycon International, he is diving headfirst into the industry, gaining hands-on experience to complement his academic studies.

When he’s not at school or work, Cameron can often be found fishing from his canoe or taking things apart to understand how they work, showcasing his curiosity and passion for problem-solving.

Christopher C. Simon
Christopher C. Simon

Christopher is a skilled CAD specialist and a passionate design and planning enthusiast at Sycon International. He dedicates his professional time to crafting innovative automation designs for clients, combining creativity and precision to deliver exceptional results.

Outside of work, Chris enjoys spending time with his family and pursuing hobbies that reflect his inventive and analytical nature. From exploring advancements in technology to tackling DIY projects at home, he approaches his personal interests with the same enthusiasm and dedication that define his professional and community roles. Chris’s ability to balance work, family, and community service highlights his exceptional time management and commitment to making a positive impact in all areas of his life.

Curtis R. Alles
Curtis R. Alles

Curtis brings a diverse background and a wealth of experience to Sycon International. Originally from Colorado, Curtis has lived in Florida, Texas, and Kentucky before settling in Louisiana over a decade ago. His professional expertise spans various industries, including water and wastewater, oil and gas, medical, industrial, environmental, municipal, and runway lighting. Outside of work, Curtis enjoys pursuing his hobbies and helping his children transition into their careers, guiding them toward independence.

Eric C. Hayes, PMP
Eric C. Hayes, PMP

Eric, Owner, Manager, & CEO of SYCON International, is a seasoned professional with over
24 years of experience in the control systems industry. He earned his degree in Electrical
Engineering from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and began his career as a control
systems engineer. Over the years, his role evolved into project management and later
engineering management at SYCON.

Driven by a passion for innovation, Eric made a bold career move by becoming SYCON’s first
official employee, working alongside the original founders to build and grow the company. Over
the past 14 years, he has played a key role in expanding SYCON’s services, introducing custom
control panel fabrication, achieving UL certification, and developing IE field services to
complement the company’s core automation solutions.

In June 2023, Eric acquired full ownership of SYCON from its original founders. Under his
leadership, the company has continued to grow, adding a dedicated design group and securing
its designation as a professional engineering firm. His commitment to professional growth is
evident through his completion of the CEO Roundtable program via LED and graduation from
the Goldman Sachs 10KSB program in New Orleans. He also actively participates in leadership
retreats, refining his approach from an operational focus to a strategic CEO mindset.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Eric’s greatest passions are his faith and family. He enjoys
spending quality time with his loved ones, from playing tennis with his wife to supporting his
children in their sports and dance activities. He is also deeply involved in his church community,
participating in small group studies, weekly adoration, and various men’s groups.

Ethan McCleary
Ethan McCleary

Ethan McCleary is a skilled Control Systems Integrator with a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and over two years of hands-on experience in the automation industry. Ethan began his career with an impactful two-year internship at SYCON, where he gained invaluable experience working alongside senior automation experts and contributing to several high-profile projects. This immersive experience provided him with a solid foundation in control systems integration, automation technology, and problem-solving within real-world applications. As a full-time team member, Ethan now specializes in designing, implementing, and optimizing control system solutions that enhance operational efficiency and reliability for clients across various industries. His technical knowledge and practical experience enable him to create tailored automation solutions that meet the specific needs of each project while ensuring safety, performance, and scalability. Outside of work, Ethan enjoys watching sports, movies, and reading novels. He is also passionate about painting, which allows him to explore his creativity and unwind. These hobbies help him explore his imagination while finding balance between work and personal life.

Gary G. Duffey, PMP, CAP, IEng MIET
Gary G. Duffey, PMP, CAP, IEng MIET

Gary brings an impressive 40 years of experience in project management, instrumentation and electrical (I&E) design, installation, and maintenance to Sycon International. Originally from the United Kingdom, Gary relocated to the United States in 2014, where love and marriage inspired his move. During his ten years with Sycon, he has earned PMP, CAPM, and UL508A Manufacturing Technical Representative (MTR) certifications, further enhancing his expertise.

Outside of work, Gary is a devoted Liverpool FC fan and enjoys spirited discussions about the nuances of the ""Offside Rule"" in football (the real kind, of course). His dedication and depth of experience make him a vital part of the Sycon team.

Ian M. Gaughan
Ian M. Gaughan

Ian a recent graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, is excited to bring his electrical engineering expertise to the Sycon International team. Outside the office, Ian enjoys camping and exploring a variety of outdoor activities, embracing his love for nature and adventure.

Jennifer T. Moeller, PE
Jennifer T. Moeller, PE

Jennifer began her journey with Sycon International as an intern while studying at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Over the years, she has taken on various roles within the company, recently earning her Professional Engineer (PE) license in Louisiana. Jennifer is excited to continue growing in her current role as an Electrical and Instrumentation Designer.

Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys spending quality time with her husband and their dog, embracing the balance between professional achievements and personal life.

Joshua K. Broussard
Joshua K. Broussard

Josh is a dedicated professional who transitioned from a long career as an auto mechanic to earning a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Before joining Sycon International, he worked as an integrator in the oil and gas industry, honing his technical expertise. Now, Joshua enjoys putting his skills to use at home, helping his three daughters repair their bikes and fix their broken toys.

Laura E. Bourg, PMP, PMI-ACP
Laura E. Bourg, PMP, PMI-ACP

Laura brings over 25 years of project management experience to Sycon International. A Louisiana native, she has lived and worked across the globe, including in California, Florida, and Amsterdam. Her diverse background includes collaborating with design engineers on electronic product development, systems architects on software rollouts, and operations teams to establish processes and facilities. Since relocating to the Lafayette area in 2021, Laura has settled in with her two beloved dogs, Oliver and Gertie. She is passionate about family, traveling, and refinishing furniture.

Michael Bower
Michael Bower

Michael is a United States Air Force veteran and a skilled professional from Lake Charles, Louisiana. He holds a degree in instrumentation and electrical engineering from McNeese State University. Known for his expertise and meticulous attention to detail, Michael has a passion for repairing everything from cars and appliances to electronics and household items, earning a reputation as a dependable problem-solver. He is a devoted father to five children and a loving husband to his wife, Jennifer. In his free time, Michael enjoys playing the guitar and exploring his culinary talents in the kitchen.

Nicholas Babineaux
Nicholas Babineaux

Nich is a dedicated CAD Intern at Sycon International, bringing a solid foundation in computer-aided design (CAD) and design principles, with two years of experience in both AutoCAD 2D and 3D. A graduate of South Louisiana Community College in Lafayette, Nick holds a certification in CAD and Design, complemented by electives in Industrial Technology.

As a CAD Designer, Nick plays a key role within the design team, assisting with drafting detailed technical drawings and creating 3D models using AutoCAD and Inventor. His meticulous attention to detail ensures that all designs meet the highest industry standards. Nick is driven to continue his professional development, eager to contribute to innovative design solutions, especially in the field of automation.

Outside of his professional work, Nick is passionate about metalworking and is proficient in a range of musical instruments, demonstrating his hands-on approach to creativity and design in all areas of his life.

Nikolaus Vice
Nikolaus Vice

Nik, a dedicated computer science student at UL, is a proud intern at Sycon International. Driven by a passion for innovation, he plays a key role in optimizing daily operations through intelligent automations. His expertise spans multiple areas, from developing robust APIs and leveraging robotic process automation to crafting efficient Python algorithms.

Russell Thibodeaux
Russell Thibodeaux

Russell brings over 32 years of experience in the oil and gas industry to his new and exciting career in automation control at Sycon International. Embracing the challenge of learning a completely new field, Russell is dedicated to expanding his expertise and contributing to innovative solutions.

A proud member of the Lafayette community, Russell enjoys immersing himself in the local culture alongside his spouse. Whether dining out with friends, attending festivals, or enjoying live music, he appreciates everything Lafayette has to offer. In his free time, Russell also loves hunting and fishing with friends and family, combining his passion for the outdoors with quality time spent with loved ones.

Schalacey S. Hayes, CST
Schalacey S. Hayes, CST

Schalacey brings over 15 years of expertise in administration within the liquor distribution industry, seamlessly blending her background in surgical practices with strong operational leadership. Her unique skill set allows her to optimize and elevate complex business operations.

A sports enthusiast and outdoors lover, Schalacey enjoys quality time with her family and actively supports Teurlings Catholic High School’s football, wrestling, powerlifting, and track and field programs. In her free moments, you’ll find her on the tennis court or cheering on her daughter’s dance company performances.

Sean DiGiovanni, PMP, CCST
Sean DiGiovanni, PMP, CCST

Sean is a seasoned professional with over 35 years of experience in electrical, instrumentation, and automation industries. Sean brings a comprehensive skill set to Sycon International as a Master Electrician, Electrical Designer, and Automation Programmer. He holds a State of Louisiana Electrical License, is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), and has earned multiple certifications in various programming languages.

Sean's professional philosophy centers on delivering innovative solutions and solving complex challenges with precision and creativity. Outside of work, he is an avid hunter, competition shooter, and inventor, always finding hands-on solutions to unique problems. His expertise and passion for innovation make him a valuable leader and contributor at Sycon International.

Stuart D. Britten, CAP
Stuart D. Britten, CAP

Stuart brings nearly 20 years of expertise in control system engineering and integration to Sycon International. His experience spans a range of industries, including oil and gas production and distribution, chemical plants, and electrical generation facilities. Stuart holds a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Outside of work, he enjoys creating lasting memories with his wife and children and indulging his passion for cooking.

Timothy L. Hernandez
Timothy L. Hernandez

Timothy brings nearly decades of experience in building and designing industrial control systems to the Sycon International team. An outdoor enthusiast, Tim enjoys activities like camping, fishing, and hiking. He is also an active woodworker and finds joy in crafting with his hands.

Outside of work, Tim and his wife Mandy dedicate much of their time to volunteering with the student ministry at their local church. He values creating fun memories with his family, sharing meaningful moments with friends, and embracing life’s simple pleasures.

Tyrell Lentini
Tyrell Lentini

Tyrell, originally from western New York, has fully embraced the Cajun culture after growing up in south Louisiana. A proud graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Tyrell holds a degree in Industrial Technology. Outside of work, he can often be found cheering on the Ragin’ Cajuns, showcasing his love for his alma mater.

Steven King
Steven King

Sean is a seasoned professional with over 35 years of experience in the electrical, instrumentation, and automation industry. As a Master Electrician, Automation and Electrical Designer, and Automation Programmer, Sean brings a comprehensive skill set to Sycon International. He holds a State of Louisiana Electrical License, is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), and has earned multiple certifications in programming languages.

Sean's professional philosophy centers on delivering innovative solutions and solving complex challenges with precision and creativity. Outside of work, he is an avid hunter, competition shooter, and inventor, always finding hands-on solutions to unique problems. His expertise and passion for innovation make him an invaluable leader and contributor at Sycon International.

Zachary A. Alles
Zachary A. Alles

Zachary is a skilled professional with extensive expertise in all facets of industrial controls. Originally from Colorado, his career has taken him across multiple states, where he has developed a comprehensive skill set in design and engineering, panel fabrication, HMI/PLC programming, installation, and commissioning. In his free time, Zach enjoys exploring hobbies such as 3D printing, electronics, and shooting sports.