Jim Cerra is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of PlanetTogether, an Advanced Planning & Scheduling (APS) platform.
PlanetTogether was founded in 2004 and has grown to be the APS platform of choice for the world’s leading Supply Chain Planning and Manufacturing Execution platforms.
PlanetTogether’s software is used to optimize hundreds of billions of dollars worth of production output and resources for its manufacturing customers worldwide.
Jim has worked with many of the world’s leading manufacturers to improve their planning and scheduling systems and processes, including: Johnson & Johnson, Sony, Corning, Procter and Gamble, Guinness, Driscoll’s, and Saint Gobain.
Prior to starting PlanetTogether, Jim was the APS Product Manager at Epicor Software Corporation and earlier an APS Consultant at C-WAY Systems Inc, founded by Cornell University Professors and authors of Theory of Scheduling, Dr. Conway and Dr. Maxwell. Jim holds both a Masters and Bachelor’s degree in Operations Research and Industrial Engineering from Cornell University.
Ted joined PlanetTogether in 2021 and is based out of Portland, Oregon.
He has worked for tech-enabled services companies for more than 16 years. Throughout his journey, he has led global programs and teams responsible for serving Fortune 500 companies like Amazon, Danaher, HP, Walt Disney, UPS, Starbucks, and Wells Fargo.
At PlanetTogether, Ted oversees all day-to-day operations and finances, including the build-out and management of PlanetTogether’s Partnership Channel.
Sarah has extensive experience in product management and agile software development. She has led cross-functional product teams, translating business needs into intuitive user experiences. Her expertise spans driving product strategy, managing agile development cycles, and launching products that deliver value.
With a Master's in Educational Psychology, Sarah is passionate about understanding end-user needs. She has hands-on experience with web development, machine learning, and databases. Sarah taught web development at the university level and participated in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses leadership program.
Having worked in over 15 countries, Sarah thrives at bridging cultural gaps and forming productive client relationships. She navigates change and complexity with ease to deliver profitable outcomes.
Joseph is originally from Haiti, but has worked and lived in Dominican Republic for 6 years. He is an active learner, business enthusiast and process improvement addict, which made his integration in our team a natural fit. He is currently in charge of: software consulting, testing and system integration.
Joseph holds a B.S degree in Industrial Engineering from UTESA University. He likes volunteering and speaks 4 languages: Creole, French, English and Spanish. In his free time, he likes to watch movies, listen to music, and learn new languages. As a married man, Joseph dreams to grow a happy family. As an engineer, he strives to make an impact in the engineering world. His mantra: “Beat the Odds”
Kevin Burrell is a technical-minded problem solver with a solutions-oriented approach.
He is a hands-on learner and enjoys tackling unique technical challenges. Kevin is committed to delivering fast and friendly service to provide the best possible customer experience.
He is currently overseeing Product Support, Development QA, and Technical Documentation.
Outside of work, Kevin enjoys hiking and backpacking, with mountain summits and waterfalls as his main destinations. He is also an avid runner, golfer, tennis player, and snowboarder. Kevin's achievements include earning a B.A. in Digital Media from the University of Central Florida, summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2019, and completing the Hood to Coast relay run in 2022, which covered approximately 200 miles as a team relay. Kevin's passion for solving complex technical challenges and his love for the outdoors make him a well-rounded and versatile individual
Stephen Milano has over 20 years’ experience managing technology and customer engagements for software and professional services firms.
Most recently, Stephen played a key role in building and managing the SaaS infrastructure for Gimmal, Inc. Stephen joined PlanetTogether in 2021, where he is responsible for the PlanetTogether Cloud Service as well as internal technology and security initiatives.
Stephen has a degree in Computer Science from Rice University. He lives in Houston, Texas.
Over the course of his career, John has worked on many fascinating projects, e.g. writing cloud analysis software for Scripps Institute of Oceanography, where he learned the shortfalls of large project compartmentalization.
John worked on satellites focusing on the sensor arrays, which is where he learned Infrared Engineering and how to grow crystal cameras. He worked on the front of the Nautilus-class subs, which is where he learned about piezo- and pyro-electric ceramics.
John also worked on the nation's only Plasma Generator underneath the San Francisco Bay, which is
where he learned about the fourth state of matter and predictive software. He worked with experimental light-activated medicines, where he learned the pitfalls of Clinical Trials. He worked on implanted medical devices where he learned the importance of limiting the recall exposure.
"John is a top-grade technical talent who is a pleasure to work with and to learn from."
"Anyone who has John supporting them is in good hands."
JD is a San Diego native. As a leader of our support team, he enjoys solving problems and making sure our customers have the tools they need.
Outside of the office, he enjoys playing guitar and exploring San Diego's best-hiking spots.
JD received his B.A. in Writing from California State University, San Marcos.
Peter is originally from New Zealand, but has worked and lived in Asia for over 20 years. He enjoys watching the All Blacks along with his home town team the Crusaders in the Southern Hemisphere Super Rugby league. His idea of relaxing is trekking in the jungle in his four-wheel drive.
Peter’s background includes over forty years of industry and consulting experience in ERP, Supply Chain Management, Customer Relationship Management, Lean Manufacturing and Information Technology, with major organizations in the manufacturing and distribution sector.
Peter has considerable experience in Strategic Information Systems Planning, Project
Hailing from Mexico, Alejandra Varela brings a vibrant blend of cultural understanding and marketing expertise to PlanetTogether. Her double major in Marketing and Advertising equipped her with a comprehensive skillset for crafting impactful campaigns that resonate across borders.
Alejandra's passion for international collaboration stems from her experience working with companies around the world. This exposure has given her a deep understanding of diverse markets and the nuances of communication across cultures.
As Marketing Manager at PlanetTogether, Alejandra leverages her fluency in both English and Spanish to bridge communication gaps and ensure the company's message reaches a global audience. She's a passionate advocate for the power of advanced planning and scheduling, and her work connects businesses with the tools they need to thrive in today's dynamic market.
Nick Sorrentino has nearly 30 years of experience in customer-facing roles; managing sales, customer engagement and success teams.
Nick is proven with experience developing strong customer relationships through effective execution of strategy.
Most recently, Nick played a key role in building successful teams at two technology start-ups. He joined PlanetTogether in 2023 with responsibility for Global Enablement, Success, Marketing, and Learning & Development.
Nick has a degree in Marketing from Central Connecticut State University. He currently resides with his wife Pam in Austin, Texas.
In a world teeming with digital possibilities, the personal touch often takes a back seat. Samuel Pulley, a seasoned Success Manager at PlanetTogether, is here to ensure that technology doesn't lose sight of the human touch.
During his time at Microsoft, Samuel's unwavering commitment to reliability became his hallmark. He was part of Statewide Education Programs earning the title of “Microsoft Innovative Educator”, as well as both Power BI and Enterprise Dynamics 365 pilot programs. He brought to the team the belief that a group of dedicated, like-minded individuals are irreplaceable in this increasingly digital landscape and continues to do so to this day.
As a Success Manager at PlanetTogether, Samuel is committed to delivering immediate satisfaction to clients while ensuring that their contentment remains steadfast throughout their journey with the company. With a foundation built on the personal touch and an unwavering dedication to reliability, Samuel Pulley is the trusted guide who ensures that your technology-driven success begins today and flourishes for years to come.
General Manager with extensive senior leadership experience building commercial relationships and extracting value from large, centrally-managed, multi-plant, make-to-order/make-to-stock manufacturing operations.
A creative strategic thinker guided by business acumen to manage teams and individuals with a strong vision and purpose. Energized by designing and implementing new and different approaches and organizational structures to tackle large, complex challenges that deliver sustainable financial results driven by informed and empowered associates.
Gokhan is originally from Trabzon on the north side of Turkey in the Black Sea region. He has over twenty years of industry and consulting experience in ERP and he holds a B.S degree in Computer Engineering from the Black Sea Technical University.
Gokhan thrives on supporting innovative change by applying the most effective technological and manufacturing practices with the application of PlanetTogether APS and QAD ERP.
Gokhan enjoys watching the soccer team from his hometown whose
motto is “Trabzon Is Where We Are!”
Dr. Maxwell, or "Max" as his friends call him, sits on the PlanetTogether Advisory Board. Max has been on the engineering faculty at Cornell University since 1960 where he authored the groundbreaking book, Theory of Scheduling.
He was a Ford Foundation distinguished visiting professor at the University of Chicago in 1968-69, a visiting professor at the University of Michigan in 1977-78, a visiting professor at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, in 1983-84 and a visiting professor at Stanford University in 1989-90. He was a consultant in residence at the RAND Corporation in 1965, at General Motors Manufacturing Development in 1977-78, and at SI Handling Systems in 1983-84.
