Company Leadership

Jim Cassity
Senior Vice President, Implementation Services

Jim has more than 20 years of management experience in the pharmacy automation field from companies including Pyxis and Talyst — and prior to joining TCGRx was Director of Operations at Swisslog ADMS. He joined Parata when the companies merged. In his roles, he has created and managed implementation, project management, field service, and customer service teams serving domestic and international clients. His experience includes working in long-term care, hospital, specialty, and retail pharmacy markets.

Jim served in the US Navy and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Emporia State University.

Chet Coates
Chief Operating Officer

With over 30 years of experience in operations, supply chain management, and business development, Chet joined Parata in 2022 as Chief Operations Officer. A leader well-versed in all aspects of management and operations, he prides himself on building strong cross-functional teams in culturally diverse environments, stream-lining operations, exceeding customer expectations and driving financial excellence.

Previously, he spent over 10 years at Sanmina Corporation, an electronics service manufacturing company, in various senior leadership roles. He also worked at Motorola for seven years in operations and customer service roles.

Chet holds a master’s degree in international management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a bachelor’s degree in engineering and management from Clarkson University.

Cathi Loftin
Vice President, Human Resources

Cathi was introduced to Parata as a consultant in 2007 and joined the team full time in 2011, achieving her role as Vice President of Human Resources in 2016. Her experiences include leadership roles at technology startups and established companies including Bowe Bell + Howell, Werks, BOPS, TogetherSoft, and Red Hat.

Cathi holds a BS in Business and Marketing from Clemson University and certifications from the Center for Leadership Studies, and HR Certification Institute.

Mark Longley
Vice President and Site Leader, Parata Pharmacy Automation

Mark joined Parata in 2004 as the Director of Strategic Accounts, bringing his ability to look forward and dream big. Mark has held numerous leadership roles of increasing responsibility across the organization including Regulatory Affairs, Product Management, Business Development, Sales and Strategy.  As Chief Commercial Officer, Mark focuses on driving innovation to help pharmacies increase productivity and profits.

Previously, Mark spent 11 years at Bell and Howell in Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Program Management, Corporate Development and Enterprise Sales.

Mark’s education includes an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and a BS from Miami University’s Farmer School of Business.

Graham Schillmoller
Chief Financial Officer

After working in Public Accounting for 7+ years and advising Parata as his client, Graham officially joined the team in 2004. In his years at Parata, he has served as Controller, Director of Finance and Legal Affairs, and Vice President of Finance and Operations before becoming the Chief Financial Officer.

Graham is a Certified Public Accountant and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from North Carolina State University.

Dan Sullivan
Senior Vice President, Customer Success

Dan joined Parata in 2004 as a regional Field Service Manager. A decisive leader, he spent 10 years managing teams in field service, account management, and customer success before serving as Vice President of Customer Success.

Prior to that, Dan gained a rich background in technical service at Qualex, Inc.

Dan holds a degree in Information Technology.

Art Swanson
Vice President, Product Development

Art joined Parata at the beginning of 2020, bringing diverse leadership experience across User Experience, Engineering, and Product Management. Art spent the last five years at Optum, leading cloud-based common capability platforms, clinical data platform strategy, and development of a Genomics platform and business.

Previously, Art spent 8 years at Allscripts and Misys helping lead user experience for Electronic Medical Records, and an additional 10 years in Product Development and Human Factors Consulting.

Art holds a BSME from North Carolina State University and has completed the Stanford Business School executive training program.

Karen Thomas-Smith
Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing

Karen joined Parata in late 2021 bringing more than 20 years of global experience in high-tech industries, distinguished by a breadth of leadership positions in sales, marketing, and operations. Karen’s passion for leadership and unique ideas on corporate culture have also resulted in several television appearances on Oprah, 60 Minutes and Canada Public Television.

Prior to this role, Karen held sales and marketing leadership positions at SAS, Allscripts, Optum, and 3M. During her time at SAS, her leadership was recognized by her appointment to represent the software industry at a Harvard Business School Executive Forum.

Karen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from North Carolina Wesleyan College, graduating Magna Cum Laude.

Rocco Volpe
Chief Operating Officer

Rocco joined Parata in 2019, bringing with him more than thirty years of engineering and operations experience. Previously, Rocco held a key leadership role at Cognex, seeing the company through a period of rapid growth. Rocco holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from West Virginia University, is a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, and holds four US patents.