Next Level 3 Contract Manufacturing | CNC Machining, Fabrication & Assembly
Leadership Team
[ Meet the Team ]
Experience Behind
Every Build
Experienced leadership driving precision, efficiency, and performance across every project.
Veronica Varela
- President
Leads Next Level 3 with a focus on operational excellence, customer partnerships, and long-term growth. Her leadership is centered on building a manufacturing company that delivers precision, speed, and reliability at scale.
Veronica Varela brings more than 23 years of leadership and operational experience from her tenure at GCX. Known for her collaborative leadership style, Veronica worked closely with executive management and department leaders to streamline administrative and operational processes, improve organizational efficiency, and support day-to-day business operations.
Veronica was also a key member of the cross-functional leadership team responsible for implementing a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, a complex initiative that involved more than a year of strategic planning, process development, testing, and a successful company-wide deployment.
Edgar Simsuangco
- Manufacturing & Engineering Leadership
With decades of experience in manufacturing, Edgar brings deep expertise in precision machining, sheet metal fabrication, and complex assemblies. He plays a key role in translating customer requirements into efficient, high-quality production processes.
From 1997 to 2025, Edgar built his career at GCX Healthcare, advancing through multiple leadership roles before serving as Plant Manager. Throughout his tenure, he earned a reputation for operational excellence, building high-performing teams, and driving continuous improvement across manufacturing operations.
His expertise includes plant operations, lean manufacturing, process optimization, product and fixture design, cost reduction, production planning, BOM optimization, ISTA packaging, and developing future leaders. Edgar is recognized for creating efficient, scalable manufacturing processes that improve quality, reduce costs, and increase productivity.
Juan Moreno
- IT Administrator
Carl Poppe
- Director of Engineering & Product Development
With more than 30 years of mechanical engineering design experience, Carl Poppe has developed innovative products and technologies across a wide range of industries. Since 2011, he has provided consulting services to more than 20 companies specializing in medical devices, robotics, machine design, HPLC systems, and consumer products.
His client portfolio includes Apple, Shockwave Medical, GCX, and numerous emerging technology and healthcare companies. He is also recognized as an inventor on more than 30 issued and pending patents.
Carl holds advanced degrees in Mechanical Engineering from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and California State University, Fresno. Known for combining technical expertise with practical problem-solving, he helps organizations transform concepts into market-ready products through innovative design and rigorous engineering analysis.
Stephen Nanni
- Director of Sales
Leads Next Level 3’s sales strategy by building strong customer relationships, identifying new market opportunities, and driving sustainable business growth. Stephen combines deep healthcare industry knowledge with a collaborative, customer-focused approach to deliver solutions that support hospitals, OEMs, distributors, and healthcare providers across domestic and international markets.
From 2017 to 2020, Stephen Nanni served as New Business Development Manager for GCX Mounting Solutions. He managed direct and channel sales efforts targeting healthcare systems, IDNs, GPOs, and strategic reseller partners, working closely with clinical, IT, biomedical, facilities, and executive leadership teams.
Known for his ability to navigate complex healthcare environments, Stephen built strong relationships across clinical departments and executive leadership, driving strategic adoption of GCX solutions in operating rooms, IT infrastructure, labor & delivery, and radiology settings.
Albert Hernandez
- Production Manager
With more than 20 years of experience in precision manufacturing, CNC machining, and fabrication, Albert brings a hands-on approach to building efficient, high-quality production operations. Throughout his career, he has optimized manufacturing processes, reduced cycle times by as much as 50%, and consistently maintained the highest quality standards while supporting complex production environments.
Albert’s expertise spans CNC machining, process optimization, lean manufacturing, and precision fabrication. He has successfully led teams of CNC programmers, machinists, and fabricators, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement through OSHA and 5S principles. His commitment to operational excellence and manufacturing innovation helps drive scalable production solutions that maximize productivity and support long-term business growth.
From 2012 to 2024, Albert advanced through multiple roles at GCX Healthcare Solutions, rising from CNC Programmer and Machine Operator to Machine Shop Manager.
Albert has supported healthcare, aerospace, medical device, and sheet metal fabrication operations, with a strong focus on improving productivity, maintaining quality, and driving operational efficiency.
Dan Sullivan
- Sales Associate
Raised in Florida and based in Knoxville for the past 26 years, Dan brings more than 28 years of experience in hospital and healthcare sales. He earned his degree from Samford University and has built his career with leading healthcare organizations including Cardinal Health, Stericycle, Pfizer, and GCX Healthcare.
Outside of work, he enjoys mountain biking, hiking throughout the Appalachian Mountains, and spending time supporting his son’s youth soccer team.
From 2016 to 2025, Dan Sullivan spent nine years at GCX Healthcare Solutions serving in two key roles: Business Development Manager and, later, Regional Sales Manager.
Dan worked closely with healthcare systems, biomedical and IT teams, and executive stakeholders to drive adoption of GCX solutions across clinical and enterprise environments. He also supported the introduction of first-adopter patient-engagement technologies, including bedside tablet-mounting solutions designed to improve care delivery and patient outcomes.
Richard Dodele
- Sales Associate
From 2007 to 2014, Richard Dodele progressed from Manufacturing/Production Associate to Quality Lead Test Technician at GCX Healthcare Solutions. He gained extensive experience in manufacturing, quality assurance, and medical device testing, supporting product development and customer service initiatives.
Richard led testing activities in compliance with ISO 9001 and IEC 60601 standards, developing and executing test protocols for engineering and quality teams. His work included chemical, mechanical, functional, load, and pneumatic testing, as well as designing and improving test setups for medical device mounting systems.
He also managed testing schedules, tooling, fixtures, and lab resources while utilizing advanced precision measurement tools such as CMMs, optical comparators, micrometers, force gauges, and other inspection equipment to ensure product quality and reliability.
Engineering & Production Team
- 100+ Years of Combined Experience
Our broader team includes skilled engineers, machinists, and production specialists who understand the demands of high-precision industries.
100+ Years of Combined Experience
This depth of experience allows us to take on complex, multi-level builds with confidence.