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The Cutting Edge Team
Headquartered in Huntington Beach, California, Cutting Edge Communications is dedicated to providing our clients with expert, experienced personnel. Founded in 1998, the company has grown to a team of more than 100 professionals supporting over 20 companies ranging from large aerospace prime contractors to new space start-ups. We specialize in adapting to each client’s workplace and mission to elevate their performance and promote their success. We meet each new challenge with the same dynamic response and deep understanding of our industry that has earned Cutting Edge a reputation as one of the most highly regarded and trusted suppliers of qualified experts.

We pride ourselves on attracting and retaining a bench of seasoned professionals committed to excellence and practical solutions. Our team of handpicked experts embodies the spirit of “no task too large and no detail too small.”

DAVID BURNETT

co-founder/president

“Having an impact is what we’re all about. We are passionate about achieving mission and driving success for our clients.”

David Burnett is a recognized leader in business capture and proposal development with an extensive aerospace engineering and development background. He co-founded Cutting Edge to meet client demand for responsive, comprehensive business support from pre-award through program implementation. A respected and effective leader in the fast-moving high-tech sector, he is dedicated to helping both people and companies reach their full potential. David graduated magna cum laude in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Oklahoma. He received an MS in Aeronautics at the California Institute of Technology and a certificate in Systems Engineering from George Washington University. He is a father of three.

ELIZABETH SHIER

co-founder/cfso

“Quality people are the key to our success. Whether it is for proposals or program execution, we deliver the proven experts to meet the need.”

Elizabeth Shier is a proven leader and a serial entrepreneur, having started five successful companies since cutting her teeth in aerospace at McDonnell Douglas. She co-founded Cutting Edge with an emphasis on efficient operations and people-forward culture to deliver effective solutions for clients of all size. In addition to company leadership she brings her extensive knowledge of security systems, enabling our small, nimble company to perform within multi-level security environments. She is the mother of three wonderful children and received her BS in Management Information Systems from the University of San Francisco.

AMY SHAPPELL

finance manager

Amy Shappell has been with Cutting Edge since 2006 and is responsible for all company finances. Over her tenure, she has taken on every role within the company, showcasing her versatility and applying her deep understanding of company operations. Known for her “can do” attitude, Amy is a valued team member who embodies a commitment to excellence. When she’s not at work—though that is a rare occurrence—she enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, further enriching the collaborative spirit that she fosters at Cutting Edge.

ANDREW GRIMMER

head of business operations

Andrew Grimmer joined the Cutting Edge team in early 2024 as the Head of Business Operations. In this role, Andrew oversees all internal activities for contracts/subcontracts management and business operations. He has over 10 years of management experience and 7 years of experience at Boeing Commercial Airplanes. He has both a B.S. in Economics from Brigham Young University and an M.B.A. from Seattle University, and is fluent in both Spanish and Portuguese. Andrew embraces integrity, accountability and dedication in every task, striving to deliver his best and to inspire others to do the same.

ERICA LINHARES

business innovation manager

Erica Linhares joined Cutting Edge in early 2024 as our Business Innovation Manager. She is responsible for managing special projects and modernization of our company systems. Erica brings a strong background in business analysis, program management, and business operations. She holds a B.A. in Graphic Design with a minor in Industrial Design, which enhances her ability to contribute creatively to the team. Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Erica is fluent in Portuguese.

MEG DAHLKE

account manager

Meg Dahlke joined the Cutting Edge team in 2023 as Account Manager working directly with our clients and overseeing selected contracts. Meg brings a fresh perspective and a wealth of creativity to our dynamic environment. With a B.F.A. from Miami University, Meg combines her artistic vision with a keen eye for detail, enriching our projects with her unique flair. Meg frequently takes on special projects for us, blending her artistic talents with our business objectives.

MIA MORRIS

account manager

Mia Morris joined the Cutting Edge team in 2024 as Account Manager overseeing selected contracts and client relationships. She brings 34 years of experience from a leading multinational IT company where she held diverse roles, primarily as a Business Analyst. Her extensive expertise encompasses administrative management, financial oversight, contract labor coordination, and procurement management. Mia’s well-rounded background provides her with a unique blend of skills and insights, making her an invaluable asset to the Cutting Edge team.

MEY SAECHAO

talent manager

Mey Saechao joined the Cutting Edge team in 2023 as Talent Manager, bringing valuable experience from her previous role in human resources and recruitment at a company dedicated to national defense. Working at Cutting Edge allows her to apply her skills to mission-critical programs, a responsibility she finds deeply meaningful. As a Talent Manager, Mey plays a crucial role in aligning our team of experts with client needs, matching qualified individuals to open roles and identifying opportunities that leverage their expertise.

ANDREA CAISSIE

security manager

Andi Caissie manages all personnel security at Cutting Edge. She has been a valued member of our company since 2022, bringing over 30 years of experience as an Industrial Security Specialist at Boeing. She is committed to ensuring the highest standards of security and compliance in the aerospace industry. Andrea holds both a B.A. and an M.A. in Criminal Justice from Chapman University, where she graduated magna cum laude. A proud veteran, she served in the US Army for eight years as a Czech linguist, completing two tours in Germany after graduating from the Defense Language Institute.