PROFESSIONALS
Engineering
Mr. Jon Olson has been an automotive and forensic engineer for over 30 years. Jon earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Lake Superior State University in 1991 and a Master's degree in Leadership from Baker College in 1999. Jon is a licensed Professional Engineer, a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator, a Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator, and a senior member of the National Academy of Forensic Engineers. His diverse background includes engineering positions with automotive component suppliers and 17 years with Ford Motor Company as a manufacturing, design, and safety engineer. He has testified in numerous cases in both state and federal courts across the United States. Jon is the principal engineer and owner of Superior Forensic Engineering.
Engineering
Mr. Paul DeMarois joined the engineering staff at Superior Forensic Engineering in 2019. Paul was an automotive engineer for 26 years with Ford Motor Company and an electrical engineer with General Electric for 7 years prior to joining Ford. His experience includes design, development and motor vehicle safety. Paul is a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator and a Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator through the National Association of Fire Investigators. He has published several SAE papers on fire investigation. Paul holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Lawrence Institute of Technology.
Staff Analyst
Ms. Colleen Zathey joined Superior Forensic Engineering in 2018. Colleen is SFE’s Staff Analyst overseeing the daily review and coordination of incoming file materials, legal analysis, and engineering support for assigned cases. She has extensive work experience and training as a paralegal and analyst with Ford Motor Company and Tandy Engineering. She also provided analyst and paralegal support to Bowman and Brooke and Design Research Engineering. Colleen earned her Bachelor of Social Science Degree from Madonna University with a Legal Assistant Certificate in 2000.
PROFESSIONALS
Engineering
Mr. James (Jim) Engle joined the engineering staff at Superior Forensic Engineering in 2021. During his 31 year career with Ford Motor Company, Jim held various positions within powertrain systems engineering and also served as the technical leader of the fire investigation group within Ford's Automotive Safety Office from 2014-2021. Jim is a Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) through the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) and served as the chair of the Fire Safety Committee with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). He has also authored several peer reviewed research papers for SAE. Jim holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering (1988) and an MBA (1998), both from the University of Michigan.
Engineering
Mr. William (Bill) Ballard joined the engineering staff at Superior Forensic Engineering in 2022. Bill holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Lawrence Institute of Technology (1985) and a Master of Science degree in Engineering Management from the University of Detroit-Mercy (2003). He began his career with Ford Motor Company in 1985, working with a number of engineering groups within Product Development and Design Analysis Engineering. This included chassis engineering, global core engineering, and sustainability, environmental & safety engineering. Bill has testified in hundreds of cases in both state and federal courts across the country. He is a member of the National Association of Fire Investigators and has extensive training as a vehicle fire investigator. Bill has also authored papers relating to fire investigation and automotive restraints with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).
Engineering
Mr. Greg West joined the engineering staff at Superior Forensic Engineering in 2022. Greg started his career at Ford Motor Company in 1991, holding a number of engineering positions within his 31-year career. These included design, service engineering, and product development. From 2011 until 2022, Greg was a Design Analysis Engineer in Ford Motor Company’s Automotive Safety Office. While in this position, Greg’s responsibilities included various safety related investigations, including fire origin and cause investigations on behalf of Ford Motor Company. Greg earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Automotive Engineering from Western Michigan University in 1990. In addition to his formal education, Greg has completed numerous training programs and certifications while at Ford, including the Ford College Graduate Program (Engine Product & Manufacturing Engineering), DV&PV, FMEA, EEC-IV Mechanics/Technicians Course, among others. He is also a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator and a Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator through the National Association of Fire Investigators.
Engineering
Mr. Kevin Norris joined the Superior Forensic Engineering staff in 2024. Kevin’s degrees include a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan and a Master of Business Administration from Michigan State University. He began his career with Ford Motor Company as a powertrain design and development engineer and eventually promoted to executive manager of transmission systems and engine calibration/emissions before retiring with 33 years of experience. Kevin’s training while at Ford Motor Company includes Six Sigma Greenbelt and LEAN Management. He is a member of American MENSA and has 2 patents to his name; a two-speed planetary gearset and a dual media oil filter.
Analyst
Ms. Kristine (Kristi) Olson joined Superior Forensic Engineering in 2016. She provides analyst support and is involved in the operational responsibilities at SFE. Kristi earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration, with a minor in Fire Science, from Lake Superior State University in 1991. Kristi's previous positions include work with the Institute of Continuing Legal Education at the University of Michigan, Marriott Corporation, and the Department of Public Safety at the University of Michigan.