Scott Timmer Returns to GPA as Director of Operational Technology

We’re excited to welcome back Scott Timmer to GPA as our Director of Operational Technology.

Scott brings over 30 years of experience in operational technology, cybersecurity, and infrastructure design. His background spans global manufacturing projects, secure network architecture, and consulting roles where he helped organizations navigate complex industrial and IT challenges. With experience on both sides of the OT/IT divide, Scott understands how to design solutions that are technically sound, scalable, and aligned with business needs.

Scott rejoined GPA in 2025 after previously supporting the company during a key period of growth in 2018. During that time, he helped improve internal project structure and introduced tools that strengthened how GPA managed technical work. After that, Scott spent several years in consulting, advising clients on OT cybersecurity programs, infrastructure planning, and vendor strategy. These roles deepened his ability to manage cross-functional teams, lead large-scale initiatives, and support critical operations in highly regulated industries.

“I want to build a good team and have some fun,” Scott said. “I want to work for a company where I can be involved early, help shape the work we’re doing, and make sure it’s something we can deliver well.”

Throughout his career, Scott has led high-impact initiatives around the world. One of his most notable experiences was overseeing the full security and infrastructure design for a new manufacturing facility in China. He led the risk assessment and implementation of industrial control system security while also managing the broader IT infrastructure to support operations from day one.

“We were building a brand new manufacturing facility in China,” he shared. “I led the risk assessment and all the design and implementation of the industrial control system security.”

Scott also spent two years focused on pharmaceutical projects. During that time, he managed a long-term initiative to implement firewall configuration and network segmentation across a global control system environment. His team spanned multiple continents, and the project demanded strong coordination and technical precision.

“It was a two-year project with an international team I never met in person,” he shared.

Despite the distance, the team maintained close alignment between cybersecurity and operations to ensure success.

Beyond pharma, Scott has served as a systems architect for major capital projects, planning infrastructure and connectivity for both corporate and industrial environments. His work consistently reflects a commitment to clarity, practicality, and long-term supportability.

Now back at GPA, Scott is focused on consistency and team alignment — values that remain central to how GPA delivers projects.

“A lot of companies sell you one team, then swap people out mid-project,” he explained. “What GPA does differently is stay consistent. The people who start the job finish the job, and that builds trust.”

As operational technology continues to evolve, Scott is helping GPA stay ahead by guiding customers through the growing overlap of OT and IT systems. But he’s quick to point out that alignment isn’t just about tools — it’s about people.

“People who are used to the IT space need to understand that the factory is different,” he said. “What GPA brings is the ability to bridge that. We’re comfortable in the factory, but we can also work with IT and executives. That balance is essential.”

Scott’s leadership supports GPA’s mission to offer secure, thoughtful, and people-centered OT solutions that scale with our clients’ goals. We’re proud to have him back — and we’re excited for what his team will accomplish next.