Thomas P. Burke
Founder and CEO
Tom Burke holds a B.S. degree in Technical Writing from the State University of New York. He started his technical career as an Air Force electronics instructor. Before starting his own technical documentation and training courseware development business in Syracuse NY in 1989, Tom spent more than 20 years in GE’s aerospace and defense business. Most of this time was spent in supervisory and management positions in technical publications and training organizations.
Tom is a race fan and a fisherman. He is a graduate of the Skip Barber Racing School and raced in Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) events from 1999 through 2002. In 2001, he won the Driver of the Year award for his SCCA region.
Tom and his wife Toni live in Greenville, SC. They have three daughters, two of whom live in North Carolina.
Veronica Westfall
President
Veronica has been with Topaz since its founding in 1992. In addition to her role as company President, she serves as the General Manager of the Syracuse NY office and Project Manager for several key titles, including the Electrical and Solar PV programs. Veronica holds dual BA degrees in English and Magazine Journalism from Syracuse University. Before joining Topaz, she was senior editor for Smith Corona Business Machines and served in GE’s aerospace division as a technical editor.
Troy Stanton
Project Manager
Troy began his working career as a millwright apprentice. While in the U.S. air Force, he served as a jet engine mechanic and F-15 primary crew chief and aircraft maintenance instructor. Since leaving the Air Force, Troy has worked primarily in the HVAC industry as a technician, crew leader, and instructor. Before joining Topaz, Troy was manager of Greenville operations for a mechanical contractor. He is an NCCER-certified master trainer and frequently conducts training courses for Trane Corporation. Troy is currently managing our alternative Energy, Wind Turbine Technician, and Power Substation Technician programs.
Roy Parker
Project Manager
Roy is a Viet Nam veteran who retired after 20 years in the U. S. Air Force. He served as a radar maintenance technician and supervisor, then advanced into roles as instructor, technical writer, and training courseware designer/developer. He completed his Air Force career as the director of the training school for his career field.
Roy has an extensive background in training course development, and in documenting work procedures for major manufacturers in the South Carolina Upstate and other locations around the U.S. His experience includes work as an industrial maintenance mechanic on mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
Roy is a former auto racer and is very active in the National Vintage Stock Car Racing Association. Cars from his club can be seen on weekends at tracks all over the Carolinas, Georgia, and Alabama. and Roy can be seen taking action photos for the club newsletter.
Roy and his wife Judy live in Pelzer and have a daughter living in the Greenville area.
Robert Hopkins
Project Manager
Rob holds a BA in English and Technical Writing from the University of Tennessee. He has a varied background in mechanical systems, including work as a foreman for crews doing pipefitting, structural steel, machine fabrication, and sheet metal work at petrochemical and manufacturing facilities. His experience also includes work as a construction estimator and cost analyst for public utilities.
Rob is a fitness buff and a martial arts specialist, as well as a musician and cook. Early in his life, he worked as a professional musician and earned a living as a chef.
Rob and his wife Dottie, a former University of Tennessee professor, live in Gainesville Florida, where Rob supervises the local Topaz office.