Our Team
Matt Fuhrman
Matt Fuhrman, founder and CEO of Core Group Resources, has always been driven by a commitment to serve. His time at the United States Merchant Marine Academy and his role as a U.S. Navy Reserves Officer fostered a deep dedication to the people and communities around him. After years as a merchant mariner, Fuhrman channeled his passion for helping others to found Core Group Resources in 2012.
Core Group Resources was established to align people with meaningful career paths, driven by a vision of a world without unemployment. Under Fuhrman's leadership, the company operates by foundational principles: being God-centered, fostering honesty and integrity, promoting positivity, encouraging self-motivation, and emphasizing growth and service above self. Through these values, Core Group Resources has made significant impacts not only in the business world but also within communities through charitable efforts and initiatives like Core Group Cares.
In 2021, Fuhrman expanded his vision by co-founding Core Group Consulting with fellow Merchant Marine Academy graduate Dan Ramsay.
Dan Ramsay
Dan Ramsay is a seasoned maritime professional with a robust educational and career background. He earned a B.S. in Marine Engineering Systems from the United States Merchant Marine Academy, graduating with an Unlimited Horsepower Engineer’s license, complete with steam, diesel, and gas turbine endorsements. In 2020, Dan further advanced his expertise by completing an M.B.A. at Rice University's Jones School of Business.
Dan's career began at Liberty Maritime, where he sailed on bulk carriers through the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association (M.E.B.A.). He then joined Tidewater as a Technical Services Engineer in the Global Maintenance and Repair department, where he supported global operations for two years. Dan's success led to his relocation to Brazil, where he took on the role of Assistant Technical Manager, overseeing the technical management of four large anchor handlers and managing the planning and budgeting for their special periodical surveys. His leadership and expertise earned him a promotion to Technical Manager, where he managed a fleet of twenty vessels operating out of Rio de Janeiro.
In 2013, Dan moved to Houston, Texas, and began maritime consulting for a large international company as a DP and Mission Critical Systems Consultant. In this role, he specialized in engineering failure analysis, vessel suitability surveys, and condition surveys. Dan was instrumental in launching a Third Party Organization (TPO) division for a large international company to support inland towing Subchapter M clients.
In 2021, Dan founded Core Group Consulting, providing expert consulting services to the maritime and oil & gas industries. In 2024, he co-founded Ocean Ridge Litigation Support to extend his consulting expertise to legal clients, further solidifying his position as a trusted advisor in the maritime sector.
Chad Fuhrmann
Chad N. Fuhrmann is a maritime operations and engineering subject matter expert with over two decades of diverse experience. As a leader in the industry, Chad is dedicated to the continuous evolution of the maritime sector and its professionals, combining deep technical expertise with strategic insight.
Throughout his career, Chad has demonstrated exceptional leadership in international engineering management, successfully guiding global business units and working collaboratively with teams of varied experiences and backgrounds. His ability to drive common technical, operational, and business development goals has established him as a key figure in the industry.
Chad holds multiple professional certifications, including a U.S. Coast Guard Chief Engineer's license, and is an Accredited Vessel Inspector through the International Institute of Marine Surveying. He is highly skilled in conducting verification testing and assessments, and has created widely recognized operational and technical awareness programs.
As an experienced incident investigator and expert witness, Chad brings a wealth of knowledge to his consulting practice. His contributions to the field are further highlighted by his status as a published author and regular presenter at international industry events.
Chad's educational background includes a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Science in Marine Engineering, and a Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering. He has also completed various professional development programs and serves in leadership roles with industry associations.
In addition to his technical and professional achievements, Chad is a committed member of Engineers Without Borders and holds certifications as a PADI and YMCA Certified SCUBA Diver.
Lauren Voorhees
Lauren Voorhees is an accomplished consultant with broad and deep expertise across several critical areas including Regulatory Compliance, Project Support, Project Management, Document Control, Crisis Management, and Operational Support. With a career characterized by a commitment to excellence, Lauren is known for her ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and deliver results-driven solutions.
Her collaborative approach and effective communication skills enable her to work seamlessly with all levels of an organization, from executive leadership to operational teams. Lauren’s meticulous attention to detail and technical proficiency ensure that every project she undertakes is executed with precision and efficiency.
Lauren holds a Bachelor of Science in Ocean and Coastal Resources from Texas A&M University, Galveston, TX. Drawing on her comprehensive industry experience, she provides valuable guidance and support to clients, helping them address regulatory and compliance challenges and achieve their strategic objectives. Her dedication to client success and her ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into actionable strategies make her a trusted advisor in her field.
Ben Adams
Ben Adams is an accomplished maritime professional with a diverse skill set and extensive international experience. His career spans roles such as Chief Officer, Qualified Assessor, Instructor, Veteran, Project Manager, and Consultant, showcasing his technical expertise, educational leadership, and strategic insight. Renowned for his innovative approach and ability to excel in dynamic, results-driven environments, Ben is recognized as a transformative force in the maritime industry, with a strong emphasis on operational excellence and cutting-edge solutions.
Ben's maritime journey began with distinguished service in the Navy, where he served with honor as an Enlisted Quartermaster and later as an Officer in the Merchant Marine Reserve/Strategic Sealift Officer division. His military experience laid a solid foundation for his transition to the civilian sector, where he made significant contributions as a Dynamic Positioning Officer (DPO) with Noble.
Throughout his career, Ben has held key positions that highlight his leadership and commitment to maritime education. As Department Head and Principal Instructor at Maritime Professional Training, he was instrumental in shaping the future of the maritime workforce, developing training programs that emphasize practical skills and safety.
Ben's passion for education and training is reflected in his extensive certifications, including USCG Train the Trainer and Simulator Train the Trainer. He is a Qualified Assessor and an NI Approved DP Instructor, with specialized knowledge in dynamic positioning, training methodologies, and the use of simulation.
With a solid background as a Chief Mate and 1600 Ton Captain, Ben brings a deep understanding of maritime operations and regulatory compliance. His areas of expertise include dynamic positioning, advanced training techniques, simulation technologies, and MARAD compliance, making him a highly sought-after consultant in the maritime sector.
Sylvia Grandstaff
Sylvia Grandstaff is a seasoned Engineering Control and Vessel Propulsion Consultant with a rich background in military aviation. Her career as a rotary-wing experimental and developmental test pilot, test director, and instructor pilot has equipped her with unparalleled expertise in advanced rotary-wing aircraft systems. Sylvia has amassed 2,881 hours of total flight time, including 1,728 hours operating Chinook helicopter variants (CH-47F, MH-47G).
Sylvia is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School (Class 151) and holds a Master of Science in Engineering Systems from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. She is recognized as a subject matter expert in flight test planning, execution, and reporting, with qualifications across multiple military aircraft, including both rotary-wing and fixed-wing platforms.
In addition to her military achievements, Sylvia holds numerous FAA certifications, including Flight Instructor ratings for Rotorcraft Helicopters, Rotorcraft Instruments, and Glider, as well as Commercial Pilot ratings for Rotorcraft Helicopters and Airplane Single-Engine and Multi-Engine Land. Her extensive qualifications are further enhanced by her Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS-SCI) clearance.
Sylvia's commitment to excellence has earned her numerous accolades, including the Aviation Flight Test Directorate Commander’s Award for Exceptional Military Service, the US Army Broken Wing Award, and multiple aviation records. Her broad experience and deep technical knowledge make her an invaluable asset in the field of engineering control and vessel propulsion.
Nate Dennen
Nathaniel Dennen is a highly accomplished professional in the offshore and maritime industry, celebrated for his leadership, enthusiasm, and extensive experience across various maritime sectors. With over seventeen years of sailing experience, including more than a decade as a Technical Section Leader and Chief Engineer on Ultra Deep Water Dynamically Positioned Drill Ships, Nate brings a deep well of expertise to every project. His specialties include dynamic positioning consulting, vessel surveys, marine system analysis and integration, marine incident investigations, and maritime litigation support and expert witness services.
Nate’s career has seen him in pivotal roles, most recently as a Maritime Consultant at Core Group Consulting, where he provides strategic insights and guidance to clients in the maritime sector. Previously, he served as Technical Section Leader (Chief Engineer) at Noble Drilling, where he was instrumental in the operation and maintenance of offshore drilling vessels. Nate holds a USCG Licensed Chief Engineer Unlimited certification, underscoring his technical proficiency and leadership capabilities. His entrepreneurial drive is further evidenced by his founding of Dennen Engineering Services Inc., where he continues to set industry standards for excellence.
Nate’s expertise spans marine engineering systems, offshore drilling, vessel operations and maintenance, maritime and offshore safety, and dynamic positioning. Known for his ability to deliver results and drive innovation, Nate Dennen is a trusted leader in the maritime industry, dedicated to enhancing the safety and efficiency of maritime operations globally.
Kim Parker
Captain Kim A. Parker is a seasoned maritime consultant dedicated to enhancing the efficacy of dynamic management systems for clients across the global shipping and drilling industries. With extensive experience in managing regulatory compliance, Captain Parker has successfully overseen the implementation and maintenance of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISM systems for multiple international companies, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of quality, environmental management, and safety.
Captain Parker specializes in assisting clients with ISM (International Safety Management), ISO (International Organization for Standardization), ISPS (International Ship and Port Facility Security), SEMS (Safety and Environmental Management Systems), and API (American Petroleum Institute) matters. His expertise includes performing both internal and external audits, updating systems to meet evolving regulatory requirements, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
A key aspect of Captain Parker’s approach is promoting efficacy within a company’s management system. He ensures that personnel are fully aware of their roles and responsibilities, verifies and validates their adherence to these duties with management support, and establishes corrective and preventive actions that drive ongoing improvement in health, safety, environmental, security, and operational performance.
Captain Parker’s educational background further strengthens his leadership and technical skills. He holds a Master of Science in Marine Transportation and Nautical Science from the United States Merchant Marine Academy and a Master’s in Business Administration with a specialty in Global Management from the University of Phoenix. His combined knowledge of maritime operations and global business management makes him an invaluable resource for clients seeking to excel in today’s competitive and regulated environments.
Dan Kist
Dan Kist is a seasoned technical professional with over 15 years of experience spanning maritime operations, energy services, and medical technology. His expertise combines hands-on technical leadership with advanced education in both computer and subsea engineering.
As an Electro-Technical Officer at Hornbeck Offshore for 8½ years, Dan managed critical vessel systems including power, controls, navigation, and communications equipment. He played a key role in vessel modifications during shipyard periods and conducted numerous proving trials and Dynamic Positioning (DP) Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA) trials, ensuring operational excellence and safety compliance.
Prior to his maritime career, Dan worked with Keane Frac in North Dakota, where he specialized in electronics troubleshooting for large diesel engines and sensor systems critical to hydraulic fracturing operations. His experience also includes five years with Medical Simulation Corporation, where he maintained and troubleshot sophisticated simulators used in training cardiologists and cardiac surgeons.
Dan holds a Master of Science in Subsea Engineering from the University of Houston, building upon his foundation of a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from Penn State University. This combination of practical experience and advanced education positions him as a versatile technical leader capable of bridging complex operational challenges with innovative solutions.