Executive Management
We believe that quality solutions can be achieved only through dedication and focus backed by experience. At NavtechGPS, we strive to create masterful solutions for every situation. Combining the creativity and vision of seminar leaders and integrators, NavtechGPS’ team can provide solutions to ensure your team’s success.
Carolyn P. McDonald, President and CEO and Director of Seminars
Carolyn McDonald co-founded NavtechGPS (Navigation Technology Seminars, Inc.) in 1984 with Keith McDonald (retired 2010.) Carolyn and Keith recognized a gap in the technical education market for engineers in the then newly developing global positioning system market and the need for specialized GNSS training going forward. Carolyn’s management skills and Keith’s comprehensive knowledge of GPS technology proved to be a perfect match for the GPS technical seminar concept.
The core of NavtechGPS’ success has been its internationally recognized and highly skilled instructors who are fully supported by NavtechGPS focus on targeted course content and modest class sizes.
Since 1984, NavtechGPS has trained thousands of GPS/GNSS professionals. Under Carolyn’s leadership, NavtechGPS has become synonymous with high quality, effective GPS/GNSS technical training.
In the 1990s, as the GPS industry grew, Carolyn started the GPS product division. According to Carolyn, “We saw a niche for providing our customers with GPS equipment options from many manufacturers, extensive GPS technical training, and a library of select technical texts. We could advise our customers on the equipment that would best suit their projects and offer all these choices in one place.”
In 2016, The Institute of Navigation recognized Carolyn’s achievements in GNSS education and training by naming her as the 2015 recipient of the Norman P. Hays Award for the development and production of over thirty years of engineering tutorials in the field of satellite navigation, timing and inertial navigation; and for the development and sustained support of the ION’s conference programs. However, many ION members and others in the GPS/GNSS industry may remember Carolyn best for leading the production of NavtechGPS’ Open Mic Night, that was held during ION GNSS conferences for 15 years, ending in 2017.
Franck Boynton, Vice President and CTO
Franck Boynton has been with NavtechGPS since 1988. During his tenure, he helped the company grow from a relatively small player in the GPS/GNSS marketplace to a highly respected GPS reseller and solutions provider.
In 1991, NavtechGPS added GPS product sales to its business. Franck Boynton developed this division and acquired vendor agreements from over 30 manufacturers. “We can advise our clients on the GPS equipment that would best suit their projects and offer all these choices in one place,” says Franck. “We deliver innovative solutions for military, commercial and research COTS integration projects.”
Franck’s focus is on high accuracy GNSS real-time centimeter-level applications. He has been personally involved in integrating GPS solutions into many of the top unmanned UAV’s and UGV’s for the U.S. military. He also works with real-time high accuracy solutions, tracking systems, relative positioning systems, auto refueling systems, signal retransmission, signal networking, LiDAR applications, target tracking photogrammetry, fault monitoring, machine control, testing and truth systems, antenna pointing, attitude determination, telemetry, simulations, mining applications, agricultural applications, security systems, video game creation and many other GPS/GNSS related applications. He has also consulted for movies and TV shows where GPS has been featured.
Franck is certified by several manufacturers on high accuracy GPS receiver systems and OEM products. He is a member of the Institute of Navigation (ION) and the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI.) He won a best paper award for GPS applications at the ION GNSS 2003 meeting and has co-chaired a number of ION technical sessions on new products.