Management Team
The BCC Software management team possesses a combined total of more than 100 years of strategic leadership and industry experience. The success of this team is demonstrated by BCC’s proven results.
K. Jon Runstrom
President
Since announcing his plans to retire in July 2010, K. Jon Runstrom has taken an advisory role at BCC, turning over primary leadership duties of the company to Chris Lien and Jim Mann.
Jon founded Business Computer Center, Inc., in 1978, after realizing the potential of the mailing program he had created for a national trade association. Under his leadership, BCC has enjoyed steady growth. It was acquired by BÖWE BELL + HOWELL in 2005, and continues to operate as a separate company.
Jon is a proud member of industry groups including the Software CEO Circle, Association of Support Professionals, Association for Postal Commerce (Postcom), Mailing & Fulfillment Service Association (MFSA), Association of Mailers for Electronic Enhancements and the Alliance of Nonprofit Mailers. He also earned the esteemed Luke Kaiser Education Award, presented annually from the MFSA as an effort to recognize association members whose efforts focus on education as a key to success in the mailing industry.
He earned his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
Chris Lien
Executive Vice President
Chris Lien, who recently assumed primary leadership duties at BCC, has been active in the mailing industry for over 16 years, during which time he authored several software solutions. He has been heavily involved in industry associations such as the Association for Postal Commerce, the (MFSA), Alliance of Nonprofit Mailers, and IDEAlliance, where he is currently serving as their representative to the Mailers Technical Advisory Committee (MTAC). Chris is the industry focus group leader for address accuracy within MTAC.
Chris has spoken at numerous conferences and events such as the National Postal Forum, Mailcom, Graph Expo, and many Postal Customer Councils. He is a frequent author of industry articles related to address quality and has hosted many online Webinars.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of Minnesota.
Jim Mann
Senior Vice President
A 14-year veteran of BCC Software, Jim Mann was recently promoted to Senior Vice President, a role which makes him responsible for the day-to-day management of internal BCC operations.
Jim joined BCC Software in 1996 and has extensive experience in many departments throughout the company. A member of the MFSA Technology Committee, he earned his Bachelors Degree from the State University of New York at Brockport, and an MBA from Saint John Fisher College.
Erik Runstrom
Executive Vice President of Research & Development
Having joined BCC in 1983, Erik Runstrom directs software development and continues to be the main developer for the presort engines of BCC’s Mail Manager software.
In addition to being a charter member of the MFSA Technology Committee, Erik also serves on the Postal and Government Affairs Committee, and has received the esteemed Luke Kaiser Education Award. This award is presented annually from the MFSA as an effort to recognize association members whose efforts focus on education as a key to success in the mailing industry.
Erik earned his Ph.D. from Purdue University.
Mark Higgins
Vice President of Customer Services
Having joined BCC Software in 1997, Mark Higgins is responsible for directing the strategic operations of BCC's Customer Support, Data Services, and Professional Services departments. Mark is a frequent presenter at MAILCOM, the National Postal Forum and MFSA events.
Mark earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and a Masters of Business Administration degree in Marketing and Finance from Rochester Institute of Technology.
Ken Kathan
Vice President of Finance and Fulfillment
Ken Kathan brings more than 20 years of professional finance, accounting and management experience to his work at BCC. He is responsible for managing overall financial and administrative functions, and is instrumental in the company’s strategic planning.
Ken is an elected board member of the Fairport (NY) Central School District, a board member of the Monroe County School Boards Association and the Cobblestone Performing Arts Center, and a member of the Institute of Management Accountants.
Ken earned both his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Masters of Business Administration in Finance from Rochester Institute of Technology.
Bob Schimek
Vice President of Software Engineering
Bob Schimek, who joined BCC in 2009 as Director of Commercial Mail Solutions, has 20 years of mailing industry experience and is an acknowledged thought leader on postal issues. He is co-chair of the IDEAlliance Mail.dat workgroup, and has extensive experience working directly with key USPS personnel on clarifying modifications to postal rules and regulations.
Prior to joining BCC, Bob was director of commercial mail development for SAP Business Objects. He is a graduate of St. Mary’s College (Winona, MN).
Corey Smith
Vice President of Sales
Corey Smith joined BCC Software in 2008 with over a decade of leadership experience in the enterprise software industry, specifically focusing on data quality and mail preparation. Previously, Corey was director of sales for the Postalsoft Division at SAP Business Objects. In that role he led product, sales, market and strategy groups with many organizations.
Corey is also very active in the MFSA, where he serves on the Technology Committee.