After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Colorado, Van Itallie joined the U.S. Navy where he served aboard submarines. Leaving the Navy as a Lt. Commander, he launched a career in the industrial sector. Along the way, he led teams in building processes, improving output and employing state-of-the-art manufacturing. Van Itallie earned an MBA from Duke University as well as certificates from Northwestern and other institutions. Today, he serves as the COO of Grace Engineered Products in Davenport, Iowa.