Professor Perparim Alikaj, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer
Previous Key Positions
• Chief Scientist at Quantec Geoscience Ltd. in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Head of Geophysics Section at Polytechnic University of Tirana, Albania
• National Manager of Canadian/Albanian Tirex Exploration Shpk
Professor Perparim Alikaj, Ph.D. is a veteran University Professor and respected international exploration Geophysicist. His trademarked technology, called Induced Polarization and Resistivity “Real Section” has been successfully used in over 200 projects around the world including by Quantec Geoscience Ltd, an international Geophysical company based in Toronto, Canada, where Professor Alikaj held the position of Chief Scientist. He is an author or co-author of more than 200 scientific papers, research studies, presentations in technical activities, technical projects and reports, as well as personal studies. As a passionate PhD level Researcher, Professor Alikaj conducted numerous experiments with Electrical Prospecting methods of Induced Polarization, Electrical Resistivity, Spectral Induced Polarization, Self-Potential, etc. in regard to increasing the depth of exploration and mineral discrimination, in Albania, Canada and Kosovo. He supervised the design and deployment of laboratories in the Polytechnic University of Tirana, Albania and at Quantec Geoscience Ltd in Toronto and has personally conducted thousands of measurements developing a huge database of physical parameters. Professor Alikaj earned his Ph.D. in Geophysics and the title of Full Professor from the Polytechnic University of Tirana, Albania. Professor Alikaj has individually performed periodical research and experiments on the atmospheric electricity phenomenon, which led to his development of a new mathematical model describing the harvesting of atmospheric electricity as a clean power source for humanity. The base of this model stands in an algorithm which combines eight important physical parameters such as electrical resistivity of the air, atmospheric electricity potential gradient, altitude of the ion collector, diameter of the ion collector, etc. to characterize the output of atmospheric electricity harvesting. He is a member of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) based in Huston, Texas and The European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers (EAGE) based in Bunnik, Utrecht, Netherlands. He has also contributed to hundreds of University and post-university curricula and has mentored several Ph.D. graduates in geophysics in Albania and Kosovo. Professor Alikaj joined Ion Power Group in 2020 initially as a Scientific Adviser and in 2023 as a Board of Director’s Member. In February 2024, Professor Alikaj was promoted to CEO of Ion Power Group.
Gary S. Berzack – Chief Financial Officer
Previous Key Positions
• VP, Corporate Controller for Diversified
• Corporate Controller for BlueLinx Corporation
• VP Finance & Assistant Treasurer Serta Simmons, LLC
Experienced accounting and finance executive with big four and progressive industry and leadership roles within public and private equity portfolio companies. Technical accounting knowledge of US GAAP, complex accounting matters and business transactions. Collaborative leader, effective communicator, focused on team development and coaching. Managed various functions including accounting, financial reporting, tax, treasury, risk management and shared services. CPA (Colorado) and SAICA CA(SA) (inactive).
Dr. Grace Bochenek PhD – Chairman of the Board
Previous Key Positions
• United States Secretary of Energy – Presidential Appointment
• Director, United States National Energy Technology Laboratory
• Chief Technology Officer, United States Army Materiel Command
• Director, United States Army Tank-Automotive Research, Development & Engineering Center
Dr. Grace Bochenek is a proven pioneer and leader in technology development. With over 30 years of technical and managerial experience, she is well-versed in science, technology investment strategies, technology maturation, integration and analyses. Most significantly she led large complex federal organizations delivering challenging and high impact missions for the Departments of Energy and Defense. Grace received a presidential appointment as the U.S. Secretary of Energy.
Dr. Bochenek served as the Director of the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Lab, leading a broad range of energy and environmental national research programs with $700 million-plus multi-year research investments managing 1400 personnel, creating commercially viable solutions to energy and environmental needs. Within the Department of Defense, as the Army Materiel Command’s Chief Technology Officer and Director of Tank-Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center, she led defense research, technology development and was responsible for the formation and transition of advanced technologies into military systems. As Laboratory Director, managing the Army’s nearly $670 million annual ground vehicle research program with over 1500 personnel. Pioneering as the first CTO, Dr. Bochenek had oversight for approximately $2.5 billion basic and applied research funding.
As an active member of the Spectrum Group since 2018, a D.C. based consulting firm, she provides advice to both businesses and individuals regarding growth opportunities, research, planning and commercialization. Grace is president of her own company specializing in innovation, management and technology regarding Energy, Environment and Defense.
Dr. Grace Bochenek has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Presidential Rank Award as Meritorious Executive, Department of Energy Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service and the Department of Army Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service. She is the recipient of the Distinguished Alumni and Hall of Fame Awards within the College of Engineering from the University of Central Florida, University of Michigan-Dearborn and Wayne State University. Numerous recognitions for organizational achievements and leadership rankings by local and industry media, including Detroit’s “Women to Watch”.
Ray Lugo
Present CEO – International Space Station National Laboratory
Previous Key Positions
• NASA DIRECTOR – Glenn Research Center
• Deputy Program Manager of the Launch Services Program at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center
• Director Florida Space Institute – University of Central Florida
Ray serves as the Director of UCF’s Florida Space Institute. Prior to this appointment, he served as Director of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s John H. Glenn Research Center from 2010 to 2013. There he was responsible for planning, organizing and directing the activities required in accomplishing the missions assigned to the Center. Prior to this appointment, he served as Glenn’s Deputy Director from 2007 to 2010.
Prior to his positions at Glenn, Lugo served as the Deputy Program Manager of the Launch Services Program at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and was principally responsible for managing, directing and evaluating the progress of all ongoing launch operations and activities including Expendable Launch Vehicles engineering and analysis, payload integration, launch site support and launch campaigns.
Lugo began his NASA career at Kennedy in 1975 as a cooperative education student. His first assignment was in the Construction and Modifications Branch as an engineer responsible for construction modifications to Launch Complex 39A in preparation for the first space shuttle launch.
Since becoming a member of the Senior Executive Service in 2001, he served as the executive director of the Cape Canaveral Spaceport Management Office. Other leadership positions include Director and Deputy Director of Expendable Launch Vehicle Services Program, Manager of Facilities and Support Equipment Division in the Space Station Project Office, and Chief of the Business Office of the Joint Performance Management Office.
Lugo has received numerous honors, including two NASA Exceptional Achievement Medals for contributions to the Galileo Mission and the Space Station Redesign, and three NASA Outstanding Leadership Medals for his instrumental role in the Expendable Launch Vehicle Program Transition.
Lugo earned a Bachelor of Science in engineering in 1979 from the University of Central Florida and a Master’s Degree in engineering management in 1982 from the Florida Institute of Technology.
Lt. General John Caldwell (Three Star) US Army (R)
Previous Key Positions
• Military Deputy to the Army Acquisition Executive
• Commanding General, US Army Tank-automotive & Armaments Command
• Deputy Chief of Staff, Research, Development and Acquisition, US Army Materiel Command
• Director, Army Digitization Task Force
• Project Manager, Abrams Tank Systems
General Caldwell leads the Defense and Aerospace Center of Excellence at The Spectrum Group, a premier D.C based consulting firm. He provides strategic consulting advise to clients regarding Defense systems Research, Development and Acquisition; Defense information technology and logistics management; business development, capture and win strategies; corporate governance and executive leadership; and Foreign Military sales. He also is a key member of Spectrum’s Energy, Environment and Installations team.
Prior to joining The SPECTRUM Group, General Caldwell held senior executive positions in the defense IT services sector for QSS Corporation and Perot Government Services. General Caldwell served thirty-six years of military active duty after graduation from the United States Military Academy at West Point. He served as Military Deputy to the Army Acquisition Executive, with oversight of the development and management of Army weapons and communications systems valued at more than $20 billion. He also had leadership responsibility for the 50,000-strong Army Acquisition Corps. He also served as Commanding General of the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command, where he was responsible for the technical, logistic and acquisition support of 70% of the Army’s ground systems.
General Caldwell earned numerous combat and service awards and decorations including the Silver Star and Distinguished Service Medals.
General Caldwell is serving or has served on boards of directors and/or advisory boards for TASER International (now Axon Enterprises), Puradyn Filter Technologies, Plasan US, ESP, Autoflug. BRTRC, Marlow Industries, and SYNEXXUS. He is also President of the Board of Comfort for America’s Uniformed Services (CAUSE), a 501(c)(3) non-profit supporting severely wounded troops and their families.
General Caldwell earned a Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) at The Georgia Institute of Technology.
Lt. General Douglas Stauffer (Three Star) PhD, US Air Force (R)
Previous Key Positions
• Chief Financial Officer, Russell Petroleum
• Chief Financial Officer, Fred Burgos Construction
• Chief of Staff, United States Service Command
• Practice Administrator, Physical Express Urgent and Family Care
• Assistant Chief of Administration, 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing
Dr. Stauffer has authored over twenty books throughout his illustrious career. His works, revered for their in-depth analysis, clear explanation, and insightful interpretation, have made complex concepts accessible to students and fellow scholars. Beyond his academic contributions, Dr. Stauffer has held significant posts that showcase his commitment to service and community. He is the National Commander for the United States Service Command Chaplaincy and chaplain for the Police Department in Niceville, Florida.
Before his community-focused achievements, Dr. Stauffer had an impressive business career. He is a retired Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and served as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for several multi-million dollar businesses, demonstrating his expertise and leadership in financial management.
Further extending his influence, Dr. Stauffer is a respected journalist and photojournalist for Life Media, where he combines his profound understanding of the world with skilled storytelling. His insightful articles and photographs convey thought-provoking narratives that continue establishing his reach and influence. He also serves on several boards, reflecting his commitment to leadership and strategic direction in various organizations.
Dr. Stauffer’s multifaceted career is a testament to his profound faith, expansive knowledge, and boundless dedication. Dr. Stauffer’s commitment to excellence leaves a lasting impact, whether writing an insightful article, capturing a poignant photograph, guiding a board, or managing a business. His work continues to inspire and educate, making significant contributions across multiple fields.
Rear Admiral Philip A. Dur (Two Star) PhD, US Navy (R)
Previous Key Positions
• Director, Strategy and Policy Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
• PhD in political economy and government from Harvard
• BA and MA in international studies from Notre Dame
• Awarded Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Admiral Philip Dur was born to a diplomat and spent most of his early years abroad. He was educated in the US, earning a BA and MA in international studies from Notre Dame and a PhD in political economy and government from Harvard. He has been awarded the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal (oak leaf cluster), the Legion of Merit (two gold stars), the Meritorious Service Medal (two gold stars), the Navy Commendation and Navy Achievement medals, and the Navy-Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbon-and was made a member of the French Ordre National du Merite in the grade of Commandeur.
Lt. Colonel Michael Belton, US Army (R)
United States SPACE FORCE including contractor for USCYBERCOM, USCENTCOM, and USSOCOM
Previous Key Positions
• Cyber Operations to protect Space Systems
• Army Intelligence and Special Operations
• Space Officer – Offensive Space Control
United States Army Lt. Colonel Michael Belton (r) served in many capacities including Intelligence, Cyber, Logistician, Company Commander, and as a Space Officer in conventional and special operations. As a Space Officer, he worked on offensive Space Control and Cyber Operations protecting Space Systems and assets.
Lt. Colonel Roland Schmidt
Current and/or Previous Key Positions
• Royal Netherland’s Military Academy Graduate
• Extensive experience in international cooperation to strengthen alliances and partnerships. Senior advisory roles to management boards, Senior flag officers in national and multinational environments
•Strategic planner
In the early stages of his career, Roland held positions in the field of IT. However, as his career progressed, he was assigned to roles involving ‘International Cooperation’ and other responsibilities that required a heightened awareness, sensitivity, and strategic forecasting skills.
Richard B. Adams, PE, BCEE – Chief Strategy Officer
• Executive Vice President: STE, Inc., Geotechnical Engineering Consultants
• Founder, President, Chief Engineer: G&E Engineering, Inc. Multi-State Environmental Consulting Company
• Founder/Manager: RB Adams, LLC
• Graduate and undergraduate level Adjunct Professor.
• Technical and Creative Writer
Rich Adams is a registered Professional Engineer (civil and environmental) and a Board-Certified Environmental Engineer (American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists).
With a master’s degree in engineering management, Adams has served as the chief executive officer and visionary agent for two engineering companies (STEI and G&E Engineering) and for his current company, RB Adams, LLC.
Adams was engaged by the United States Military Academy (USMA) and Southern Methodist University (SMU) to help shape their environmental engineering programs. At USMA he served as an adjunct assistant professor and founding member of the Environmental Engineering Board of Advisors. At SMU he served as an adjunct professor and created and taught the Capstone course and the Project Management course for the master’s degree environmental program in the School of Applied Science and Engineering.
Adams grew G&E Engineering from a sole proprietorship to a regional and international full-service engineering consulting company with ten offices (Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, New Orleans and Shreveport, LA; Titusville, FL; Houston, TX; Oklahoma City, OK; Nashville, TN; Monterrey, Mexico; Concepcion, Chile).
Kathyrn Vatt – Chief Intellectual Property Officer
• TOP 30 Patent Drafters & Prosecutors
• TOP 100 Innovators & Entrepreneurs
• United States Patent Examiner (rt)
Kathryn Vatt is considered an expert in the field of Intellectual Property (IP), dedicating over 25 years to protecting and nurturing groundbreaking ideas. With a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the prestigious University of Pennsylvania, Kathryn established a stellar foundation in research and science that propelled her success in the intricate world of patent examination and prosecution.
Her 15-year-long tenure as a Patent Examiner at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) refined her ability to identify, evaluate, and safeguard innovative concepts. During this time, Kathryn developed a deep understanding of the patent process from the inside, an expertise that sets her apart in the field of IP management.
To further enhance her technical expertise, Kathryn pursued a Master’s degree in Biotechnology from Johns Hopkins University, expanding her knowledge at the intersection of science and intellectual property. She has since transitioned into the private sector, focusing on IP development and consulting. In this role, Kathryn works closely with inventors, entrepreneurs, and businesses to strategically protect and maximize the value of their intellectual property portfolios.
As part of her commitment to continuous growth and excellence, Kathryn is currently studying Patent Law at the world-renowned University of New Hampshire, Franklin Pierce School of Law, further solidifying her position as a thought leader in intellectual property.
With her unparalleled combination of scientific expertise, legal knowledge, and a passion for innovation, Kathryn continues to make a significant impact in the field of intellectual property management, empowering inventors to navigate the complexities of protecting their most valuable assets.
Brad A. Scott
• Founding Member
• Financial Advisor
Nathan David Lyons Sr.
• Founding Member
• Financial Counsel
Lisa Monique McCowen
• Founding Member
• Senior Organizer
Derek Brett Esq. Attorney – Barrister
• General Legal Counsel
Clean Energy Business Network
• An Initiative of the Business Council for Sustainable Energy
Dr. Philip Metzger PhD 
• Planetary Scientist / Physicist
• Selected NASA Kennedy Space Center 2011 Scientist / Engineer of the Year
• Co-founder NASA Kennedy Space Center Swamp Works
• NASA Silver Medal for Technology Development 2014
• Aerospace Division Outstanding Technical Award 2016
• American Society of Civil Engineers Outstanding Technical Contribution Award 2018, University of Central Florida Space Institute
Dr. David Wallace PhD
• PhD Electrical Engineering
• Director of Paul B. Jacob High Voltage Laboratory – Mississippi State University – Largest University operated High Voltage Laboratory in the Northern Hemisphere
• Senior Member IEEE
• Vice-chair Instrument Transformer Subcommittee and Power System Instrumentation and Measurement committee
• Frequent televised Expert on The Science Channel
Dr. Lloyd Gordon PhD
• PhD Electrical Engineering
• Department of Energy, NNSA Safety Professional of the Year, 2008
• Chief Electrical Safety Officer Los Alamos National Laboratory
• Senior-Life Member of IEEE, member for 52 years
Dr. Adrienne Dove PhD
• Planetary Scientist / Astrophysicist
• NASA’s Susan Mahan Niebur Early Career Award
• University of Central Florida Physics Department
• Planetary sciences and dusty plasmas in the solar system
• Microgravity and laboratory research on dusty plasmas, collisions, and planet formation
Dr. Andreas J. G. Baumgaertner PhD
• Atmospheric Physicist
• Senior Scientist – German Aerospace Center
Dr. Peter Allen PhD
• Analytical Chemistry
• Nanotechnology and Modeling Complex Chemical Systems
• Atmospheric Conductivity and Electricity
Dr. James Stanley PhD
• Nuclear Physicist – Stanford University
• Senior Technical Management – Collins Aerospace
• Extensive management history of R&D Projects and Advanced Systems Groups
• Disruptive Technologies Monitor
• Technical, Contract and Program Management Advisor
Dr. Hatcher Tynes PhD
• Atmospheric Physicist
• External Technical Resources Consultant
• Microfabrication
Dr. Gautam Thor PhD
• Scientific Research – Diagnostics
• IP Development
Dr. Tathagata Acharya PhD
• Mechanical Engineering
• Expertise In Computational and Experimental Fluid Dynamics and Rarefied Gas Dynamics
Clint McCowen
• Chief Technologist
• Leading Researcher/Specialist in Ion Harvesting Technology, Nanomaterial Electrocoupling. Proficient in Prototype Design/Fabrication and experienced in Intellectual Property Development
• Awarded Patents by 33 Countries including in Ion Harvesting. Patents also awarded in industries relating to Communications, Shape Memory Alloy, Materials Research, Automotive, Military, Aerospace
Shane Capps
• Chief Fabricator
• Mobile Mission Control/Laboratory Development
• Expertise in Electronics installation, carpentry, welding, fabrication
Charlie Steffen
• Aerostat Specialist
• Expertise in aerostat payload deployment systems, surveillance, communication systems
• Military, NASA, Commercial, University, Research and Development applications
• 15 year Veteran of the Aerostat Industry including Managing Director/Leading Aerostat Manufacturer/Vendor
Robert Moore
• Expert on high altitude tethered flight
• World Altitude Record Holder for tethered Kite flight
• Guinness World Record Certification
• Australian Book of Records Certification World Altitude Record
Steve Bolt
• Electronics Engineering
Lt. Colonel (rt) William I. McCowen
• Deceased. In tribute to this genuine American hero, a good and decent man, friend to all. Bill remains on our TEAM and in our hearts and minds as a sterling example of a life well-lived.
Dan Swanson
• Investor, Business Executive
• Adviser to Ion Power Group
Julee Meltzer
• Technical Writer
Randy Allen
• Property Accounting and Management
• Fabrication, welding, metal working
Lt. Colonel Homer Harkins
• Dean of Academic Affairs at Joint Special Operations University
• Adviser to Ion Power Group
Keith Brahms
• USAF Academy Graduate
• Adviser to Ion Power Group
Loree Arrington
• Environmentalist
Kenneth Nielsen
• Photo Journalist