Dr. John D. Evans
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Dr. John D. Evans is Chief Executive Officer of Carillon Technologies, and its OTenna Technologies and ReflecTek Inc. companies. Carillon was founded in 2017 to enhance our national security, our nation’s economy, and our local communities through the development of revolutionary technologies that bridge government and commercial markets. With investors including Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, Carillon is pioneering new ways to align incentives between DoD and commercial industries, allowing DoD access to commercial technologies, and unlocking new forms of capital to drive commercial technology development.
John is a global executive and award-winning leader in the strategic management of technology and innovation with more than 30 years’ experience across both commercial and defense industries. Prior to founding Carillon, he served as Corporate Vice President, Technology; Corporate Vice President, Business Innovation; and Vice President, International Engineering and Technology at Lockheed Martin Corporation. He established Lockheed Martin’s innovation function, which grew into the CTO office’s largest initiative in under two years. He also established the company’s Center for Innovation and Security Solutions (CISS) in Abu Dhabi, UAE; the F-35 Virtual Analysis Laboratories in the United Kingdom and Australia; and was responsible for overseeing the creation of 75 international technology partnerships across 20 countries.
Prior to joining Lockheed Martin, John spent 6 years as a Program Manager for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), where he was awarded the DARPA Significant Technical Innovation Award. Previously, he was Chief Technical Officer for the West Coast venture-funded start-up Microfabrica, lead MEMS Scientist at Becton Dickinson; and Energy Policy Consultant to the U.S. Congress Office of Technology Assessment.
John has served on a number of boards, including the Board of Trustees for the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and the Board of Directors of the Innovation Research Interchange (IRI).. He is a member of the ASME, a senior member of IEEE and an Associate Fellow at AIAA. He has served as fellows for the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies (PIPS) and the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments (CSIS). He is the recipient of the Maurice Holland Innovation Award and the Office of Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service and holds 15 United States patents.
John earned a BA degree in physics from Carleton College; an MS in civil engineering and a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley; and an MBA from Duke University.
Dr. John R. Sanford
Dr. Leo Z. Zornberg
CHIEF TECHNOLOGIST
Dr. John R. Sanford is a Chief Technologist for Carillon Technologies and its OTenna Technologies and ReflecTek Inc. companies. John specializes in using advanced artificial intelligence methods, combined with cutting edge electromagnetic modeling, to develop products with performance that would be impossible to realize using conventional techniques. He has led or participated in five successful equity events (2 IPOs and 3 acquisitions) for companies where he was either a prime or a senior contributor. John also serves as a professor of practice with the University of California San Diego, advises a several companies in the wireless industry, and manages the asset portfolio of Smartwaves Investments.
Until recently, John was Chief Technical Officer of Ubiquiti Networks where he developed next-generation wireless communications systems. Prior to that, he was president of Optimal RF which was acquired by Cushcraft Corporation and subsequently acquired by Laird Technologies. He was also CTO of REMEC, Inc. where he developed the technology roadmap, IP and strategic partnerships and ran the company’s Fixed Wireless Access Division. Prior to that, he founded Smartwaves International, which was acquired by REMEC in February 1999.
John has also served as an Associate Professor at Chalmers University of Technology where he taught and conducted research related to Electromagnetics, Antennas and Array Signal Processing (MIMO). Previously, he headed the Mobile Tower Top Group at Huber & Suhner AG, where he invented a range of mobile communications products that have become industry norms. From 1985 to 1988 he was a group manager with the Georgia Tech Research Institute where he designed military phased arrays and communication systems.
PHOTONICS ENGINEER, SENIOR STAFF
Dr. Leonardo Z. Zornberg is the Photonics Engineer, Senior Staff for Carillon Technologies and its ReflecTek Inc. and OTenna Technologies companies. Leo brings a diverse background in optical sciences, nanotechnology, material science, and chemical engineering. Prior to joining Carillon, Leo held various research and engineering positions at California Institute of Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Medtronic Inc, and Electroninks.
Leo holds a BS in Chemical Engineering from the California Institute of Technology, and a Ph.D. in materials science and engineering from the MIT under supervision of Prof. Robert J. Macfarlane. Leo’s academic accomplishments include multiple honors and awards such as the Thomas Lorde Fellowship and the Exceptional First-Year Performance award from Department of Materials Science and Engineering at MIT, and a Graduate Research Fellowship from the National Science Foundation. Additionally, his research has been published in a variety of journals including Nature and Advanced Materials, and he has been awarded one United States patent.
Dr. Alexandra Merkouriou
Jeffrey Fidelman
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Dr. Alexandra Merkouriou is the Operations Director for Carillon Technologies, and its ReflecTek Inc. and OTenna Technologies companies. An advanced materials engineer and specialist in Materials Science, Alexandra joins Carillon with several years of experience in program management, engineering, research and development (R&D), and manufacturing technologies. Prior to Carillon, she served as Program Manager for Project Daedalus, a $20M+ initiative that comprised three separate contracts with the Air Force Research Labs (AFRL) at the University of Connecticut (UConn).
While studying for her master’s degree, Alexandra worked at M Cubed Technologies, first as a Development Engineer, before transitioning to R&D Product Development Manager. In these roles, she managed the development of next-generation products and solutions in the semiconductor industry and performed research and development to discover improved methods of manufacturing reaction bonded silicon-silicon carbide and diamond-silicon carbide materials. From 2015-2017, Dr. Merkouriou successfully completed GE’s Edison Engineering Development Program focusing on manufacturing technologies and new product introduction.
Alexandra earned her B.S.E. and M.S. degree in Materials Science and Engineering and her Ph.D. in Materials Science from UConn. She also serves as the co-chair of the ASM International’s Emerging Professionals Committee (EPC) and was previously a member of the UConn Materials Science and Engineering Industrial Advisory Board.
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Jeffrey Fidelman is the Chief Financial Officer for Carillon Technologies, and its ReflecTek Inc. and OTenna Technologies companies. Jeff founded Fidelman & Company in 2015 to serve the growing need for fundraising strategy among early to mid-stage companies and has since grown the firm to over 40 remote individuals. He has acted as an interim CFO/COO for dozens of companies through their financial transactions including capital raises, business sales, and business purchases.
Jeff started his career in residential real estate as a broker and quickly expanded into commercial real estate and finance. He was then a Portfolio Manager at Morgan Stanley focused on syndicate and pre/post market trading; Vice President at HSBC leading revenue strategy for Manhattan (banking, lending, insurance, and retail); Partner at a Venture fund focused on early-stage, tech and tech-enabled companies. After leaving the venture fund, Jeff began advising some of the fund portfolio companies and others that didn't make it which, eventually, turned into Fidelman & Company.
Jeff graduated cum laude from Harvard University.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST
Elizabeth A. Friedland is Project Management Specialist for Carillon Technologies. In this role, she works closely with the senior leadership team to plan and coordinate initiatives and operational activities for Carillon and its subsidiaries.
Elizabeth joins Carillon from Ecochlor Inc., where she held a number of roles of increasing responsibility and developed a proven track record of operational efficiency. She started her career with the company as a Mechanical Designer. In 2019, she transitioned to project management, where she applied her hands-on technical experience to assist in the planning, scheduling and resource allocation for product development and production. Most recently, she served as the company’s Technical Sales Manager, leveraging her diverse skill set to support technical and design reviews.
Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Connecticut.
BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGER
Amanda Rodriguez is Business Operations Manager at Carillon Technologies. In this role, she works with leadership to develop and implement human resource initiatives and ensures compliance with regulations. She also supports the Company with finance, IT, and industrial security management duties.
Amanda has a strong background in the aerospace and defense industry working within an operations capacity. Prior to Carillon, she served as Business Operations Specialist at Beyond Mission Capable Solutions LLC, a provider of integrated cybersecurity solutions to the Department of Defense as well as federal and commercial clients. In this role, she demonstrated proficiency in HR management and Industrial security program, lead the safety and health program, and assisted with contract and finance administration. While pursuing her degree, Amanda held a Delivery Assurance co-op position at Collins Aerospace, where she assisted a cross-functional team with data mining, analysis and reporting.
Amanda received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business from the University of Connecticut and holds a SHRM-CP Certification.
STRATEGY ANALYST
Ian Mullican is a Strategy Analyst at Carillon Technologies. In this role, he works closely with leadership to help identify strategies and markets that promote growth initiatives and establish relationships with prospective customers, partners, and investors. With a background in both business and engineering, Ian is an entrepreneur with experience in capitalizing on market opportunities and building partnerships.
In 2016, Ian launched FOUNDIT LLC, a patent search company based in Alexandria, VA. As founder, he built a solid client network through targeted customer outreach and marketing campaigns. He also managed client services and established strong customer relationships to expand the company’s reach. As the business grew, Ian recruited and trained a diverse team of technical subcontractors to perform searches in industries ranging from biomedical to chemical engineering.
Previously, Ian served as a Patent Examiner at the United States Patent and Trademark Office, where he examined patent applications related to plastic and nonmetallic article shaping or treating processes. By applying US statutory law and USPTO regulations, he authored examination reports and engaged with applicants' counsel to convey the patentability status of inventions.
Ian earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology and a Master of Business Administration from Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business.
MECHANICAL ENGINEER
Terence Costigan is a mechanical engineer at Carillon Technologies. Terence brings a diverse background in systems and application engineering as well as testing, process development, and instrumentation knowledge, for commercial, research, and military applications. He joins Carillon from General Dynamics Electric Boat, where he served as a Nuclear Test Engineer and supported ensuring the integrity and efficiency of nuclear submarine systems by assisting with hydrodynamic pressure testing and electronic and instrumentation systems calibration. From 2019-2023, Terence was an intern and Applications Engineer at Sono-Tek Corp., a leading developer and manufacturer of ultrasonic coating systems. In those roles, he supported robotic and manufacturing system process development, installation, testing, and troubleshooting for customers around the globe.
Terence has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the State University of New York at New Paltz. While earning his degree, he conducted research projects on 3D printed stainless steel and presented his results at the Materials Science & Technology (MS&T) and The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS) conferences.
FACILITIES AND SECURITY SPECIALIST
Lucas Covelli is the Facilities and Security Specialist for Carillon Technologies. In this role, he oversees Carillon’s security program, facility maintenance, and safety initiatives. Luke has over 20 years of hands-on experience in security compliance, materials handling and fabrication, organization, and facilities maintenance and repair.
Luke successfully oversees the implementation of Carillon’s security protocols and operations standards. He is also responsible for integrating emergency response and business continuity plans as well as conducting risk assessments and ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations for government contractors.
Since joining Carillon, Luke has supported the ongoing development and build-out of Carillon’s Connecticut Research Center and optical lab facilities. With a proven track record in maintaining critical infrastructure, Luke handles facility maintenance and vendor relations to develop and implement maintenance protocols to minimize risk, reduce downtime, and support optimized operations in the CT facility.
Luke holds a variety of public safety certifications, including State of Connecticut Fire I and II, Hazardous Materials First Responder, Red Cross Professional Rescuer, and has been a member of the Rapid Intervention Team.
DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING
Dr. Milad Alemohammad is the director of Engineering for Carillon Technologies and its ReflecTek Inc. and OTenna Technologies companies. He has over 15 years of industrial and academic experience working in the fields of RF and photonics, where he has helped develop innovative solutions for applications in wireless communications, health care and next generation brain computer interface.
Prior to joining Carillon, Milad led a cross disciplinary R&D team at the venture backed company, MindPortal. Milad holds a BS from Drexel University, and a PhD from Johns Hopkins University. His past research, sponsored by organizations such as DARPA, IARPA, DTRA, ONR, and NIH have resulted in numerous publications, and two US patents.
