Freedom Motors Team
Freedom Motors Board of Directors & Executive Management:
Paul S. Moller
Subhash Paluru
David C. Sastry
George Stevens
Jack Stewart
Jim Toreson
John D'Alessandro
Kerry Bryant
Frank G. Verbeke
Dr. Shankar Yalamanchili, MD (Dr. Chili)
Executive Members of Business Advisory Board:
Gurminder Singh Khalsa
Ron Spoerl
Michael Shanley
Rajat Negi
Prasun Mishra
Sudheer Kuppam
Anjan Bose
EB-5 Investment Advisor & Partner:
Geoff Taylor
Paul S. Moller, PhD, President—Dr. Moller founded the Company and has served as the Company’s President since its formation. In 1972 he founded Supertrapp Industries and was Chief Executive Officer as Supertrapp became the most recognized international name in high-performance engine silencing systems. In 1983 he founded Moller International to develop powered lift aircraft. Supertrapp Industries was sold in 1988. Under Dr. Moller’s direction, Moller International completed contracts with NASA, NOSC, DARPA, NRL, Harry Diamond Labs, Hughes Aircraft Company, California Department of Transportation and the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force. These contracts included the development and deployment of numerous unmanned aerial vehicles and Wankel based engines. Dr. Moller has received 43 patents including the first U.S. patent on a fundamentally new form of powered lift aircraft. He holds a Masters in Engineering and Ph.D. from McGill University. Dr. Moller was a professor of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering at the University of California, Davis, from 1963 to 1975, where he developed the Aeronautical Engineering program.
Subhash Paluru, PhD, Chief Executive Officer—Dr. Paluru has over two decades of experience in the utility industry with extensive knowledge and expertise in Power Systems Engineering, Power Operations, Power Marketing, SCADA Operations, Information Technology, Substation Automation, Reliability Compliance, Physical and Cyber Security. Dr. Paluru is a former Department of Energy Senior Executive. Dr. Paluru oversaw and managed the Sierra Nevada Regional Office of Western Area Power Administration in Northern California. He has also served in several leadership roles in Information Technology, Power Operations, Critical Infrastructure, Reliability Compliance, Physical and Cyber Security. Dr. Paluru has also advised several large utilities in the area of Technology and Innovation in the power industry for improving the operation and modernization of North America’s power transmission grid. Dr. Paluru holds a PhD in Physics in the field of High Temperature Superconductors and its applications.
David C. Sastry, Chief Operating Officer—David has many years of experience as a senior engineer at Intel Corporation, Freescale Semiconductor Inc, and Marvell Semiconductors Inc. More recently he has been a Principle Engineering Consultant for Infosys in their IoT Practice. David holds BSc and MSc degrees from Ohio State University in electrical engineering, with an emphasis on computer architecture and digital design. David is responsible for Freedom Motors and Moller International IT systems, managing our social media presence, and assisting in future business development. He developed the current FM and MI websites two years ago and has been maintaining them for us ever since.
George L. Stevens, Chief Engineer—Mr. Stevens has over 25 years of technical and managerial experience in developing rotary (Wankel) and two-stroke piston engines. Mr. Stevens’ background includes development and application of closed loop control methods for various direct, indirect, and port fuel injection systems, hybrid engine integration and control, and other various automotive/aircraft control systems. Furthermore, Mr. Stevens brings invaluable engine testing experience including data acquisition and dynamometer equipment. His work with Moller International and Freedom Motors is focused on further improving the rotary engine power density, endurance, fuel efficiency, and emission performance. Mr. Stevens holds a BSEET from Brigham Young University and BSME from California State University.
Jack Stewart, Chief Public Affairs Officer—Jack has over 25 years of experience in information marketing and public affairs. Jack has a very broad spectrum of capabilities that includes marketing strategy, branding, market and competitive analysis, PR management and communications management. Jack’s expertise bring tremendous leverage to Freedom Motors’ vision in media presence, corporate communications and brand strategy. His work with Moller International has contributed to its strategic media presence and communications. Jack has a Bachelor’s degree in Arts and an MBA from the Keller graduate school of management, DeVry University.
Jim Toreson, PhD, Director—Dr. Toreson has over 16 years experience as a chief executive, and over 20 years experience in manufacturing, including quality control, materials management, JIT production, process control, and manufacturing engineering. Eight years of experience in flexible automation, statistical process control (SPC), and quality system including ISO 9000 and Six Sigma programs. More recently as the founder of ONSHORE, a management consulting firm specializing in technology-intensive products and services he has acted as the CEO of Chineseinvestors.com, an Internet portal serving the world-wide ethnic Chinese marketplace for financial services; VP of Marketing and Sales of APPIANT Technology, Inc., a NASDAQ company providing ASP services for speech recognition; and VP of Business Development for eSpaces, a company providing physically secure and cyber-secure work spaces. Dr. Toreson has a BSEE and MSEE from the University of Michigan, a Dr. of Science from the University of Nevada, and has completed coursework for his PhD EE at the University of Pennsylvania.
John D'Alessandro, Director—Mr. D’Alessandro has over 40 years’ experience with design and management of engineering projects in the oil and gas industries. Mr. D’Alessandro started his career at FLUOR Corporation as a Pressure piping Designer. John possesses experience in many types of projects, both large and small in the waste water, landfill gas, oil production, and power sectors. Mr. D’Alessandro spent the last 25 years at SPEC Services, Inc. primarily as a Principal Project Manager and as the Process Systems Division Manager where he was responsible leading multiple discipline Refinery projects. Many were very complicated, critical or of high value.
Kerry K. Bryant, Director—Mr. Bryant has more than 25 years of successful experience in manufacturing, distribution, dealer, and retail businesses. His background in the powersports industry includes motorcycle, automotive, marine and industrial markets. Background based upon practical application and proven results of concept, design, research & development, manufacturing, marketing, accounting and sales. While working with Paul as SuperTrapp Industry’s Director of Sales and Marketing (1982-1993), Mr. Bryant helped position the company as one of the leading and most recognized performance exhaust system/muffler providers in the market. Mr. Bryant is a graduate of MTI Western Business College with a degree in Accounting and Business Mathematics and was a professional motorcycle roadracer for 13 years, winning many championships and track records – Grand National Circuit & World Championship. He has traveled extensively across the USA, Europe and Japan and is still active in the sport, as well as Motocross, Dirt track, SuperMotard. He is an “A” rated Racquet Ball player. President of Area P, Inc. (www.areapnolimits.com) , a design, engineering, R&D, and manufacturing facility serving the motorcycle and automotive industry.
Frank G. Verbeke, Director—Mr. Verbeke is the president and founder of Alturdyne, a company that designs and manufactures engine systems for commercial, industrial, and governmental applications using gas turbine, reciprocating, and rotary engines. His professional experience includes starting Verbeke and Associates, a consulting engineering firm supporting such firms as Solar, Lear Motors, Sun Electric, Universal Electric, etc., in the application of gas turbines within industry. Mr. Verbeke has a BSME from the University of Michigan, and is a Registered Professional Engineer in California, Nevada, Oregon, Arizona, and Virginia. He is a member of several professional organizations as well as an author of various technical papers and pending patents.
Dr. Shankar Yalamanchili, MD (Dr. Chili), Director—Dr. Chili is a Board Certified Psychiatrist, specializing in geriatric and adult psychiatry. He attended medical school at Kasturba Medical College in Manipal, India. His residency was completed at University Hospital in Stony Brook, NY from July 1999 to June 2003. Additionally, Dr. Chili completed a Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship at Western Psychiatry Institute and Clinic in Pittsburgh, PA from December 2003 – December 2004. Dr. Chili’s primary practice is devoted to inpatient care and telepsychiatry services. As the owner of Alabama Psychiatry, Dr. Chili develops business interests for the company and strives to reach out to many providers of mental health services to positively impact wellness among this patient population. Dr. Chili is committed to improving the care of patients with mental health illnesses. Special focus is placed on those who are uninsured or who reside in underserved communities. Dr. Chili believes mental health services are more effective if collaborative efforts are employed by using psychiatrists in conjunction with medications and therapy by mental health providers.
Gurminder Singh Khalsa, Strategic Advisor—Gurminder Singh Khalsa is a scientist, technologist, entrepreneur, private and investment banker with 30+ years’ experience. He has worked with numerous technology companies with an emphasis on green technology. He has led technology underwriting, private investments and brings unique insights and creative solutions to business design and capital formation.
Gurminder Singh Khalsa Co-Chaired the International Green Technology Institute, an initiative of the Tom Bradley Legacy Foundation at UCLA, created various programs such as the Green Technology Leadership Lecture Series, the Green Technology Entrepreneurial Forum, the Green Technology Global Expo and Conference.
He was Co-Founder, President and CTO of Transformative Capital, a technology, financial and strategy advisory firm. Transformative Capital engaged with various hedge and private equity funds in some $140 Billion of green energy investments, including solar, wind, CNG, hydrogen, hydrokinetics, geothermal, biomass and other new forms of integrated energy production.
Ron Spoerl, Strategic Advisor—Ron is the President/CEO of The Aambe Corporation, located in Jackson, Wisconsin.
Aambe Corporation is a federally recognized Tribal member of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, Aambe Corporation leverages Ron’s unique understanding of Native American Tribal Nations. His leadership experience and established networks within these communities enable the company to tailor its products and services to Indian Country’s specific needs.
With access to global resources, Aambe Corporation combines Ron’s expertise, Tribal connections, and worldwide reach to achieve success within Indian Country and beyond, setting it apart from competitors.
Ron, a seasoned entrepreneur, also founded NativeFirst Capital (division of the Aambe Corporation) with a vision to bridge the gap in access to organized capital for Native American businesses. Under the leadership of Ron Hawk Spoerl they specialize in turning opportunities into successful ventures that benefit indigenous communities. His team’s deep roots in tribal economic development and extensive experience in various industries position them to make a significant impact.
The Aambe Corporation
NativeFirst Capital
Michael Shanley, Strategic Advisor—Mr. Shanley has been a pilot since 1969, serving with the Royal Australian Air Force in Vietnam in 1971. He has been an enthusiastic supporter of Freedom Motors since its formation in 1997. Mr. Shanley holds a BA in English Literature from the University of Queensland, Australia and is the author of the novel, “Strela”. Mr. Shanley is also Chairman of Shanley International Ltd., a company set up specifically to facilitate trade with China.
Rajat Negi, Executive Advisor—Rajat is the CEO of No Carbon Energy Pvt Ltd, a green technology start-up based in Delhi, India. They have developed a unique Hybrid Waste-to-Energy plant with Carbon Capture & Sequestration to fight climate change. Sourcing energy from these hybrid plants is a near-perfect solution to two problems faced in the modern world: mounting waste and global warming. A thought leader for setting up an India operation for Freedom Motors international portfolio. Raising funds from Indian investors. He is also a founder director at Hbar Marketing Services India Pvt Ltd (earlier called HMS Direct), a marketing & sales services company. HMS is a team of professionals from marketing and IT background who deliver ideas, from strategy to activation to execution, working as outsourced marketing & sales arm of organizations.
Prasun Mishra, Strategic Advisor—Dr. Prasun Mishra is a leading life science, technology, and healthcare thought leader and an Impact Investor. He is a renowned scientist with numerous publications/ patents to his credit, with notable contributions to developing multiple drugs and combinations across their discovery, trials, and successful launches. Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Mishra has held esteemed positions at prominent institutions, including Genentech, Roche, Rutgers University, the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the U.S. Government.
His groundbreaking research has been recognized globally, with over 40 prestigious awards, over 50 keynote talks, invited lectureships, and candidacy for the esteemed Trans-NIH Earl Stadtman Investigator Tenure Track position. Notably, he has been honored with two NCI Director's Innovations Awards, one personally conferred by Dr. Harold Varmus, the Nobel Laureate.
Beyond his scientific pursuits, Dr. Mishra has emerged as a serial entrepreneur, co-founding Precision BioPharma Inc. and Agility Pharmaceuticals and offering advisory services to over 25 companies. His strategic insights have been pivotal in fostering innovation, driving strategic growth, and scaling revenue, particularly within the biotech, pharma, and diagnostics sectors, including guiding companies through successful IPOs. As the founding president of The American Association for Precision Medicine (AAPM), he remains at the forefront of shaping industry standards.
Additionally, Dr. Mishra's influence extends to the investment realm, where he chairs WISE: World Investors and Entrepreneurs Society and has served as a due diligence advisor to various angel groups, venture capital, and private equity firms. He also served as a general partner for the Global Health Impact Network and Funds. Notably, he has served on the Board of Directors at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Health Hub and offers advisory support to UCSF's Catalyst Program, Innovation Ventures, and InVent Fund.
Dr. Mishra is also a founding partner in the Silicon Valley-based M7 Healthcare Accelerator and has been an advisor to several leading startup accelerators, including Indie-Bio/ SOSV, California Life Sciences, HIMSSS Health 2.0 Zygote, JLabs and Johnson & Johnson Innovation. Due to his unique perspective and selfless service, he is a highly respected and sought-after mentor to many.
Sudheer Kuppam, Strategic Advisor—Sudheer Kuppam is the founder and Managing Partner of Epsilon Venture Partners, a Hong Kong based venture capital firm, that makes investments across the APAC region in the technology sector. He currently sits on the boards of Pi Datacenters, INCX, FarmTaaza, Ubiix, and Zebi. Over his career, Sudheer has been a strategic advisor or board member for many companies across Asia. Before founding Epsilon Venture Partners, he spent over 18 years at Intel Corporation, most recently, as a Vice President and Managing Director of Intel Capital for the Asia Pacific (ex China) region. Under his leadership, his 13 member investment team made over 90+ investments, deploying over $590 million capital in technology companies over the past decade. Sudheer has multiple exits across Asia spanning both IPOs and M&A. Sudheer is also a cofounder of Pi Datacenters, Zebi, INCX and Exatron. In the past few years, Sudheer also assisted Zebi and INCX to complete their ICOs and raise funds in the Blockchain space.
Sudheer has a Bachelors degree from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras and a Masters degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Anjan Bose, PhD, Strategic Advisor—Anjan Bose is a Regents Professor and the Distinguished Professor of Electric Power Engineering at Washington State University in Pullman, Washington, where he also served as the Dean of the College of Engineering & Architecture from 1998 to 2005. He served the US Department of Energy as a Senior Advisor on the electric power grid in the Obama administration. He is a leading researcher on the operation and control of the electric power grid. He has worked in the electric power industry as well as academe for over 40 years. He received his BS, MS and PhD, all in Electrical Engineering, from the Indian Institute of Technology – Kharagpur, University of California – Berkeley and Iowa State University, respectively.
Dr. Bose is a Member of the US National Academy of Engineering, a Foreign Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering and a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers (IEEE). He was the recipient of the Outstanding Power Engineering Educator Award, the Third Millennium Medal, and the Herman Halperin Electric Transmission & Distribution Award from the IEEE. He has been recognized by both Iowa State University and the Indian Institute of Technology with their distinguished alumnus awards. He has served on several editorial boards and on many national and international technical committees. He was appointed by the governor to the board of directors of the Washington Technology Center, and by the US Secretary of Energy on the committee to study the 1999 and 2003 power blackouts. He has served on several committees of the US National Academies including those for Engineering Education, Cybersecurity Research, Power Grid Security and America’s Energy Future. He has consulted for many electric power companies and advised government agencies throughout the world.
Geoff Taylor, EB-5 Investment Advisor & Partner—Geoff Taylor is the founder of the EB-5 Investor Portal which is an internet marketing and technology platform that gives investors, immigration attorneys and immigration consultants throughout the world access to EB-5 regional center, EB-5 direct and E2 investment opportunities.
He provides advisory services on the formation and funding of E2 and EB-5 investment opportunities. For developers interested in EB-5 capital, he provides strategic planning and then directs a team of professionals to create and fund USCIS-compliant EB-5 regional center projects. EB-5 direct investors also need advisory services since direct projects are difficult to identify and set up. For E2 investors, he provides advisory services for selecting a franchise opportunity and then, full development and management services if needed by the investor.
EB-3 unskilled labor is in high demand by US employers. Geoff provides EB-3 unskilled corporate sponsors with a labor force ready to report to work. His partner in this endeavor is a prominent worldwide recruiting company which has placed thousands of workers.
Investors and project sponsors need immigration counsel and Geoff works with a network of attorneys in major USA and international markets.
