“Don’t part with your illusions. When they are gone you may still exist, but you have ceased to live…”  

Mark Twain

As Director of PMO at Atom Power, a late-stage startup EV Charging start up, Austin oversee new product development from conception to end-of-life. This includes leading large cross-functional teams of over 20 individuals, establishing robust hardware and firmware development practices, and delivering within budget. Additionally, he develops and implements standards for supply chain and program management across the organization, promoting best practices companywide.

Before Atom Power, Austin served as the Space Systems Program Manager at Cubic Corporation, developing C4ISR communications systems for satellites and other space-based applications.  He lead major space product development contracts valued at over $20M.  In addition to directing the full program life cycle, he also lead the execution and growth strategy for the company’s space portfolio.

In his previous role as Director of Engineering and Operations at Mohu, he was responsible for leading the strategy and successful growth of Mohu. There, he designed the #1 selling TV antenna in the US, the Mohu Leaf. Working on the business was key to its growth. Austin’s responsibilities included identifying new market opportunities, managing relationships with key clients and partners, and overseeing the engineering, development, and launch of innovative products. His technical expertise, combined with his business acumen, allowed him to effectively lead the company to achieve significant revenue growth and ultimately secure a successful exit.

Austin earned undergraduate degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering from North Carolina State University. After finishing undergraduate studies, he completed a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering while working on his PhD. In graduate school, Austin focused his studies on electromagnetics, antenna design, and optics, working in a field called metamaterials. Austin developed a novel design of a Luneberg lens, however never completed his PhD as Mohu began to grow rapidly and required full time attention. While, he always intended to go back and finish, Mohu was extremely successful and life has not taken him back down that path yet.

Austin has always been intrigued by the world of finance and economics, and has spent countless hours researching investments and analyzing market trends. His passion for investing has led them to make some successful investments over the years and always keep an eye out for new opportunities.

Austin is an avid weightlifter and can often be found at the local YMCA working out. When he is not working out or crunching numbers, you can often find Austin immersed in a game of Dungeons and Dragons, rolling dice and exploring made up worlds with friends. He also enjoys casual mathematics, solving puzzles and exploring the mysteries of numbers and patterns.

But perhaps one of his greatest passions is learning about macroeconomics and how it shapes our world. Austin is constantly reading and studying the global economy, trying to understand how different factors such as inflation, unemployment, and government policies affect people’s lives.

Outside of work, I spend as much time as possible with my two wonderful kids Liam (7) and Ava (3) and my wife Cheri.

Liam has a passion for basketball and soccer, and can often be found practicing his dribbling and shooting skills. As a result, I have taken up a 2nd career as the youth basketball and soccer coach for Liam and his friends. I coach at the YMCA and at the Salvation Army in Raleigh, NC.

Ava is a 3-year-old girl who is obsessed with Elmo. She loves watching Sesame Street and cheering with her favorite characters. I soon hope to be coaching her sports teams as well.

My wife, Cheri, is a multi-talented individual with a passion for fitness, music, pop culture, and helping others. She is an accomplished runner who loves the challenge and freedom of hitting the pavement or trails. Whether it’s a quick 5k or a full marathon, she enjoys the experience of a good run. She is also an accomplished fitness instructor who helping her attendees achieve their goals, whether that’s toning up, building strength, or simply feeling better in their own bodies.