Management
Matthew Foster, CEO
Matt served as President and CEO of Ascent Solar from 2005 - 2008, where he took the company through two public offerings. Before that, he served as Executive VP of ITN Energy Systems, where he developed and implemented plans to commercialize ITN technologies such as thin-film battery systems and microsatellites, which developed into companies Infinite Power Solutions and MicoSat Systems, respectively. Matt has over 25 years of experience in the aerospace industry and previously served as VP of Business Development and Advanced programs at the Lockheed Martin Corporation. Matt holds a BS degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Ammon Balaster, Ph.D., COO
Entrepreneur and inventor with over 25 years experience in new product and new business development. Founded several high tech medical products companies, including RELA, Inc. which became a wholly owned subsidiary of Colorado MEDtech. Also founded Kearsen Corporation, now Peaceful Mountain, Inc. Holds a Ph.D., M.S. and B.S in Electrical Engineering and a B.S. in Physics and Mathematics.
Kathryn Miles, CTO
Former Engineering Manager for Hybrid Technology Development at Eaton Corporation, Truck Components. Led next generation technology development for hybrid electric commercial vehicles. Was responsible for identifying new business opportunities in hybrid and plug-in business. Holds an M.S. and B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a B.S. in Business Administration.
Susan Nedell, Director of Business Development
Executive-level entrepreneur with over 15 years in the aerospace and software industries. Broad multi-functional background with extensive experience in Strategic Planning and Marketing. Co-founded Wyndemere, Inc. an aerospace product design and engineering firm. Grew client list to include FAA, NASA, MIT and others. Company was recognized on the Inc. 500 list in 1998. Holds and M.S. and B.A. in Geology.
Nancy Balch, Production Manager
18 years experience designing disk drive and test equipment boards for Maxtor Corporation. Balch trained other designers and engineers in the use of the design tools and developed and maintained the design libraries. Prior to Maxtor, she was a test engineer at AT&T for 7 years, verifying PBX software, working with production and designers to solve performance problems, developing test strategies for new products, and developing software and test fixtures for ATE. She also provided shop support and participated in cost avoidance and reduction programs. She has a BS in Electronic Technology from California State University, Chico, and is CID certified.
Janet Casteel, Executive Vice President Finance
Former Chief Accounting Officer at Ascent Solar. Over fifteen years experience in financial reporting and account/business management and eight years of public accounting.