Our Team

Dr. Ali Ebadian is the Founder and CEO of Phiston Technologies, where he spearheads a remarkable career centered around data security, destruction, and research and development.

Since 2009, Dr. Ebadian has steered Phiston's strategic direction, operational excellence, financial growth, and overall sustainability, solidifying the company as the global leader in scientific research, development, and engineering design for cutting-edge technologies that effectively destroy end-of-life data storage media. With a portfolio of 14 patents/trademarks and two pending awards, Phiston Technologies stands as a testament to Dr. Ebadian's relentless pursuit of innovation.

With over four decades of experience collaborating with industry, government, and academia, Dr. Ebadian has cultivated an impressive reputation as a researcher, administrator, and manager. His visionary leadership led to the establishment of the Hemispheric Center for Environmental Technology (HCET) in 1995 and the Center for Energy and Technology of the Americas (CETA) in 2001, both in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Dr. Ebadian's contributions also extended to his role as a Consultant and Special Advisor to the CEO, where he played a pivotal role in diversifying the research portfolio across federal agencies.

In addition to his vast practical experience, Dr. Ebadian holds a B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, complemented by a minor in Engineering Management/Nuclear Engineering. His academic achievements are further bolstered by a multitude of accomplishments. Notably, he has published extensively, with 107 journal publications and 173 meeting and proceedings papers to his credit, while also contributing chapters to two reference texts.

Dr. Ebadian's expertise and influence extend beyond his research, as he has actively participated in 14 professional societies and served on various governmental committees, including the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Research, Engineering, and Development Advisory Committee. Moreover, he has lent his insights as a member of panels and advisory boards with esteemed institutions such as the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), DOE, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), National Science Foundation (NSF), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr. Ebadias has been married to his wife Susan for over 40 years and has two children and four beautiful grandchildren.

Maj. Gen. Eugene A. Lupia served as the Air Force Civil Engineer in Washington, D.C., where he oversaw the organization, training, and equipping of a 65,000-person civil engineering force. He was responsible for the development and maintenance of Air Force bases globally, as well as housing, fire protection, and disaster preparedness. He supervised the Air Force Civil Engineering Support Agency in Florida and the Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence in Texas.

Having entered the Air Force in 1967, Gen. Lupia held several significant positions, including advising the Vietnamese Base Civil Engineer in South Vietnam, serving as Base Civil Engineer at McConnell Air Force Base, and taking on various roles in planning and programming in Europe and the U.S. He was a mobilization fellow studying nuclear blast protection and held roles in the Strategic Air Command, including serving aboard the "Looking Glass" Airborne Command Post. He assumed his position as the Air Force Civil Engineer in 1995 and retired effective Sept 1, 1999.

As President of Government Facilities & Infrastructure (GF&I), Mr. Lupia led the development and risk management for CH2M HILL's government projects. He ensured mission success by delivering sustainable and safe facilities and infrastructure solutions.

In his role as President of Enterprise Delivery Excellence (EDE), he oversaw operational and project delivery support services, including the Center for Project Excellence which developed policies, systems, and procedures for consulting, design, construction, and project delivery. He also handled Program Management, Health, Safety, Security & Environment, Enterprise Technology, and served as Director of Enterprise Risk Management.

Before EDE, Mr. Lupia served as President of the Environmental Services Business Group, growing the business from $285 million in 2000 to $565 million in 2010. This role had a global reach, providing services including planning, consulting, engineering, construction, and facility operations across various market segments.

Raul Travieso is an accomplished technology professional and currently serves as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Phiston. With extensive experience in mechanical design engineering, Raul has contributed significantly to Phiston's growth and success. He began his design engineering career after earning a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Florida International University. As a design engineer in the medical industry for many years, he developed cutting-edge devices and honed his technical skills.

Raul's unwavering dedication to innovation and talent for simplifying complex ideas into actionable solutions propelled him to ascend to greater responsibilities. Throughout his career, he has made remarkable contributions as both a team member and a technical leader on a wide range of projects. These endeavors have spanned various fields, encompassing pacemakers, surgical devices, as well as immunology and hematology systems. Raul's expertise has been employed by renowned Fortune 500 enterprises, including Baxter Diagnostics, Johnson &
Johnson, and Beckman Coulter/Danaher, where he has excelled in research and development as well as manufacturing roles.

For the past decade, Raul has served as the CTO at Phiston, spearheading the company's technological strategy and driving product development. His strategic vision has revolutionized the field of data security, leading to remarkable growth for Phiston. In addition to his role as CTO, Raul is deeply passionate about mentoring young talent and fostering a culture of innovation within the organization. He believes in empowering individuals to reach their full potential and encourages a creative and inclusive work environment.

Shahrouz Ebadian is a visionary digital leader with a proven track record in driving technological advancements and strategic innovation. Shahrouz has a wealth of experience in overseeing System Infrastructure Solutions, Strategic Applications Direction, People Management, and Software Development/DevOps. He is dedicated to pushing boundaries and optimizing processes within organizations.

Shahrouz holds a BS in Computer Engineering from the University of Florida and an MS in Engineering Management from the University of Central Florida. With over 15 years of experience in enterprise application development and leading complex projects, Shahrouz brings a deep understanding of cutting-edge technologies and their practical applications.

As the Chief Information Officer (CIO), Shahrouz spearheads the transformation of in-house systems and infrastructure, ensuring seamless integration of state-of-the-art software into our newest products. With an unwavering focus on driving business growth and operationalefficiency, Shahrouz also leads the marketing and sales teams, playing a pivotal role in shaping the strategic vision of Phiston.

Shahrouz Ebadian currently resides in South Florida, where he shares a home with his girlfriend and Italian greyhound rescue Harlee. When he's not immersed in the world of technology, Shahrouz is probably in his backyard watching sports and barbequing.

Michael Ketchup is a results-driven executive operations professional with over 20 years of experience in lean manufacturing and logistics. As a servant leader, he excels in assessing organizational gaps, developing strategic plans, and driving efficiency to achieve best-in-class business results.

Michael has a proven ability to optimize operations, streamline processes, and lead high-performing teams. His expertise in strategic planning, process improvement, and team development allows him to foster a culture of innovation and continuous growth. With a strong focus on efficiency and productivity, he is dedicated to enhancing operational excellence and achieving long-term success.

Passionate about leadership and problem-solving, Michael is committed to mentoring teams and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. His ability to align people, processes, and business goals ensures sustained success in fast-paced, dynamic environments.

Vanessa, a highly skilled and experienced professional, joined Phiston Technologies in February 2023 as the Office Manager. With a robust background in management spanning eight years, Vanessa is adept at coordinating a wide range of essential services and resources that drive the organization's operational efficiency. As the go-to person within the company, she plays a pivotal role in ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.

Prior to her tenure at Phiston, Vanessa made significant contributions to the recruiting industry and retail sector. Over the course of 15+ years in customer service, she has honed her ability to help individuals surpass their goals. Her unwavering commitment to exceeding expectations is a testament to her dedication and passion for delivering exceptional results.

Vanessa is not only a consummate professional but also a devoted family-oriented individual. Hailing from the beautiful state of Florida, she nurtures big dreams of exploring new horizons through travel. Her innate curiosity and desire for personal growth drive her aspirations beyond the confines of her native land.

With Vanessa's invaluable expertise and unwavering commitment to excellence, Phiston Technologies benefits from her dynamic contributions as she helps foster a productive and harmonious work environment.

Karman Eckelbarger is an experienced Senior Sales Manager at Phiston Technologies where she drives revenue growth and revolutionizes data security. Spearheading strategic sales initiatives, she cultivates client relationships and partners with a high-performing team.

Karman has a wealth of experience in overseeing Sales Operations and Marketing Management. She leverages her B2B sales expertise, understanding of data security, and strong leadership skills to exceed targets, contributing to continuous growth. As a results-oriented professional with a passion for innovation, she is excited to be shaping the future of data security.

Holding a BA in English from the University of Central Florida, Karman champions cutting-edge growth and innovation in her role. When she’s not engaging in her professional life, you can find Karman walking her beloved Maltese Pierre in sunny Miami.

Andrea Garzon is a logistics and supply chain professional with over 20 years of experience managing complex international and domestic shipping operations. She has worked across a range of industries including pharmaceuticals, technology, heavy equipment, and project cargo, bringing a strategic mindset and hands-on approach to every challenge.

Andrea specializes in shipment planning, regulatory compliance, cargo documentation, and coordinating cross-functional teams to ensure timely and secure deliveries. She is known for delivering efficient, cost-effective logistics solutions that support the evolving demands of global supply chains.

She holds a degree in International Business Administration from Bogotá, Colombia, and leverages her academic background to align logistics execution with broader business objectives. Her collaborative nature and attention to detail have earned her a reputation for streamlining operations, enhancing service quality, and building strong relationships with customers, vendors, and carriers.

Outside of work, Andrea enjoys sunny beach days and spending time with her husband, daughter, and two Maine Coon cats.

Hernando Avellaneda Vega is a dedicated chemical engineer, holds a degree from the National University of Bogota, Colombia. His professional journey is marked by significant contributions in manufacturing, supply chain, and inventory control management, where his strategic insights and innovative approaches have driven success. Hernando is a fervent advocate for teamwork, believing that collective effort is key to achieving a seamless balance between ambitious goals and tangible results.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Hernando is deeply connected to the natural world. He finds solace and inspiration in camping, an activity that allows him to explore breathtaking landscapes and forge lasting memories with his family and friends.

As an expert in creating prototypes and proof of concepts for design for manufacturing, Alejandro Paya brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his work. He is a certified SolidWorks Expert, with the ability to produce models and drawings per ASME Y14.5 standard.

Alejandro earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Florida International University, where he honed his skills and expertise in the field. With an eye for detail and a commitment to excellence, Mr. Paya ensures that every project he works on meets the highest standards of quality and precision. His expertise and dedication make him an invaluable member of any team.

With more than 30 years of hands-on engineering experience, Howard Yu is a true veteran of the automation industry. Holding a BS in Electrical Engineering Technology from ITT Technical Institute, Howard has played an instrumental role in shaping the standards and practices that define modern automation.

Prior to joining Phiston Technologies, Howard built an impressive career delivering engineering and consulting services to top automation integrators across the U.S. and internationally. His expertise spans a diverse range of industries, including Material Handling, Packaging, and Robotics.

Outside of work, Howard is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys fishing and time on the water. He is also a passionate advocate for children with special needs — a cause close to his heart.

Maurizio Berroni is a dynamic and innovative IT graduate, with an expansive knowledge base covering both hardware and software aspects of the industry. At Phiston Technologies he has brought a fresh perspective and new insights to the team. Maurizio's natural skills in solving problems make difficult tech issues seem easy to handle, making him a vital part of any IT team.

Away from his professional sphere, Maurizio has a deep-seated passion for video gaming and soccer, reflecting his competitive spirit and strategic thinking. He also harbors a keen interest in artificial intelligence, constantly seeking to learn and stay ahead of emerging trends in this captivating field. Maurizio's combination of technical expertise and curiosity makes him a vibrant force in the evolving landscape of information technology.

Chema Costa has been part of the Phiston team for two years as a mechanical technician. He works tirelessly on all Phiston products to ensure they meet the highest quality standards before leaving the facility. Chema enjoys collaborating closely with the engineering department to drive innovation and push for better outcomes.

In addition to his production duties, Chema also manages shipping and receiving to ensure timely delivery of machines and consumables. He occasionally assists with QA/QC and is responsible for organizing parts and inventory. Chema's expertise includes working on CNC machines, and he is currently completing an in-house apprenticeship. He earned his bachelor's degree in computer science and electricals from FIU.

Jose Colon has been an assembly technician at Phiston Technologies for over 10 years, having previously worked in the medical field for many years at Beckman Coulter Life Sciences. He is recognized for his dedication and hard work both on and off the job. In his free time, Jose enjoys singing.

With over 20 years of experience, Juan has established himself as a highly skilled maintenance technician. His expertise spans across various industries, including aircraft maintenance and the food and plastic sectors. Juan's deep knowledge and hands-on experience with diverse machinery ensure that operations run smoothly and efficiently. His commitment to excellence and continuous improvement makes him a valuable asset to any team.

Jerry Camphort is a dedicated professional with a background in the United States Marine Corps, where he served for 8 years working on F/A-18 Super Hornets. His expertise in maintenance and electrical systems has seamlessly translated into his role at Phiston, contributing to the development and manufacturing of cutting-edge equipment.

Beyond his technical skills, Jerry has a passion for country music and line dancing, reflecting his love for both rhythm and precision. His wide-ranging experiences, both professionally and personally, bring a dynamic energy to his work and life.