Joe brings 14 years leadership in R&D and engineering, including experience as an optical engineer, software developer, and manager of R&D and Engineering teams. Prior to joining Axon, he was Principal Engineer at Stryker Corporation, leading efforts at the intersection of machine vision, augmented reality, robotics, and healthcare. Prior to Stryker, he was a Senior Developer and Manager of Vision R&D at Gentex Corporation, where he led the development of various imaging instruments including microscopes and laser diagnostics. Prior to Gentex, Joe held various technical and management positions at Luna Innovations, where he drove the development of numerous commercial products from R&D to manufacturing release and support in optical test and measurement, and sensing.

“I’m excited and honored to join Axon Connected, a company that is focused on developing technologies that make people’s lives and the world better,” commented Joe on joining the team.

While working with Axon Connected in 2011, Charles founded AxNano raising investment and expanding operations to Greensboro, NC in 2013.  There he established a successful technology transfer business model commercializing new technologies with identified market needs through building relationships with technology sources such as the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering (NC A&T SU & UNCG). Currently, AxNano is fielding exclusive environmental remediation amendments for the growing $60 billion environmental industry.  This exciting controlled-release technology decreases contamination in situ– restoring our planets’ natural resources.

Charles previously led Business Development for Luna Innovations (NASDAQ: LUNA) and founded the nanoWorks Division in Danville, VA. which led to the successful launch of a public-private partnership to establish a 24,000 sqft facility in a southern Virginia historic tobacco warehouse.  Serving many customers, this world-class nanomaterials’ production facility developed new products derived from exclusive nanotechnology licensed from Virginia Tech and other technology sources.  Over his 30 years of experience, Charles has developed products for many applications including textiles, composites, telecommunications, sensing, electronics, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and others.