Our Team
MOVA has assembled a highly accomplished team of engineers, scientists, business leaders, and advisors with decades of experience across industries.
Board of Directors
Steve Critchfield
Steve Critchfield, President and Chairman of the Board at MOVA Technologies, Inc., is a seasoned entrepreneur and innovator with a passion for transforming industries and fostering economic growth. A Virginia Tech alumnus with a B.S. in Agricultural Economics and a minor in Computer Science, Steve founded Tele-Works, a company that provided payment systems for local governments across the U.S. and Canada, which was successfully sold in 2014 as one of the largest technology sales in the New River and Roanoke Valleys. Steve has also played a pivotal role in revitalizing Pulaski, Virginia, using creative financing models to develop workforce housing and restore historic properties. As the leader of MOVA Technologies, he spearheads the development of advanced air-capture technology, converting industrial pollutants into valuable commodities. MOVA is poised to redefine pollution control while contributing to environmental sustainability, solidifying Steve's reputation as a forward-thinking leader in technology and innovation.
Marty Muscatello
Marty Muscatello is the former CEO of FoxGuard Solutions and played a key role in its sale to Framatome, a global nuclear energy leader. With over 30 years of management experience, he previously led the Optoelectronics division at Rohm and Haas and co-founded Qualtrax. Muscatello holds a B.S. in Industrial and Systems Engineering and an MBA from Virginia Tech. He is an advocate for business growth in Virginia and serves on multiple boards.
Russell Ellis
Russell Ellis is a serial entrepreneur who founded Data Systems Consulting, which developed automation tools for the financial services industry, later merging with InSystems Technologies. He also launched NextHR.com and created Rusty’s Best Corporation, producing specialty beverage products. As the president of Common Wealth Growth, he manages private equity investments. Ellis serves on several nonprofit and industry boards, contributing to regional economic development in Virginia.
Dr. Ann Norris
Dr. Ann Norris, a Ph.D. graduate in Materials Engineering Science from Virginia Tech, spent 28 years at Dow Corning conducting research and developing products in polymer science and nanomaterials. She collaborated extensively with universities and industry partners to advance chemical technologies. Norris now serves on Virginia Tech’s Department of Chemistry Advisory Council, supporting its academic and research initiatives. Her career exemplifies leadership in polymer chemistry and innovation.
Rob Jones
Rob Jones is the founder and CEO of The Alliance Group, a public relations firm specializing in corporate and public sector strategies. A former attorney and Richmond city councilman, Jones has extensive experience in public affairs and has worked with Fortune 100 companies and government agencies. He is also the chairman of the board for the Virginia Credit Union and active in several nonprofits. His career reflects a strong commitment to strategic communication and public service.
Advisory Board
Mike Abbot
Mike Abbott is an innovation and business strategy consultant with over 25 years of experience in product development across industries like energy, manufacturing, and defense. He has been an equity partner in 10 startups and worked with over 3,000 technology teams ranging from Fortune 500 companies to government agencies. Abbott holds a B.S. and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech and is a licensed Professional Engineer. His expertise spans product strategy, market discovery, and innovation processes.
Brad Copenhaver
Brad Copenhaver is a former Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services, with over a decade of experience in state and federal government. He has championed initiatives in agriculture policy, including legislation for hemp regulation and cannabis legalization. A Pamplin Scholar and MBA graduate, Copenhaver has been recognized for his contributions to public policy and agriculture. He is an expert in strategic communications and government affairs.
Dr. Amanda Morris
Dr. Amanda Morris, Chair of Virginia Tech’s Chemistry Department, is a leading researcher in renewable energy, focusing on solar energy, water remediation, and carbon dioxide conversion. A graduate of Penn State (B.S.), Johns Hopkins (Ph.D.), and Princeton University (Postdoc), she has received numerous awards, including an Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship and NSF CAREER Award. Dr. Morris leads interdisciplinary research on molecular materials and serves as an advocate for diversity in science. She is also an editor for top energy and chemistry journals.
Corwin Heatwole
Corwin Heatwole, raised on a 6th-generation family farm, grew up tending poultry and witnessing the challenges of traditional farming. Determined to create a better, more sustainable future for farmers, he purchased his first farm at 23 and, in 2013, developed the Farmer Focus Business Model. This innovative approach makes farmers true partners, offering fair compensation and the freedom to manage their businesses. In 2014, Corwin founded Shenandoah Valley Organic, a mission-driven company producing Farmer Focus-branded organic chicken. Guided by his commitment to farmers, humane practices, and environmental stewardship, the company delivers high-quality, sustainable products.
Dr. Raymond Smoot
Dr. Raymond Smoot is the former CEO and Secretary-Treasurer of the Virginia Tech Foundation, where he managed assets exceeding $1.3 billion, including the university’s endowment and research facilities. A native of Virginia, he holds degrees from Virginia Tech and a Ph.D. from The Ohio State University. Smoot has served in leadership roles for major organizations, including the Virginia Retirement System and Union Bankshares. He is widely recognized for his contributions to higher education, infrastructure development, and community leadership.
Chad Burchett
Chad Burchett is a Mechanical Engineer with over 20 years in the commercial vehicle industry, including leadership roles at Volvo Group. He has led pioneering projects, including the Volvo LIGHTS initiative and the first autonomous electric trucks, and holds seven granted patents. Burchett is the founder of CAC Tech Services, focusing on green solutions such as electric vehicle retrofitting. He brings expertise in innovation, electrification, and sustainability to MOVA’s advisory team.
Dr. Michael Karmis
Dr. Michael Karmis is the Stonie Barker Professor and Director of the Virginia Center for Coal and Energy Research at Virginia Tech, with over 40 years in academia. He has led more than 60 major research projects and authored over 180 papers on sustainable energy, carbon management, and mining systems. A former president of prominent mining societies, he holds numerous awards, including Distinguished Member status in SME and AIME. Dr. Karmis is recognized globally for his contributions to mining and energy sustainability.
Dan Carson
Dan Carson retired as Virginia-Tennessee President of Appalachian Power Company after a 40-year career, during which he held senior leadership roles. He holds degrees in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech, an MBA from Lynchburg College, and a master’s from MIT as an Alfred P. Sloan Fellow. Carson has served in key leadership positions for organizations like the Virginia Chamber of Commerce and the Virginia Tech College of Engineering. His contributions earned him induction into the Academy of Engineering Excellence at Virginia Tech.
Vernon Meacham
Vernon Meacham serves as the Assistant Dean of Advancement for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech, overseeing fundraising, alumni relations, and communications. With a background in animal nutrition, he helped develop patented fertilizer technologies during his time at Harmony Products, rising to Vice President of Operations and Technology. Meacham also co-founded BioSystems, LLC, which markets organic fertilizers and provides biosolid management consulting. He has been with Virginia Tech since 2005, contributing significantly to agricultural and environmental advancements.
Mike Quillen
Michael Quillen is the founder and former Chairman of Alpha Natural Resources (ANR), which became the third-largest coal company in the U.S. with a market cap exceeding $2 billion and 13,000 employees. Under his leadership, ANR expanded rapidly through acquisitions, becoming the largest exporter of U.S. met coal and the third-largest producer globally. He holds both a B.S. and M.S. in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech and has received the university’s highest honor for his leadership in the energy sector and service to the community.
James Gatto
James Gatto is an Intellectual Property partner in the Washington, D.C. office of Sheppard Mullin, an Am Law 100 firm. He has an EE degree and physics background, is a former U.S. Patent Examiner, has over 35 years of patent experience and helps companies develop and implement IP strategies that are aligned with their business objectives. He has been recognized as a leading patent lawyer by various independent organizations including Best Lawyers, 2021; Top Rated Lawyer, Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent®; Intellectual Property - Northern Virginia, Chambers USA; Super Lawyers, and many others.
Management Team
John Schott
John Schott, CEO of MOVA Technologies, brings over three decades of leadership in management, operational excellence, R&D, and strategic market development. With an M.S. in Civil Engineering and a B.S. in Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences from Virginia Tech, as well as an MBA from George Mason University, John’s academic foundation informs his practical approach to innovation and sustainable growth. Throughout his career, John has guided nearly a dozen engineering and technology companies through critical growth phases. Notably, he previously collaborated with MOVA’s founder, Steve Critchfield, at Tele-Works, where he transformed an under-performing operation into a high-growth venture—boosting annual recurring revenue from $1.1 million to $8.6 million and executing a successful private equity merger with Accel-KKR. At MOVA Technologies, John’s leadership centers on advancing innovative air filtration solutions that address critical emissions challenges—from diffuse agricultural outputs to hard-to-treat greenhouse gases—while driving sustainable environmental impact for customers. Under his guidance, MOVA strives to transform industries, foster healthier environments, and contribute meaningfully to a net-zero future—creating lasting value for clients and for our planet.
Luke Allison
Luke Allison serves as the Chief Advancement Officer for MOVA Technologies, where he has successfully raised $2.8 million in private equity to support the company’s air emission filtration platform. A 2017 graduate of Virginia Tech with a B.S. in Forestry Resources and Environmental Conservation, Luke has managed multiple historic rehabilitation projects in rural communities and advanced processes to reduce society’s carbon footprint. His work reflects a strong commitment to community and environmental health, aligning with MOVA’s mission to create sustainable, innovative solutions for industrial emissions.
Matthew Gulotta
Matthew Gulotta, Director of Technology Development at MOVA Technologies, oversees the company’s technological innovation and implementation. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering with minors in Mathematics and Leadership from Virginia Tech. Gulotta has been with MOVA since its inception in 2016, where he began as Operations Officer and transitioned into his current role, driving MOVA's groundbreaking technology.
Jeff Mitchell
Jeffrey Mitchell is the owner of The Mitchell Law Firm, where he specializes in corporate transactions, providing strategic legal advice to emerging and established businesses. A graduate of Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a law degree from the University of Richmond, he has led numerous venture capital financings, private equity raises, and mergers. He has served as a key political advisor to Virginia leaders, including former Governors Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, and is Chairman of the Virginia State Board for Community Colleges. Mitchell currently serves as the Attorney for MOVA Technologies, Inc.
