Management Team
CEO
Gary Parsons
With over 35 years of leadership experience building innovative wireless and wireline networks, Gary has founded five early-stage ventures that led to $1Bn or greater enterprise value. Best known as the founder of XM Satellite Radio, Gary stepped down last year as Chairman of the combined Sirius XM Radio. He was also founder and former Chairman of SkyTerra Communications and TerreStar Networks and, along with Dr. Singh, is recognized for pioneering the concept of hybrid terrestrial use of satellite spectrum (ancillary terrestrial component technology). Prior to founding XM Radio, Gary was EVP of MCI Communications. He holds a BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Clemson University and an MBA from the Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina.
Co-Founder, President and COO
Ganesh Pattabiraman
With over 14 years of experience in technology development and management, Ganesh currently holds 7 patents; former Product Manager of Qualcomm’s LBS Products; Director of Product Management at Mobio; responsible for deployment and commercialization of LBS & other applications to major BREW Operators. Ganesh holds an MBA from the Wharton School and a Masters in Electrical Engineering from George Mason University.
VP and Chief Financial Officer
Eric Swank
With over 22 years of corporate finance experience in the technology arena, Eric has successfully developed and led the finance function in public and private companies, with capital formation and transactions totaling in excess of $2.5 billion. Most recently, Eric served as Chief Financial Officer for Global Telecom & Technology, Inc. (GTLT.OB), an international data telecom carrier and network integrator. Prior to GTT, Eric served as SVP – Finance at SkyTerra Communications, and as CFO of its predecessor entity, Mobile Satellite Ventures. Eric started his career at C-Tec Corporation, leading numerous finance, development and operational initiatives. Mr. Swank holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance, from King’s College.
Co-Founder and VP Engineering (Hardware)
Subbu Meiyappan
With over 14 years of experience in chip design and development, Subbu currently holds 14 patents; former Principal Engineer at Qualcomm Inc., managed Qualcomm’s (Airgo) WLAN development and commercialization. Subbu holds dual Masters degrees in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University and Tennessee Tech.
Co-Founder, VP Engineering (Systems)
Dr. Arun Raghupathy
With over 11 years of experience in communication and GPS system design and development, Arun currently holds 6 patents; formerly Lead and Architect of TI’s GPS System Engineering group; responsible for successful commercialization of three generations of TI’s GPS chipsets; Qualcomm System Lead for receiver architecture. He holds a Ph. D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Maryland.
VP Network Operations
David Knutson
With over 20 years of experience in network deployment and operations, David joined Commlabs from Connectiv Solutions where he served as EVP, Corporate Development and Strategy; formerly VP of Development for Cyren Call Communications; EVP at WFI, responsible for national network deployment and operations services; VP of Engineering and Operations at Telecorp PCS. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Virginia Tech.
VP Strategy and Development
Christian Gates
With over 15 years of experience in finance and telecommunications, Christian joined Commlabs from SkyTerra Communications, an integrated satellite-terrestrial communications company where he served as VP – Strategy; extensive experience in wireless and wireline communications; He began his career with Chase Securities in their M&A group. Christian holds a Bachelor of Arts from Dartmouth College.
VP/CIO
Frank Patry
With nearly 30 years of experience in information technology and systems, Frank joined NextNav from TerreStar Networks where he was responsible for IT and Core Network operations. Prior to TerreStar Networks, Frank served as the VP of Information Technology for XM Radio, and as an advisory member of the National Counter Terrorism Center through 2010. Frank has a BS in Computer Science from the University of Maryland.
Chief Science Advisor
Dr. Norman F. Krasner
Over 40 years of experience in communications systems R&D and digital signal processing design. Co-founder and Chief Scientist of SnapTrack, which pioneered the use of Assisted GPS currently used in hundreds of millions of cell phones throughout the world for E-911 and location based services. SnapTrack was acquired by Qualcomm in 2000. Dr. Krasner holds 78 U.S. patents and many foreign patents. He holds a BSEE from M.I.T. and M.S. and Ph.D. from Stanford University.
