RotaPower LLC Team
Dr. Subhash Paluru, Co-Founder & CEO—Dr. Subhash Paluru is the CEO of
RotaPower, LLC. Dr. Paluru brings in over two
decades of leadership and technical expertise in power systems engineering,
power operations and marketing, information technology and critical
infrastructure. Since 2018, Dr. Paluru has successfully led Freedom Motors in
advancing rotary engine technology, achieving significant milestones in IP
development and disrupting the current engines market.
Previously, from 2014-2018, Dr. Paluru held executive roles at Western Area
Power Administration (WAPA) located in Folsom, California, where he oversaw
operations of a 2,100 MW power system and managed a $250MM annual
budget. From 2012-2013, Dr. Paluru also served as the Acting Deputy Assistant
Secretary at the U.S. Department of Energy, driving nationwide initiatives in clean
energy transmission.
Dr. Paluru holds a Bachelor of Science in Electronics, a Master of Science in
Physics and a Ph.D. in Physics from Osmania University located in Hyderabad,
India. He also received a post-graduate diploma in computer applications from
the National Center for Computing Techniques, located in Hyderabad, India.
Stephen Smith, Co-Founder & CFO—Stephen Smith is the CFO of RotaPower, LLC,
bringing over two decades of
experience in financial management, consulting and executive leadership.
Mr. Smith was one of the original partners to launch the Los Angeles office of
Vaco, LLC, a $1.3B consulting firm, where he played an integral role of building
the branch’s revenue to over $50MM. Mr. Smith also held senior financial
leadership roles at multiple firms, including as Senior Manager of Global Financial
Reporting at CB Richard Ellis Global Investors where he managed its international
teams. Mr. Smith began his career as an auditor at Deloitte & Touche, LLP and is
a registered Certified Public Accountant in California.
Mr. Smith holds an M.B.A. from Pepperdine University, where he concentrated in
Finance. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Fairfield
University located in Fairfield, Connecticut.
Dr. Paul S. Moller, Co-Founder & CTO—Dr. Paul S. Moller founded Moller
International,
the original entity from which
Freedom Motors was created, and has served as the President since its
formation. Dr. Moller is a globally recognized innovator in the fields of rotary
engine technology and alternative propulsion systems. He brings over 50 years
of experience in engineering and entrepreneurship and has dedicated his career
to advancing small engine designs and propulsion related to VTOL aircraft.
Dr. Moller’s leadership has resulted in groundbreaking developments in Wankel
rotary engine technology, culminating in the patented Rotapower® engine. He
has directed numerous high-profile projects with organizations such as NASA,
DARPA and the U.S. Department of Defense. Dr. Moller’s achievements include
securing over 40 patents and founding SuperTrapp Industries, which became the
leading international brand for high-performance engine silencing systems. He
also founded Moller International, where he led the development of pioneering
VTOL aircrafts such as the M200X and M400X models.
Dr. Moller earned his Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Mechanical and Aeronautical
Engineering from McGill University. He also earned his Diploma of Air
Engineering and Aeronautical Engineering from Southern Alberta Institute of
Technology.
George Stevens, Chief Engineer—George Stevens serves as the Chief Engineer
of RotaPower, LLC. Mr. Stevens has
over 25 years of technical and managerial experience in developing rotary and
two-stroke piston engines. Mr. Stevens’ background includes development and
application of closed loop control methods for various direct, indirect and port
fuel injection systems, hybrid engine integration and control and multiple other
automotive and aircraft control systems.
Mr. Stevens brings invaluable expertise in engine testing, dynamometer
operations and data acquisition systems, which he gained through his extensive
time at GSE, Inc. and California State University’s Fuels Research Lab. His
research has comprehensively encompassed advanced fuel technologies,
tribology and the application of alternative fuels.
Mr. Stevens holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering
Technology from Brigham Young University and a Master of Science degree in
Mechanical Engineering from California State University.
Venkat Garikipati, Outsourced Manufacturing Manager—Venkat has
leveraged
over 15 years of executive technology leadership to drive digital
transformation within overseas manufacturing environments. He bridges the convergence of
advanced IT infrastructure with Industrial Robotics and Automation, utilizing Artificial
Intelligence and data-driven analytics to optimize production lifecycles. His approach
integrates
smart factory principles with robust operations, ensuring that technological innovation
directly
translates to enhanced operational efficiency, predictive maintenance capabilities, and
superior
supply chain resilience.
Venkat has demonstrated success in steering global, cross-functional organizations through
complex operational scaling and strategic realignments. He cultivates a high-performance
culture across geographically dispersed teams, dismantling silos between engineering,
operations, and corporate strategy. By fostering strict accountability and implementing
unified governance frameworks, he ensures that diverse workforce talents—from floor
technicians to regional directors—are cohesively aligned with broader business objectives
and生产 targets.
He delivers precision in project execution through rigorous adherence to global quality
standards and regulatory compliance. Venkat champions a "Zero Defect" operational
philosophy, establishing comprehensive Quality Control (QC) ecosystems that strictly
align with ISO, NIST, and GDPR mandates.
Venkat has a Master’s in Computer Science from Silicon Valley University, California,
USA, a Bachelors in Technology from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University,
Hyderabad, India and a Bachelors in Law from Osmania University, Hyderabad, India.
Kerry K Bryant, Board Member—Mr. Bryant has more than 40 years of
successful experience in manufacturing,
distribution, dealer, and retail businesses. His background within the
Powersports Industry includes working for well-known companies: Goodyear
Tire & Rubber (1972 – 1981), SuperTrapp/Kerker (1982 – 1993), White
Brothers (1993 – 2001), Summit Industries (2001 – 2003), Area P (2003 –
Present). Growing his background through practical application and proven
results of concept, design, research & development, manufacturing,
marketing, accounting and sales.
In May of 2000, Mr. Bryant was issued a Patent (D424492) and U.S.F.S
certification on an evolution of the SuperTrapp Disc Trademarked as the “E-
Series”, an elliptical shaped diffuser disc. Turning it into a worldwide
successful product line. Mr. Bryant attended MTI Western Business College
with a focus on Business Administration and is a former Technical Standards
Committee Member of the S.A.E and M.I.C.. Mr. Bryant was a successful
professional motorcycle road racer for 13 years, competing on the AMA Grand
National & FIM World Championship Circuits. He has traveled extensively
across the USA, Europe and Japan. He is President of Area P, Inc. a design,
engineering, R&D, and manufacturing facility serving the motorcycle,
automotive, marine and industrial markets.
Dr. Gurminder Singh Khalsa, Strategic Advisor—Dr. Gurminder Singh
Khalsa serves as a Strategic Advisor to RotaPower, LLC. Dr.
Khlasa utilizes his 30 years of experience in energy, power and mobility
technologies to help guide the Company’s strategic direction and market
expansion. His vast connections across Asia and the United States provide the
Company with a solid foundation in the global marketplace and strongly position
it for international adoption.
Previously, Dr. Khalsa was Co-Founder and President of 7SEAS Bio-Industries Ltd,
where he developed strategies for creating a vertically integrated bio-based
industry company. As Founder and President of Transformative Capital Inc., he
provided strategic, technology and financial advisory services, including advising
fifteen U.S. state governors on renewable energy initiatives. He also served as
Chairman of the International Green Technology Institute at UCLA, where he
launched various programs to advance green technology leadership and
innovation.
Mr. Khalsa received a Master’s degree in Behavioral Economics from the
University of Pennsylvania, alongside two Ph.D. degrees in Neuroscience and
Cognitive Science from the University of Pennsylvania and the University of
Geneva.
Dr. Anthony Montoya— Dr. Anthony Montoya brings deep expertise to
RotaPower LLC, drawing on decades of leadership in utility operations and national security.
Dr. Montoya served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Western
Area Power Administration (ret.) and is a retired member of the United States Intelligence
Community, where he specialized in counterintelligence activities related to grid
operations. A registered professional engineer, Tony currently serves as a Director with the
Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, a Senior Technical Fellow with KBR, and provides technical
and operational guidance as the founder of MCW Lucem.
Dr. Montoya is a distinguished pioneer in the US power grid sector, bringing over four
decades of transformative leadership to the industry. A seasoned utility veteran, he
possesses commanding expertise across the full spectrum of power systems, including utility
generation, transmission operations, and grid control engineering. Dr. Montoya is
particularly renowned for his groundbreaking work in generation integration, where his
insights have helped set industry standards. As one of the most respected figures in the
field, he continues to drive the conversation on the future of utility infrastructure and
operations.
