Our Team
Our team members have worked on state-of-the-art projects and products throughout their careers. From software to hardware to documentation to test equipment/procedures to production to postproduction support. Some have worked in the factory, worked as purchasing agents, and represented their companies on national standards groups.
Edison’s elite team has consistently delivered revolutionary technologies for industry giants, including NASA, setting new standards in technological advancement. Renowned for our ability to design, rigorously test, and swiftly certify products, we keep businesses at the forefront of today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape. Our illustrious legacy includes pioneering the first UL Listed smoke detector for homes and developing the first commercially viable GPS system, revolutionizing safety and navigation worldwide.
Our Leadership Team
Our founders have a combined 80+ years of experience leading successful technology teams and businesses in many different industries.
They are working leaders involved in the process of product development. Helping team members succeed.
Stephen Williams, CEO / Founder – A visionary leader with an extraordinary background in U.S. Navy special forces and high-level tech leadership in oil and space industries. Mr. Williams’ proven track record in capital raising and patent acquisition positions him uniquely to drive Edison IntelliGrid Inc. towards unprecedented growth and innovation.
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Jim Beals, COO/Founder – Jim started his engineering career working with on his family farm and the family Bee business (apiary). After becoming the engineer, he was destined to be, he designed and developed state of the art voting systems for state legislatures, and message boards for college arenas. As a Software Engineer that could speak the language of most Engineering disciplines, he and his teams developed Data Acquisition Systems for Air Force
helicopters, Flight Control Computers for the Air Force B-52, C-130, and C-135 aircraft (plus all levels of test equipment for these systems) and developed the next generation control trailer for the first Air Force remotely piloted vehicles (RPV, aka Drones). Looking for new challenges he then managed the latest valve controllers and field instruments introducing communication buses to the industry.
Edison‘s Core Team
Shankar Panchavati, Director Engineering – Shankar started his career at Texas Instruments (TI) interfacing with major automotive customers like Robert Bosch, Ford, Delco, and General Motors. He led the complex process qualification and characterization of TI’s first 65nm Flash technology and TI’s first 180nm Analog Flash technology devices. He then went to Petron Gulf as the Corporate Head of their Electrical and Instrumentation (E&I) Division. He developed Petron’s long-term strategy, managed their E&I works contract for the Oman Government’s Sohar Refinery Improvement Project and led the successful construction efforts for Shell-PDO’s Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) Pilot Plant. He comes with a
strong expertise in technology, process, product development, quality, reliability, and project and production management with demonstrated experience in multiple industries, including Construction, Oil & Gas, Semiconductors, IT and Marine.
Jeff Franks, Chief Architect / Founder – Jeff guided engineering for the Mexico version of the AIS power distribution panel, metering, and gateway from concept through successful field-testing. Jeff has an extensive background in real-time embedded programming in multiple programming languages using various operating systems. Jeff developed user interfaces and embedded real-time software for vacuums and pressure equipment used in the automotive and medical industries. He helped develop real-time embedded software for geophysical survey equipmen.
Jeff led a team of software and hardware architects that developed the first automotive compass; and developed the first smoke detector based on an LED light source that received UL certification. He is currently working on the next generation security for software and hardware.
Michael Terry, Director External Affairs – Michael started his career with the American Red Cross before joining United Way both at the local level and ultimately with the Texas state association serving United Way organization. He completed his tenure as the Executive Vice President having worked on financial stability, advocacy initiatives, crisis response and recovery, member services and training. He started a consultancy focused upon legislative analysis and strategy.
Michael joined the Texas Department of Public Safety Driver License Division as the Deputy Assistant Director for Policy and Business Improvement. Michael then joined GSLP Texas, a private/public ventures consultancy which he ultimately acquired.
Edison Board of Directors
Bios for our distinguished board members and advisors are coming soon