Leadership

Keeping Meteorcomm® Ahead of the Curve

Rakesh Malhotra

President

Rakesh Malhotra joined Meteorcomm with over 20 years of global experience leading technology enterprises.  The intersection of his experience across Business, Operations, R&D, Services, Manufacturing, and other domains supports the evolution of Meteorcomm.   

Rakesh Malhotra PRESIDENT

Rakesh Malhotra joined Meteorcomm with over 20 years of global experience leading technology enterprises.  The intersection of his experience across Business, Operations, R&D, Services, Manufacturing, and other domains supports the evolution of Meteorcomm.   Previously he launched and led Engineering Services for Train Control (PTC, Signals, Communications, Crossings) and Operational Systems supporting safety, transportation, digital train control and automation.  Prior to that, he directed global Product Development and innovation across a diverse product portfolio including safety-critical systems, concurrently pursuing offshore business strategies. He is a multi-faceted individual who brings a wealth of hands-on expertise as a strategic and transformational leader able to build cohesive global teams and refresh organizations. 

Clark Palmer

Chief technology Officer

Clark has over 25 years of executive technology leadership. As part of that leadership, he has led large-scale product development, wireless system design and deployment, along with security initiatives.

Clark Palmer Chief Technology Officer

Clark has over 25 years of executive technology leadership. As part of that leadership, he has led large-scale product development, wireless system design and deployment, along with security initiatives.

Salam Elahmadi

Chief technology officer

As a founder and Chief Technology Officer, Salam brings a wealth of experience and a track record of success in the field of technology and engineering. Salam founded Menara, a profitable startup, and served as both the Founder and CTO, before it was acquired by IPG in 2016. At IPG-Menara, Salam led a large team of engineers and scientists, responsible for designing, testing, and deploying coherent optical solutions, including cutting-edge 100G/400G ASICs (7nm) and modules.

Salam Elahmadi Chief Technology Officer

As a founder and Chief Technology Officer, Salam brings a wealth of experience and a track record of success in the field of technology and engineering. Salam founded Menara, a profitable startup, and served as both the Founder and CTO, before it was acquired by IPG in 2016. At IPG-Menara, Salam led a large team of engineers and scientists, responsible for designing, testing, and deploying coherent optical solutions, including cutting-edge 100G/400G ASICs (7nm) and modules. Salam’s hands-on approach and strong project management skills have enabled him to play a key role in establishing IPG’s coherent business. He transitioned to Voyant Photonics in 2022, assuming the role of VP of Engineering. During his tenure, he led a team of engineers who designed and developed innovative silicon-photonics-based LiDAR systems for autonomous driving applications. As an invited speaker and author, Salam has shared his expertise in numerous granted patents and peer-reviewed publications, including one of the fundamental patents in optical coherent communications. With extensive experience in mixed-signal ASIC design & packaging, system design, and deployment of communications systems, Salam has received recognition for his contributions, including a $1M grant from the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Salam holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering from SMU.

Gwenna Wootress

General Counsel

As general counsel and corporate secretary, Gwenna oversees all legal matters at Meteorcomm, partnering closely with both the senior leadership team and board of directors. 

Gwenna WootressGeneral Counsel

As general counsel and corporate secretary, Gwenna oversees all legal matters at Meteorcomm, partnering closely with both the senior leadership team and board of directors. Since joining the company in 2013, Gwenna’s focus has been on building the in-house legal function in order to provide expert, strategic, and efficient advice to advance the company’s business interests, ensure compliance with legal requirements, and mitigate the risk of litigation. She regularly provides advice on corporate matters, governance, commercial contracts, licensing, product support, and intellectual property. Additionally, she educates colleagues in the management of legal risks and opportunities.

Brian Fowler

DiRECTOR, BUSINESS & CUSTOMER SERVICES

Brian brings 25 years of experience leading Customer Service and Professional Services teams in the Telecommunications field. Brian has extensive experience leading  customer support operations for large scale software and hardware deployments.

Brian Fowler Director, Business and Customer Services

Brian brings 25 years of experience leading Customer Service and Professional Services teams in the Telecommunications field. Brian has extensive experience leading  customer support operations for large scale software and hardware deployments. He has also led development of services programs to meet customer needs. At Meteorcomm, Brian leads the professional and customer services teams to drive business growth through development of services that respond to the railroad industry’s needs. 

Kathy Jo Miller - Taylor

Director, corporate services

Kathy Jo brings over 30 years of extensive senior leadership experience to her role as the Director of Corporate Services at Meteorcomm. In this position, she oversees a diverse portfolio, including the Project Management Office, Integrated Testing, Facilities, Administrative Services, Agile Framework, Software Quality, Technical Writing, and Radio Lab Services. 

Kathy Jo Miller - Taylor Director, Corporate Services

Kathy Jo brings over 30 years of extensive senior leadership experience to her role as the Director of Corporate Services at Meteorcomm. In this position, she oversees a diverse portfolio, including the Project Management Office, Integrated Testing, Facilities, Administrative Services, Agile Framework, Software Quality, Technical Writing, and Radio Lab Services. Known for her collaboration in leading cross-functional teams, Kathy Jo has effectively led initiatives across multiple disciplines such as Agile Project Management, ITIL, Software Quality, and Business Process Improvement. Her strategic vision and comprehensive expertise continue to drive improvements in Meteorcomm’s internal operations and service excellence.

Pat Heinz

Controller

Pat brings 25 years of experience as a controller in grocery wholesale and retail, consumer product manufacturing, and not-for-profit organizations.  He currently leads the finance and accounting functions at Meteorcomm.

Pat HeinzController

Pat brings 25 years of experience as a controller in grocery wholesale and retail, consumer product manufacturing, and not-for-profit organizations.  He currently leads the finance and accounting functions at Meteorcomm.