Marshall Mermell, Chief Executive Officer, has assembled a team of scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and industrialists from around the world to join in a collaborative initiative for improving global quality of life by restoring environments, sequestering carbon, and generating renewable energy. The team created a group of a commercial enterprises based on the transformation of organic and inorganic waste into valuable resources, including electricity, heat, Biochar, and Elemental Char. In 2014, Mermell presented a keynote talk, “Commercialization of Biochar,” in Scotland for the European Union’s Cooperation and Science and Technology group known as the EU COST Action TD1107 on Biochar; together with Dr. Saran Sohi of the UK Biochar Center, he joined the COST Action as co-chair of Working Group 3 and was tasked with enabling commercial implementation of intelligent material flow management systems, which convert organic waste into Biochar. Mermell is the Co-Chair of Working Group 3 of the COST Action commissioned by the EU Commission and the EU Parliament. Mermell holds an MBA in marketing management; in 2015, he earned a certificate in Biochar Training for Environmental Sustainability and Economic Development at the Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain; and received certification in Green Bonds and Climate Bonds by the EU in 2022.
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Yvonne Harlan
Yvonne Harlan, President and Skeptic in Chief, achieved a Bachelor of Science with a dual Engineering major with emphasis in computer and electrical technologies from Oakland University in 1985. She applied the techniques and disciplines in various industries including automotive (Ford Motor, GM and Chrysler), telecom (Siemens Corporation), agriculture (Forbes Energy), construction and mining (Carverson International). She developed techniques and software at Ford Motor, which saved the company $25M per vehicle line. She brought a Polish agronomists patented organic fertilizer to Forbes Energy in the Dominican Republic, which increased their sugar cane production by 20% and decreased the growing time by 10%. She has held positions ranging from intern to analyst to consultant and CEO. Joining ARB provides a platform for application of the cumulative knowledge and skills developed over 45 years.
Marc Sabin
Marc Sabin, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer, has been on the forefront of bringing profitable solutions to environmental problems throughout his career. He served fourteen years as the executive Vice President of MKTworks Inc., where he directed the company's involvement with the adoption of sustainable innovations, helping launch a variety of disruptive technology advances in electrical controls, lED lighting, hydrogen generation, alternative energy and software. In his role as EVP, Marc led client relations, and managed media contracts, as well as developing and executing marketing communications for established clients and start-up ventures. Before joining ARB, Marc led several entrepreneurial enterprises in California, London, and New York. Marc has an extensive background in martial arts and as an international theatre director and producer, and film/video maker.
John Zajac
John Zajac, Chief Technology Officer, holds patents in plasma and engine development. With equal parts of technical innovation and business acumen, John focuses on the development of configurations for the ART Zajac engine—a ground-breaking approach offering at least 25% greater fuel efficiency. John helps develop and manage ARB's technology and intellectual properties.
Francesco Berti
Francesco Berti, Chief Engineer, for thermal conversion technology. Francesco has worked as Manager of the distributed energy generation for international utilities and energy service providers ahd has founded and managed energy and environment consulting companies developing projects for renewable energy production, energy efficiency and waste to energy.
Carlos Carvalheiro-Nunes
Carlos Carvalheiro-Nunes, Director Electrical Energy Production, brings a distinguished career spanning over three decades as an aircraft engineer to ARB. Carlos has honed his expertise in avionics, merging his profound understanding of technological systems with a deep passion for environmental sustainability. Driven by the principles of biomimicry and an innovative cradle to cradle approach to systems thinking, he has been at the forefront of developing groundbreaking solutions for some of the most critical environmental issues facing our planet. Leading by example, Carlos has guided high-performing teams in the avionics field, focusing on the design, installation, and operation of transport aircraft systems, which has cemented his reputation for tackling complex challenges with precision and ingenuity. His dedicated efforts are particularly evident in his contributions to reshaping global energy paradigms, making him a pivotal figure in the quest for a more sustainable future. Join us in exploring the visionary work of Carlos Carvalheiro-Nunes, as we delve into the intersection of technology, sustainability, and innovation.
Ziya Gökçek
Ziya Gökçek, Chief of Manufacturing, has managed and run turnkey manufacturing firms that manufacture and fabricate factories and facilities, including wastewater treatment, sewage treatment, and renewable energy facilities around the world. A chemical engineer, he has been providing EPC services to businesses around the world since 1994. and has managed turnkey manufacturing businesses for more than 20 years. Today, Ziya provides contracting services and activities in connection with turn‐key plant design and construction; technical and administrative activities for feasibility of investment projects that include planning and application of investment projects; and engineering services and activities such as process design, process improvement, optimization and capacity growth, along with construction, installation and management services, including for green-energy projects that use gasification, pyrolysis, and other thermal conversion methods
Taner Yöney
Taner Yöney, Senior Engineering Manager, is in charge of research, mechanical and industrial engineering. As business development manager for UMDE Energy, ART's contract manufacturer in Istanbul, Turkey, Taner has acquired extensive experience in identifying and researching new and existing technologies for waste-to-energy projects. He has also worked as a project manager, coordinating the transformation of waste biomass into electricity and biofuel. In addition, he has researched new and existing technologies for the treatment, recycling, and reuse of wastewater. At UMDE, Taner has coordinated turnkey manufacturing processes, handling technical preparations; overseeing and delegating responsibilities to project engineers; evaluating their performance; and managing key equipment procurements. He holds a Master of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Middle East Technical University in Ankara.
Joseph R. Spina
Joseph R. (Joe) Spina, Field Engineering and Automation Officer, is responsible for development and deployment for the Alpha I, Alpha III Systems, and the ART Zajac engines. Joe began his career in the field of machine tool technology and now has an extensive background in internal combustion engine repair and maintenance. As an automation mechanic at Eastman Kodak in the late '70s and early '80s, he acquired expertise in: electricity, electronics, applied physics, advanced math, computer logic, mechanical power transmission, hydraulics, pneumatics, rigging, welding & soldering, and blueprint & technical design implementation. Joe is also experienced in entrepreneurial enterprises, having founded, managed and grown businesses including international import, glass and metal fabrication facilities, classic automobile restoration, automobile salvage and repair, and construction and building management.
Catherine Gonick
Catherine Gonick, Chief Communications Officer, helps develop marketing communications strategies and materials and oversees copy for all external and internal communications, both for ARB and MKTworks. Before joining MKTworks in 2002, she worked as a financial writer/editor, for the Federal Reserve Bank and the Chase Manhattan Bank, where she helmed the bank’s International Department magazine, and for various Wall Street subscription newsletters covering the securities markets. She has a background in writing on waste management, for McGraw-Hill and wastewater engineering clients of MKTworks, and has worked as a copy editor for Harper Collins.
Leonard Spina
Leonard Spina, Manufacturing Engineer and Machining Officer, is in charge of quality control, inspection and training. A past chairman of SME (Society for Manufacturing Engineers) he has worked on training and quality control, and manufacturing methodologies for Arnold Bread, Pepperidge Farms, IBM, General Motors and a host of other manufacturing companies. Leonard has experience in die-making, machining, welding, and related manufacturing processes and tools, is proficient in Auto-Cad, and has delivered projects that have increased productivity and improved staff training. He holds an Associate degree in machine tool technology, a BA in economics, and a master’s degree in vocational and technical education. He was a full professor for 42 years and department chair at Westchester Community College in the Mechanical Technology department.
Don Carli
Professor Don Carli, Marketing Research Director, heads the marketing research arm of ART. In 1986 he founded Nima Hunter, a strategic planning, marketing research, and market intelligence consultancy. Don has an extensive network of associates and advisors with broad experience in vertical markets including financial services, hospitality, healthcare, environmental services, consumer packaged goods, additive manufacturing, distribution and logistics, pharmaceuticals, high technology, imaging, advertising, publishing, packaging, printed electronics, functional printing, intelligent packaging and the Internet of Things. He is an Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Industry Studies Program Affiliate Scholar, Sustainability Editor of Aktuel Grafisk Information Magazine in Sweden, and Environmental Correspondent for PBS “MediaShift.” He is also Senior Research Fellow with the Institute for Sustainable Communication (ISC), a 501c3 nonprofit where he is responsible for programs engaging major brands to address sustainability issues related to media, advertising, marketing, and enterprise communication. Don has been extensively quoted on issues related to advertising, media and green marketing in The New York Times, Fortune Magazine, AdAge Magazine and on American Public Media and NPR radio’s “Morning Edition.”
Ted J. Silberstein
Ted J. Silberstein, Chief of Forestry Management and Biomass, specializes in a GIS-Based approach for assessing biomass resources as well as critical infrastructures, Ted has more than 40 years overall experience in natural resource-based industries, including business development, project planning and implementation, GIS analysis, real property research, industrial siting, renewable energy, contract administrator, resource development, biomass feedstock development and management, renewable resources, timberland management, reforestation, and timber harvesting. As chairman and CEO for Pacific Biomass Export Company, Ted led strategic alliances of top biomass producers in multiple regions to aggregate and transport biomass, providing dependable bulk volumes of biomass for sale on a sustainable basis. Previously, Ted served as executive vice president for Hydrolve LLC, a biomass feedstock research and development company.
Russ Michel
Russ Michel, Chief Compliance Officer, has an extensive background as a system analyst. As an IBM Business Partner, he designed and installed one of the first fully integrated computer systems for the swimming pool industry. He has experience in the manufacturing, distribution, construction and field service industries. Russ has worked as an operations executive and strategic business partner. He combines insightful analytics with a focus on continuous process improvements, proactive performance monitoring, and risk assessment. His skills include driving effective prioritization reviews, building a proactive workforce and developing customer-focused teams that identify and capture new market and product opportunities. He excels in technology resource alignment and performance target setting and monitoring.
Baraka Poulin
Baraka Poulin, PE, Business Development, is a mechanical engineer and project developer. His experience focusing on projects that create environmental, social and financial wins for all project stakeholders. Previously at Aries Clean Energy, Baraka developed biomass to energy projects using gasification. He also developed and managed over $50M of energy service performance contracts in a variety of fields including: waste water, HVAC, street lights, and controls and other upgrades while working for Ameresco. For his efforts in energy efficiency, AEE presented Baraka the 2012 Young Energy Professional of the Year award. Baraka earned his BS in Mechanical Engineering and received his Masters in Business Administration.
Joseph J. Spina
Joseph J. Spina Chief Risk Management Officer, brings 45 years as an insurance specialist to ARB. His expertise in the development, design and implementation of new insurance products and new markets delivers a proprietary financial technocracy to provide a thoroughly risk-mitigated structure to protect ARB's operations. Awarded national recognition by Aetna, Mr. Spina was renowned for his work, innovation and dedication.
Gavriel Knafo
Gavriel Knafo, Quantitative Analyst, brings knowledge of quantitative analysis and financial information technology to ARB . He has served as Analyst, Quantitative Marketing, for MKTworks, Inc. since 2012, leading financial analysis for projects across several different businesses and clients and specializes in the creation of pro forma financial statements. A graduate of Babson College in entrepreneurship and finance he is also a two-time winner at DECA’s International Business Finance competition.
Juan Carlos Salcedo
Juan Carlos Salcedo, International Business Development, brings 40 years of international business experience in senior management, import and export operations, joint venture development, technology transfers, manufacturer's international chain supply negotiations, logistics for secure global payments, US customs compliance, market identification and development, and international operations to ARB . A native of the Bolivia of South America, Juan Carlos spent many years as a visiting professor at the China National University of Mining and Technology Foreign Studies Department. Most recently, through his company, Jireh Resources Co., Inc. he led As director, he led a Sino-American joint venture with one of the top 100 enterprises in China. Juan Carlos's enterprises were awarded New York's W. Averell Harriman Regional Exporter of the Year award, and were twice recognized as one of Inc. Magazine’s 500 fastest growing companies in the U.S.A.
