Mark Romano - Vice President & CTO

Background

Mark grew up in Vermont and and attended Keene State College, N.H. He studied Electrical Engineering while working in the Robotics field for the Machine tool industry.

In 1984 Mark was offered a position at Ball Aerospace in Boulder, Colorado. He spent 11 years refining his electro-optics tradecraft working with NASA, United States Department of Defense, and other national and international science and technology organizations. He developed many of the instruments used in today's remote sensing industry.

In 1995 he moved to the commercial sector developing one of the first commercial airborne LiDAR and digital imaging systems with a group of scientists at Ball. Since that time he has designed, developed, and integrated numerous systems and subsystems including LiDAR, EO, and hyperspectral platforms. Mark also developed associated software and workflows for the mapping and remote sensing industries.

Mark is active in multiple organizations such as ASPRS, MAPPS, GITA, GEOINT, and ILMF. He has participated on numerous expert panels at industry meetings and committees. Mark has also published works in their associated trade journals, and reference manuals.

Philosophy

"Never say Never" Charles Dickens.

I remember in the mid 90's when I was developing LiDAR and I was the “new kid on the block.” I was an Aerospace engineer with a new idea trying to fit into the mapping and surveying world. I remember publishing my first article and having the door slammed in my face by some of the traditionalists who said it would "never work!” "This will never replace photogrammetric mapping!" I think that was a defining moment in my career. I love to try new things and find that if you’re open minded enough about the possibilities, then nothing is impossible. The reason I love what I do is it is always evolving and never boring.

I believe if you surround yourself with great people who share your passion and goals, you can do great things and have fun along the way. I often tell people “I am not smart, just persistent.” “Put your mind and effort into something you believe in and don't give up!” In the end the “Turtles” win!