Meet our team

  • Raj Patel

    CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

    Raj brings over 30 years of experience working at the intersection of technology, engineering, art and design in a variety of sectors. In his previous roles he has started and scaled consulting and design businesses focused on business advantage through niche technology offerings and applications, such as his innovative Arup SoundLab. He has contributed to the design and realization of a range of transportation projects globally, with a particular focus on rail.

  • Rebecca Birmingham

    DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

    Rebecca brings a ten-year track record in executing growth strategies for startups and realizing radical innovations in the traditionally staid real estate and AEC industries. She was part of the founding team of New Lab in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, an interdisciplinary space supporting entrepreneurs working in emerging technologies. She has raised over $100m in funding from city, state, and federal, and private sources, specializing in complex public-private partnerships to create jobs and support innovation in underserved communities.

  • Ken Garmson

    INVENTOR & CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER

    With the support of the Acorn team, Ken is responsible for technical direction and manufacturing design. During his 40+ year career, Ken has worked on many railway communications and signaling projects from high speed rail in Texas and the UK to metro systems in Australia, China and Hong Kong, Europe and the Americas. This diverse experience has placed Ken in the unique position of being able to transfer his knowledge and understanding to the Acorn development.

  • Carmy Pappalardo

    VP OF OPERATIONS

    Carmy has played a pivotal role in Acorn’s development since 2021, overseeing day-to-day operations, internal and external communications, and strategic coordination across teams. Her leadership ensures the smooth functioning of the organization and enables seamless collaboration between technical, commercial, and operational stakeholders. 

  • Jeffrey Nicholls

    TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

    Jeff brings over 11 years of experience as a senior digital consultant with a strong background in electronics, technical innovation, and digital delivery. He plays a pivotal role in advancing Arup’s digital capabilities across infrastructure and systems projects. Since 2019, Jeff has been integral to the technical development of Acorn, leading onsite implementation, testing, and both hardware and software integration. He was a key contributor during the test track deployment and remains central to the ongoing operational track demonstration. With his collaborative approach and strategic foresight, Jeff consistently delivers forward-thinking solutions that enhance project outcomes and operational efficiency. 

Interested in partnering?

Send us a message through our “Contact Us” page.