CEO & CO-FOUNDER

Katy is an entrepreneur whose focus is to provide comprehensive resource-efficient solutions to build resilient communities. Through her vision and leadership, she founded Shibusa Systems to optimize the way high-performance homes are designed and built – more economically, more sustainably, and faster.

Katy has over 35 years of executive experience in investment banking, corporate strategy, and operational management. Early in her career, she spent nearly 15 years working for Merrill Lynch in international investment banking and then international corporate strategy before moving into private equity. While working for the private equity firm Pegasus Capital Advisors, she was CFO of the publicly traded company Lighting Science. Throughout her career, Katy has participated in many leadership forums, including Merrill Lynch’s first women’s leadership forum in 1999.

Currently, Katy serves on the Advisory Board to the Political Economy department at the University of California, Berkeley, where she received her B.A. in Political Economy. She is also a member of Chief, the largest network of C-Suite women leaders across industries and around the world.

CPO & CO-FOUNDER

Mike has over 35 years of operations leadership covering business management and strategy, information technology, engineering, logistics, and manufacturing across technology startups to legacy industrial organizations. Most recently at GE Digital, he developed and optimized the engineering operations for a 600+ team building a cloud-based Brilliant Manufacturing platform for legacy manufacturing execution systems.

Before GE Digital, Mike spent 13 years at Cisco Systems leading several operational transformations including operationalizing the management of the IT portfolio, revamping customer entitlement recovering $100M in lost opportunity, and implementing a shared services model for a 5,000+ sales organization.

Mike is a native of the Bay Area and graduated from the University of California, Berkeley where he received his B.A. in Political Economy. He is passionate about mentoring and has helped coach the San Ramon High School girls’ varsity basketball team, successfully leading the team to the CA State Finals.

VP OF LOGISTICS & SCM

An entrepreneurial, innovative executive with extensive experience in logistics management, supply-chain, and operations oversight within manufacturing industries. Highly skilled in directing cross-functional teams through all facets of daily operations, ensuring adherence to overarching strategies, policies, and objectives.

Brett is a Senior global logistics management executive with a comprehensive understanding of the supply chain needs for small, medium and large enterprises. He has a proven, successful track record in Logistics Management with an over 35-year history of progressive promotion. Particular expertise applying vast knowledge base to assess supply chain needs and either build from the ground up or develop around existing business model. Exceptional planning and organizational skills designed to manage rapidly growing and shifting environments. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from CSULB.

VP OF FIELD OPERATIONS

With over 27 years of experience in the construction industry, Francisco's focus today is on offsite construction, and leveraging innovation to help solve the housing shortage the U.S. is currently facing.

He is committed to data-driven decision-making and supply chain optimization, showcasing his adaptability in a rapidly evolving industry. His educational background includes a Business Analytics Program from Harvard Business School, further enhancing his strategic and analytical skills. Francisco is not only a leader but also a problem solver, dedicated to creating sustainable solutions in construction.

SENIOR DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Cheryl has dedicated over 30 years to transforming operations, finance and IT functions to drive business process improvements across Fortune 500 companies and dynamic start-ups. Cheryl is a trusted advisor blending astute operational expertise with sharp business acumen to optimize efficiency, profitability, and competitive positioning. She is adept at steering complex projects and leading cross-functional teams across diverse industries. Cheryl’s journey is one of continuous evolution, marked by a steadfast commitment to operational excellence and a passion for driving enterprise value.

Most recently at Providence Health and Services, Cheryl led an international team of engineers to supply 100,000+ caregivers with modern workplace end user hardware and software solutions. Prior to Providence, Cheryl provided extensive operational, IT and financial consulting services to a wide variety of start-up organizations. She brings a wealth of knowledge to Shibusa Systems from her past leadership positions at Apria Healthcare, Rakuten, and Ingram Micro.

Cheryl lives with her family in Southern California and is passionate about involvement in her community. She is a Literacy Leader with the Parentis Foundation – Empowering Readers Orange County, focused on the mission of improving lives through reading. She is also a Partner in the Impact Giving organization which uses collective giving to provide grants for a variety of nonprofit organizations.

DIRECTOR OF FIELD SERVICES

Michael started out with training as an architect, graduating from the Pennsylvania State University in 1990 with studies in Florence, Italy. His education has continued over the past 35 years to include expert knowledge of building science and construction management. He attained (NAHB) Master Builder designation in 2007 and has constructed hundreds of single family and multi-family homes. Over the past 20 years, he also served as treasurer for Cranbury Housing Associates, acting as the owner's representative for the construction of several affordable housing communities. He was elected to serve as the chairman of a local planning board in NJ for five years and processed a variety of residential and commercial applications that were constructed in recent years.

Most recently, Michael managed the construction of 450 temporary homes (in Maui) to house survivors of the devastating 2023 Lahaina fires, completing a very large-scale raw land housing development in record time. Michael is looking forward to continuing his career with Shibusa Systems by assisting with the field management of reasonably priced well-built homes, constructed to offer housing opportunities for future homeowners.

Michael and his wife share five (grown) children and greatly enjoy the outdoors surrounding their home in Hawaii, hiking many breathtaking (and often strenuous) locations over the past 20+ years together. They look forward to continued travel adventures to many different parts of the world, enjoying the food and experiences of interesting cultures.

DIRECTOR OF PRODUCT MANAGEMENT OPERATIONS

Ingrid Brill is a sustainability and product management leader with over 15 years of experience advancing clean energy and technology solutions across the U.S. and East Africa. She holds a Master’s in Sustainable Development from the University of California, Berkeley and a Certificate in Product Management from Cornell University. Her career has centered on residential solar and energy storage, where she led large-scale initiatives at organizations such as Tesla Energy and SNV Netherlands Development Organization, bridging innovation, impact, and access.

Driven by a passion for sustainability, technology commercialization, and equitable solutions, Ingrid joined Shibusa Systems to help scale its mission of delivering sustainable, efficient, and affordable housing through smart systems and design.

Outside of work, Ingrid is a mother, yoga practitioner, and natural birth geek who loves exploring how mindful living and community connection can shape a more balanced and regenerative world. Having spent a decade in Tanzania, she brings a global perspective and a deep belief in people-centered innovation. At Shibusa, she’s excited to apply her clean energy and operational experience to help create a more resilient and inclusive future.

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Rick Tallman is a veteran entrepreneur, investment manager and philanthropist based on Kauai and working to introduce Shibusa housing solutions to the Hawaiian Islands. In 2007, he founded Renova Capital, a leading private equity firm that invested in, developed, managed, and sold over $1B of clean energy assets across multiple industries. He was a founder, CEO & Chairman of Main Street Power Company (now AES Clean Energy), a pioneering solar company that developed thousands of distributed solar arrays while launching the industry’s first residential solar leasing fund. Earlier in his career, Rick established a reputation as a successful entrepreneur by founding and leading a variety of early-stage companies through initial public offering or acquisition. This includes a leading superfund reclamation firm, a pioneer of municipal water utility privatization, and one of the very first internet photo community sites.

Rick also served as a Company Commander in the US Army during the Persian Gulf War. He has authored many published technical and opinion papers throughout his career, including his most recent work supporting mine waste reclamation on Native American lands. Rick holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in geologic and hydrologic engineering from the Colorado School of Mines, where he serves on the Board of Governors and as a Senior Advisor to the Payne Institute for Public Policy.

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT (CALIFORNIA)

Jaren Grady is a seasoned business development leader with more than two decades of experience in the construction industry. A graduate of the University of Florida, Jaren has built his career by connecting clients with innovative building solutions and fostering long-term partnerships that drive growth and success. His diverse background spans modular manufacturing, general contracting, and specialty trades, giving him a well-rounded perspective on delivering high-quality, efficient projects.

At Shibusa Systems, Jaren brings his strategic mindset and relationship-driven approach to support the company’s mission of advancing modern construction practices. He is passionate about collaboration, integrity, and creating value through every stage of the client experience.

Outside of work, Jaren enjoys spending time with his wife, Khanh, and their two daughters. An avid golfer and traveler, he finds balance and inspiration through exploring new places and enjoying the game he loves.

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

Lauren has a decade of marketing experience from previous jobs with corporations, non-profits, and their own professional endeavors. Raised in San Diego, Sasebo, and Saint Louis, they have a passion for helping others see the world through a different perspective. Originally wanting to do too many things at college, Lauren landed on a journalistic focus in English and Sociolinguistics through a BA at MU. Lauren currently lives in Missouri as one-half of the St. Louis Office. They enjoy traveling, fostering genuine relationships, and befriending cats.

MANAGER OF ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Roschan graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a BA in Psychology & Brain Sciences and a Master's in American Culture Studies. She used her degrees in her work as a Teen Librarian to help under-served teens from a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive lens, and loves the opportunity to help people and combat inequality where possible. Through her work at Shibusa, Roschan provides behind-the-scenes client and organizational support, and is very passionate about Shibusa's mission to help the Missing Middle and provide a sustainable and scalable housing solution. Roschan currently lives in St. Louis with her two cats and an inordinate amount of books and half-finished crochet projects.

PRODUCT OWNER

Cole grew up in the Bay Area and graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. During his time in college, he gained extensive experience 3D modeling and 3D printing. Upon graduating college, Cole first spent time sculpting pine wood derby cars as a summer camp counselor and then returned to his childhood middle school to teach robotics. Here at Shibusa Systems, he helps coordinate the BIM models to allow for fluid conversion into a purchasable bill of materials. During his spare time, he likes to ride his bike and play with LEGO.

PRODUCT OWNER