Our team of experts includes experienced senior management, internationally-recognized entrepreneurs and engineers.
MANAGEMENT TEAM
Anthony G. Marken, CEO/President
Anthony G. Marken serves as President and CEO of Water Generating Systems, (WGS), and he was formerly SVP of Government Markets and Business Development for the company. Prior to joining WGS, Mr. Marken was a Principal at Capitol Counsel, representing states, national developers and renewable-energy companies on issues including the DOD Base Realignment and Closure Act, military base retention programs, Pentagon-wide privatization efforts and public/private partnerships across many federal agencies. His most recent efforts focused on the participation of Port Authorities in harbor dredging programs managed by the US Army Corp of Engineers. Before his tenure at Capitol Counsel, Mr. Marken was Vice President at The Washington Group, where he represented clients on issues surrounding the redevelopment of former military bases and the privatization of military housing and utilities programs at DOD.
Melanie Estrella, Finance & Administration
Prior to WGS, Melanie was the General Manager of TWOBOLT a full-service print, mail and marketing firm. There she managed Finance and Administration across the enterprise. In addition, Melaine directed all of TWOBOLT’s operations activities. Her financial and business acumen make her a valuable addition to the WGS team.
Ryan Larson, Chief Engineer
Mr. Larson serves as Chief Engineer of WGS products and technology through Trident Maritime Systems. He has spent the majority his career designing systems and products for the commercial maritime industry, United States Coast Guard, and United States Navy. Mr. Larson has managed the complex design, integration, and installation of numerous mechanical and electrical ship systems. This background has provided him with a broad range of engineering experience and expertise that is now being focused on the creation and development of innovative water generation technologies.
Audra Ames, Chief Research Scientist
Prior to her position as Chief Administration Officer with WGS, Audra Ames worked at the predecessor company, holding the position of Vice President and Health and Safety Officer. An experienced researcher and marine scientist, Audra has a strong background in business operations and health and safety oversight. She has managed multiple government contracts which included invoice submission, tracking funds, overseeing audits, budget preparation, tracking government owned equipment and closing accounts. She has B.S. in Marine Science from Long Island University and holds an M.S. and Ph.D. in Marine Science for the University of South Florida.
Chris Larsin, Vice President of Marketing
Chris Larsin has over 25 years of business development, marketing and professional experience across a spectrum of industries. He specializes in working with leading-edge technology companies to develop and optimize their global branding, messaging and business development strategies. He holds a B.A. in American Studies from Trinity College, Hartford, CT.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
S. Steven Karalekas, Founder †
Mr. Karalekas is an attorney, consultant, and lobbyist for some of the nation’s largest corporations. He has practiced and worked for over 40 years in Washington, D.C., including service in the White House, the U.S. Congress and the U.S. Military. Mr. Karalekas has been awarded honors from the Sec. of Defense and the Sec. of the Navy for his public service, and he served 30 years on active and reserve duty with the U.S. Navy.
Honorable George A. Sawyer, Chairman
Mr. Sawyer is a nuclear engineer who was formerly CEO of Sperry Marine. He also served as President of John J. McMullen Associates, President and Chief Operating Officer of TRE Corporation, Executive Vice President of General Dynamics Corporation, Vice President of International Operations for Bechtel Corporation, and Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Navy for shipbuilding.
Honorable Robert Livingston
Mr. Livingston served in the U.S. House of Representatives for 22 years as the Representative of Louisiana’s 1st Congressional District. During his tenure in the U.S. House, he served as Chairman of the Appropriations Committee and was also nominated as House Speaker-designate. Mr. Livingston is currently the Chairman of the Livingston Group, a lobbying and advisory firm he founded in Washington, D.C. following his service in Congress.
Anthony G. Marken
Mr. Marken is the CEO and President of Water Generating Systems, LLC. He is formerly a Principal of Capitol Counsel and Vice President of The Washington Group in Washington, D.C.
James W. Kyle
Mr. Kyle is a seasoned financial advisor and is both president and founder of the Kenilworth Land and Cattle Company, a private equity investment firm. Prior to this, he was the founder of Orion Capital Management, a successful wealth management firm which he helmed for over 20 years. Mr. Kyle has been involved in the financial services industry since 1977, when he was a floor manager on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Wake Forest University and was in active duty in the United States Air Force from 1970 to 1975, where he served as an officer and aircrew navigator.
Brian Prenda
Mr. Prenda is the President and Founder of The Prenda Group, a global government affairs and advisory firm based in the nation’s capital. Prior to forming The Prenda Group, he served for 14 years as a Vice President for Van Scoyoc Associates of Washington, D.C., providing his expertise in energy and technology-related issues to various Fortune 500 companies as well as to startup organizations. Mr. Prenda’s career expertise spans 35 years in the public, government relations, and state and federal lobbying sectors.
Mr. Prenda has also served as Director for Federal Government Relations at Duke Energy Corporation, one of the largest energy corporations in the United States. He has also held the roles of Chairman of the Legislative Affairs Committee for the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America and Vice President of the Natural Gas Roundtable of Washington, D.C. Mr. Prenda was also the Director of Public and Government Relations for Algonquin Gas Transmission Company and Maritimes and Northeast Pipeline, LLC.
Mr. Prenda earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree at Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio and he holds a Masters in Public Administration from Suffolk University in Boston Massachusetts. He received his Juris Doctorate degree at Southern New England School of Law, now the University of Massachusetts School of Law in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and he is a member of both the Massachusetts and Federal Bar Associations.
