Meet the Experts Driving Offshore Coating Excellence
Leadership at Tesla NanoCoatings
Todd Hawkins
FOUNDER, CHAIRMAN & CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER
As a petroleum engineer and geologist, Todd Hawkins was determined to find a solution to a outperform traditional plating and coating systems. With an innovative vision and entrepreneurial spirit, he founded Tesla NanoCoatings. Along with the best scientific minds in nanotechnology, Hawkins has perfected the TESLAN® Carbon NanoCoating formula. Under his leadership, the company has commercialized its technology and has cultivated a strong partnership with numerous leading universities.
Prior to founding Tesla NanoCoatings, Hawkins served as president and owner of GeoTech Chemical Co. in Tallmadge, Ohio. Previously, he was chief development officer at Midwest Industrial Supply and held senior-level positions at Lockheed Martin Tactical Defense Systems.
Hawkins earned an M.B.A. from the Krannert Graduate School of Management at Purdue University and a B.S. in Petroleum Engineering and Geology from Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio. A resident of Massillon, Ohio he is an active member of the Society of American Military Engineers and AMPP The Association for Materials Protection and Performance.
Jorma Virtanen
CHIEF NANOSCIENTIST
Jorma Virtanen, chief nanoscientist at Tesla NanoCoatings, is one of the leading scientific minds in the fields of carbon nanotechnology and biophysics. A world-renowned researcher and chemist, Dr. Virtanen played an integral part in the development of the patented corrosion resistant TESLAN CNT nanocoating formula. He holds a B.S. in Chemistry, an M.S. in Chemistry and Mathematics and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Helsinki.
Velecia Valentine
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
As Chief Operating Officer, Velecia Valentine, CSCP, is the driving force behind Tesla NanoCoatings’ domestic and global growth. As a Certified Supply Chain Professional, she brings a deep knowledge of supply chain and production planning along with more than 25 years of experience to Tesla NanoCoatings.
Previously, Valentine worked for Newell Rubbermaid-Home Solutions Segment, where she led the Global Supply Chain and Sales and Operations Planning for Rubbermaid, Goody, and Levelor and Calphalon brands.
Malcom Kerr
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
As Chief Executive Officer of Tesla NanoCoatings, Malcolm Kerr leads with a strategic vision rooted in customer-centric innovation and operational excellence. With over two decades of experience managing large, multi-national sales organizations, Kerr brings a global perspective and a deep understanding of the coatings industry to his role. His leadership is defined by a commitment to building strong customer relationships, aligning Tesla NanoCoatings’ solutions with client goals, and driving measurable value across every phase of project execution.
Before joining Tesla NanoCoatings, Kerr held senior leadership positions in both domestic and international coatings companies, including overseeing North American operations for a global supplier. His proven track record in scaling sales teams, penetrating new markets, and delivering sustainable growth underscores his ability to guide Tesla NanoCoatings through its next phase of innovation and expansion.
Mark Butterworth
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Mark Butterworth holds extensive experience in financial management of high growth companies including: raising equity and debt funding; implementing budgeting, reporting and financial analysis processes; designing and installing accounting systems; and providing board and senior level management with timely and relevant information. In his role as CFO at Tesla NanoCoatings, he continues to build upon his solid financial transaction background that includes conducting $2.5 billion IPO led by Goldman Sachs and Merrill Lynch, $1 billion of M&A deals, and $100 million of venture capital investment.
James McDonald
DIRECTOR OF SALES
As Director of Sales at Tesla NanoCoatings, James McDonald brings a comprehensive understanding of the protective coatings value chain—from formulation and application to performance and lifecycle management. His leadership is grounded in a hands-on approach to customer engagement, technical insight, and strategic growth. With deep experience across all facets of the industry, James ensures that Tesla NanoCoatings delivers tailored solutions that meet the evolving needs of clients across diverse sectors.
James’s career spans key roles in sales, operations, and technical service, giving him a unique ability to align commercial strategy with real-world application. His commitment to collaboration and long-term partnerships drives Tesla NanoCoatings’ mission to deliver measurable value and innovation in every project.