Veteran-founded. American-built. Delivering hydrogen, power, and water anywhere on Earth.
NovaSpark delivers energy independence where it matters most. We engineer mobile, atmospheric hydrogen systems that provide hydrogen, power, and water on demand - eliminating supply chain vulnerabilities and ensuring mission-ready performance in the most extreme environments.
To transform how the world powers critical operations. From the battlefield to disaster recovery to resilient infrastructure, we envision a future where fuel and power are generated on-site, anywhere on Earth, directly from air and water - empowering people, protecting lives, and strengthening national and global security.
Founded by U.S. veterans and seasoned engineers, NovaSpark brings deep expertise in military operations, disaster response, energy systems, and advanced technology. Together, our team is pioneering resilient hydrogen solutions built to perform when nothing else can.
Chief Executive Officer
Rick is a proven technology leader with over 25 years of experience deploying mission critical tech across the energy, defense, aerospace, and public sectors. He has a strong record of driving innovation, improving performance, and building strategic partnerships. Known for fostering collaboration and delivering results, Rick is leading NovaSpark in transforming how hydrogen energy powers critical operations and long-range drones.
CTO & Board Member
Tom is a U.S. Veteran and Engineering Specialist with three decades experience as an accomplished engineering leader with a strong portfolio of effective and documented business successes. Tom plays a critical role for the mission of NovaSpark innovation.
Chief Revenue Officer
Eric McManus is an accomplished aerospace and defense leader with over 20 years of experience bringing advanced technologies to market. He has secured and delivered more than $35 million in DFARS-regulated contracts, serving as a PRIME with Lockheed Martin and other major partners. At NovaSpark Energy, Eric drives revenue growth and innovation in hydrogen power and autonomous systems, expanding programs and strategic alliances that position NovaSpark at the forefront of next-generation defense and energy solutions.
Chief Innovation Officer
Lanson is a passionate entrepreneur with experience in launching early-stage innovative companies in the energy and technology sectors. He has extensive transitional experience before and after a successful Mergers & Acquisitions in the deregulated energy sector and brings key thought leadership in understanding, recognizing, establishing and staying ahead of market trends by leveraging technology and unique go to market strategies.
Board Member
Chairman of Barnhart, Inc. (f.k.a. SMG Industries, Inc) a growth-oriented transportation company focused on end-to-end customer service growth strategies. Mr. Flemming has over 22 years experience as a C-Suite executive in public and private high growth companies involving capital markets, mergers & acquisitions, audit, risk management and corporate governance.
Chairman
As Chairman of NovaSpark and CEO of Ramsey Financial Group, Leo manages a diverse investment portfolio across industries including energy, real estate, oil and gas, medical devices, and agriculture. Leo serves as Board and investment committee member at SpaceFund VC.
VP of Engineering
Jeremy is a U.S. Veteran and Hydrogen energy - Mechanical Engineering specialist. Developed maintenance systems for the CENTCOM HIMARS mission spanning 4 countries from a very remote deployed environment. Develops engineering processes, principles, and procedures which define how Novaspark does business. Has a keen eye for process improvement and quality excellence.
Chief Scientist
Dr. Porterfield is a Professor of Biological Engineering at Purdue University, and he has been studying life in space for over 30 years. Professor Porterfield also served NASA as Division Director for Space Life and Physical Sciences at NASA headquarters in Washington DC (2012-2016).
Chief Legal Officer
Kevin is a Pre 9/11 Gulf War Vet, JAG Corp Officer, Trusted Board of Directors’ Advisor with Extensive EPL Experience, GC’s Legal Counsel for prominent nationwide insurers that secures C-Suite engagements advising within leading global organizations. Eligibility for Waiver Admission & Qualified Eligible for Top Security Clearance.
Emergency Mgt.
Jennifer is an emergency management disaster recovery and response specialist. Her experiences are in logistics coordination for senior state leaders and management of multi-level communications to generate well-planned strategic messages during storm preparation and in the aftermath of natural disasters.
Critical Infrastructure
General Glenn Curtis retired in 2020, concluding his nearly 38-year military career. His last appointed job was the adjutant general of Louisiana, where he was responsible for the deployment and coordination of programs, policies and plans affecting more than 11,000 members of the Louisiana Army and Air National Guard.
VP of Business Strategy
Paul has extensive industry experience in engineering technology, business development, and product launch to major companies, including Intel, AMD, Cisco, Apple, Samsung, TSMC, Boeing, Airbus, General Motors, Fiat and others. He has initiated numerous technology products in the semiconductor/hi-tech industries.
Patented the world's first mobile, modular atmospheric hydrogen generator.
Achieved TRL-9 deployment with successful field tests alongside the U.S. military.
Scaled product line from 4–8 kW portable units to containerized 250 kg/day modules and MW-class platforms.
Active DoD contracts with the AirForce, Army, Marines, and Defense Innovation Unit.
AirForce CSO contract vehicle extended through 2028.
Named Lockheed Martin's #1 Small Business Innovation Partner of 2024.
Collaborating with Sikorsky to fuel long-range VTOL.
Recognized by the DoD for comprehensive hydrogen safety training.
30,000+ sq ft Louisiana HQ and manufacturing facility in planning phase.
Pre-Seed round led by Boot64 Ventures with LED FUEL award support.
© 2025 NovaSpark Energy Systems, LLC