Former Director of CBP Innovation Team Chris Pietrzak Joins goTenna

Jun 25, 2024

About goTenna

goTenna is advancing universal access to connectivity by building the world's most intelligent and scalable mobile mesh networks. goTenna is the world's leading mobile mesh networking company, providing off-grid connectivity solutions for smartphones and other devices, as well as augmenting traditional communications networks. This technology enables mobile, long-range connectivity without cell, wifi, or satellite connectivity. goTenna's drive to create resilient connectivity began during Hurricane Sandy in 2012 when approximately a third of cell towers and power stations in affected areas failed. goTenna's products are currently used by over 300 law enforcement, military, and public safety agencies worldwide. goTenna is backed by investors including Founders Fund, Union Square Ventures, Comcast Ventures, Collaborative Fund, and Bloomberg Beta.

Press Contact
press@gotenna.com
Share

Pietrzak brings extensive law enforcement background and technological expertise to goTenna.

Jersey City, NJ (June 25, 2024) — goTenna, the world's leading mobile mesh networking company, is excited to announce the hiring of Chris Pietrzak as Vice President of Solutions Architecture. Pietrzak comes to goTenna after 25 years of service at U.S. Customs and Border Protection, where he had a unique career spanning operational, technical, and leadership roles. 

As the newly appointed VP of Solutions Architecture, Chris Pietrzak will play a pivotal role in goTenna's integration and expansion strategy. His responsibilities will include working with customers and companies to understand how goTenna’s current and future products can be integrated with other capabilities to continue to extend communications in the most austere environments.

Chris is a seasoned law enforcement and technology professional who has led critical efforts at the intersection of operations, policy, and technology within the government. During his tenure at CBP, he served as Director of the CBP Innovation Team (INVNT), Deputy Executive Director of the U.S. Border Patrol's Program Management Office, and Senior Advisor to the Commissioner, among several other key leadership positions. Chris has extensive leadership experience building and transforming organizations and a track record of successfully scaling innovative and disruptive technologies, expertly navigating acquisition, contracting, budgeting, and governance processes.

"Chris has the rare combination of a deep operational background and a proven track record of deploying startup technologies in complex government environments," said goTenna CGO Andrea Garrity . "His expertise is invaluable to goTenna as we continue to transform how operators connect during critical missions around the world."

"Having conducted border security operations in some of the world's most austere areas, I have lived the unfortunate experience of being off-grid. I'm thrilled to join a company committed to ensuring that service members who risk their lives can communicate and share data wherever they are. It's hard to imagine a more fundamental and critical capability," said Pietrzak.