FOUNDER/CEO

Jonathan Criss brings over 13 years of experience from his tenure at SpaceX, where he served as Lead Integration and Test Engineer and Product Manager on both the Starlink and Dragon programs. Jonathan played a pivotal role in the product development lifecycle, overseeing the delivery of the first reusable spacecraft. His extensive expertise spans UX, growth engineering, and product development, and he has successfully brought numerous Starlink products to market around the world. Jonathan’s passion for innovation and deep technical knowledge position him as a leader dedicated to advancing impactful technologies.

CO-FOUNDER/COO

Andrew Harner, a Stanford graduate with 9 years of experience at SpaceX, brings a unique blend of aerospace engineering and startup consulting expertise to Vital Lyfe. With a strong background in building and scaling startups, Andrew is a skilled leader dedicated to lean methodologies and agile development processes, ensuring that Vital Lyfe stays efficient and responsive to market demands. His high work ethic and technical excellence make him an invaluable asset in driving the company’s innovation and growth.

MARKETING DIRECTOR

Kimberly Marrder Sheldon is a CSUF graduate and accomplished digital marketing entrepreneur with over 6 years of experience in digital marketing, social media management, influencer collaborations, SEO, and B2C marketing. Passionate about helping brands and small businesses succeed, Kimberly excels at crafting creative strategies and innovative campaigns. With a proven track record of delivering impactful, results-driven marketing initiatives, she is dedicated to driving engagement and measurable growth.

Staff Engineer

Ben Parks is a UIUC graduate with 13 years of aerospace engineering experience. He worked on SpaceX's Dragon programs, delivering cargo to the International Space Station and helping create the first crewed capsule, and later designed launch vehicles at Relativity Space. While specializing in electrical engineering, Ben has also developed expertise in mechanical and software engineering. He believes great engineering is only achieved through teamwork and is dedicated to fostering a strong, collaborative environment at Vital Lyfe.

Strategic Operations Manager

Lawrence brings 11 years of supply chain and site development experience from SpaceX to Vital Lyfe. He is passionate about driving growth and optimizing operations when scaling from NPI to production. With a deep understanding of complex supply chains, logistics, infrastructure development, and operational execution, Lawrence plays a key role in scaling Vital Lyfe’s impact. His expertise in building and managing high-performance supply chains ensures the company remains efficient and resilient as it expands.

Mechanical Engineer

Rachna Igwe, a Northeastern University Chemical Engineering graduate, specializes in materials and mechanical engineering applications. With expertise in coatings, composite membranes, and high-performance energy systems, she applies a multidisciplinary approach to complex engineering challenges. Passionate about sustainability and innovation, she is committed to developing advanced technologies that address real-world problems and drive meaningful progress.