Thomas E. Zelibor

President

Tom Zelibor is an accomplished operational and strategic leader and trusted business advisor with a strong technical background. He has scaled companies to rapid growth in technology, space, telecom, software, systems, and services industries. Tom’s experience includes guiding high-tech entrepreneurial startups, Fortune 500, and government clients to implement programs, processes, and controls on the path to transformation, product commercialization, and sustainable value creation.

Tom served as Lightwave Logic’s CEO (2011-17) and Board Chair (2011-22). He also served as the CEO of Flatirons Solutions and the not-for-profit United States Space Foundation. As the U.S. Navy’s chief information officer, Tom oversaw a multibillion-dollar annual budget, delivering increased growth and efficiency while directing IT policy, Navy space, processes, and cyber security strategy. He continues to serve as a director for public and private companies.

Throughout his career, Tom’s change management and leadership expertise has sought to realign company functions with key infrastructure and sales and marketing improvements to spearhead rapid growth. Tom credibly engages with the investment community on company vision, strategy, and technology. He has a track record of empowering employees to drive innovation, improve efficiencies, and accelerate decision-making.

Tom served in the United States Navy from 1976 to 2006 with critical senior roles from 1998 to 2005, including Commander of Naval Space Command, Commander of Carrier Group Three, and in the U.S. Strategic Command as Director of Global Operations. Following that, he was VP of Strategic Operations for Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) and then Dean of the College of Operational and Strategic Leadership at the Naval War College.

Tom received his bachelor’s degree in Oceanography from the United States Naval Academy in 1976. He retired as a Navy Rear Admiral and Naval Aviator with over 35 years of significant leadership experience. The highlight of his military career was as Commander Task Force 50, where he led three U.S. carrier battle groups, two NATO carriers, nearly 60 other U.S. and coalition ships, 300 aircraft, and thousands of personnel in the North Arabian Sea, conducting combat operations in Afghanistan subsequent to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.