Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Raymond brings over six years of startup leadership experience and more than seven years in providing creative marketing solutions. He earned his undergraduate degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Entrepreneurship from CSUSB in 2022 and is currently continuing his development in the MSEI program. His combined experience in leadership, marketing, and innovation helps drive BluCore’s strategic vision forward.

Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer

Jacob brings over four years of startup leadership experience and more than fifteen years of leadership in nonprofit organizations. He earned his undergraduate degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Entrepreneurship from CSUSB in 2024 and is currently continuing his development in the MSEI program. His background in both mission-driven work and business strategy brings a strong foundation of purpose and leadership to BluCore.

Chief Technical Officer

Krystelle is a recent Chemical Engineering graduate from the University of California, Riverside, with a strong foundation in fluid systems, separation processes, and sustainable design. At BluCore, she supports the development of the modular pilot system, contributing to design strategy, systems integration, and hands-on testing. Her academic work, combined with practical experience in quality assurance and collaborative engineering projects, brings a fresh perspective to the team. She’s especially passionate about clean energy and scaling innovative technologies for real-world impact.

Technology Inventor

Dr. Cousins is an accomplished chemist and professor with over 30 years of academic and applied experience. As the active inventor behind the patented lithium extraction process at the core of this project, Dr. Cousins offers unmatched technical expertise and mentorship. Her dedication to scientific rigor and educational excellence continues to guide the development of this technology with integrity and precision.

Advisor, Go-to-Market Strategist

A serial entrepreneur with two decades of experience building, scaling, and exiting companies across B2B SaaS, arts and entertainment, D2C retail, and e-commerce. Her track record includes founding a global, multi-million-dollar Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Company, authoring an Amazon Bestselling book, and mentoring hundreds of founders worldwide. Heidi is known for her efficiency, data-driven mindset, and ability to transform operational chaos into profitable growth. For BluCore, Heidi will advise on go-to-market strategy, bringing her proven expertise to position the company for successful market entry, rapid adoption, and long-term impact in the clean-tech industry. She is also opening doors to valuable mentorship and her expansive network, further strengthening BluCore’s path forward.

Technology Transfer Officer

Dr. Long serves as the university’s Technology Transfer Officer, where she plays a critical role in fostering innovation and supporting student and faculty ventures through entrepreneurial mentorship and strategic guidance. With a deep commitment to advancing research commercialization, Dr. Long provides invaluable insight into intellectual property management, startup development, and university-industry collaboration.

Water Policy and Governance Consultant

Served as a Board Member for the Eastern Municipal Water District (2003–2020) and the National Water Resources Association (2008–2020), where he provided leadership on water policy and governance across key service areas including Menifee, Perris, parts of Murrieta, and Canyon Lake. For BluCore, Ron will offer strategic guidance on public water agency engagement, help navigate regulatory pathways, and leverage his statewide water industry network to support project development and site partnerships.

Workforce Development

The Executive Director and CEO of the South Bay Workforce Investment Board (SBWIB), has led the nationally recognized organization for over 40 years. Known for launching the AERO-Flex aerospace pre-apprenticeship and creating the I-TRAIN training network, he is a leader in workforce development and industry partnerships. For BluCore, Mr. Vogel will help build workforce pipelines, expand apprenticeship models, secure funding opportunities, and facilitate statewide industry connections and networks to support growth and impact.

Quantitative Chemistry Advisor

A Ph.D. in Chemistry with a specialization in quantitative studies, currently teaches introductory and advanced chemistry courses at San Jacinto College Central Campus in Pasadena, Texas. She co-leads the STEM Student Success Series, contributes to curriculum development for Process Technology majors, and mentors students through chemistry demonstrations. Her academic rigor and hands-on approach to learning will be instrumental in validating our technical claims.

Career Expansion, Inc. Founders Jason Vogel (CEO) and Dave Duddy (COO)

In 2016, Jason and Dave co-founded Career Expansion, Inc. to provide vocational training for careers in construction, utilities, energy, and safety. They bring deep experience in workforce development and will support BluCore by helping design training programs that prepare individuals for careers in lithium extraction and clean energy.

Water Management and Engineering Consultant

The former Deputy General Manager for the Eastern Municipal Water District, brings a wealth of leadership experience in water management and environmental engineering. His career spans several high-level roles, including Deputy General Manager at the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority and Assistant General Manager at Eastern Municipal before being promoted. His strategic insight and operational knowledge of water systems and engineering will help guide technology development, site selection, and testing approaches.

Energy Process Consultant

Chair of the Department of Petrochemical and Energy Process Technology at San Jacinto College Central Campus, is an Air Force veteran with over a decade of industry experience. His background includes work in utilities, distillation, and cryogenics. Prior to becoming Chair, he served as a process technology instructor, where he helped shape the next generation of process operators. He remains actively involved with the North American Process Technology Alliance (NAPTA), ensuring our project remains aligned with industry trends and standards.

Database Development and Project Management

A CSUSB alumnus and Air Force Veteran with a strong background in project management and database development. As a retired project manager at Eastern Municipal Water District, she brings decades of experience and a deep understanding of water infrastructure. Her involvement provides BluCore with valuable insights and access to a broad network of professionals across the water district industry. Her role is vital as she will be utilizing her experience and skills to build BrineBrain, which will be BluCore’s internal tracking database.

Grant Writer

An accomplished grant writer with over 15 years of experience in workforce development, with a background spanning public, nonprofit, and social profit sectors. His work includes key roles with California’s Employment Development Department. He has secured funding at the city, county, state, and federal levels and is known for aligning proposals with compliance standards while addressing real community needs. For BluCore, Sam will lead grant strategy, develop competitive proposals, and identify funding opportunities to expand workforce training and clean-tech initiatives.

Communication Specialist

A regional business specialist with several years of experience in public speaking and professional presentations. She joins the BluCore team as the public speaking and presentation strategist and consultant. She will help with crafting clear and confident messaging for investor meetings, public pitches, and strategic communications. Her role is especially key as the co-founding team prepares to present to potential customers, MVP/test sites, and investors.