Khrys Varney President/CEO

Khrys serves as President and CEO of NanoStart Inc., leading a technology‑driven research and product development organization dedicated to advancing innovative and sustainable solutions. Under nearly a decade of Khrys’s leadership, NanoStart has grown into a recognized force in transforming complex scientific concepts into practical, market‑ready technologies. The company’s flagship achievement—the Phoenix 21, a mobile, eco‑friendly waste‑to‑energy system—is redefining how communities manage waste and generate clean, renewable power.

Executive Leadership

Khrys’s leadership is defined by strategic clarity, disciplined execution, and a collaborative culture that empowers teams to excel. This approach emphasizes open communication, cross‑functional alignment, and an environment where innovation is supported by strong systems, shared purpose, and high standards of performance. Through this leadership model, teams move effectively from research and development through testing, refinement, and commercialization.

Areas of Strength

• Strategic direction — guiding technology development from concept to market readiness.
• Cross‑functional leadership — aligning scientific, engineering, operational, and partnership efforts.
• Relationship building — cultivating collaborations that expand capabilities and accelerate innovation.
• Operational excellence — ensuring quality, accountability, and measurable outcomes across all phases of development.

Commitment to Innovation

NanoStart Inc. operates on the belief that technology should strengthen communities, improve quality of life, and protect the environment. The Phoenix 21 embodies this mission, delivering a breakthrough waste‑to‑energy solution designed for real‑world impact. Under Khrys’s leadership, the company continues to advance technologies that support a cleaner, more resilient future

Suzanne Porter serves as Executive Vice President, providing senior leadership for the organization’s Product Development Department and directing its long‑range innovation strategy. She oversees research and development initiatives that advance both established and emerging technologies, ensuring they align with organizational priorities and support sustainable economic growth. Through her ongoing collaboration with executives and industry partners across multiple sectors, she helps guide the creation of technologies and products that strengthen the economic vitality of eastern Kentucky and the broader region.

Leadership Profile

Ms. Porter brings a disciplined, science‑driven approach to executive leadership, grounded in her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Pikeville and her professional training as an Industrial Hygienist. Her career includes key regulatory and compliance roles with the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), as well as service as an Environmental Inspector for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Areas of Expertise

Her more than 25 years of experience span several critical domains:

• Safety and Health Management — leadership of workplace safety programs and regulatory compliance initiatives.
• Environmental Oversight — inspection, monitoring, and environmental risk assessment for public and private sector operations.
• Industrial Hygiene — evaluation and control of occupational hazards across diverse industrial environments.
• Technology Strategy — guidance on emerging technologies and product development pathways that support regional economic advancement.

Executive Impact

Ms. Porter’s combination of technical expertise, regulatory insight, and strategic leadership strengthens the organization’s capacity to innovate responsibly and deliver solutions that meet the evolving needs of the communities it serves. Her work plays a central role in positioning the region for long‑term technological and economic competitiveness.

Paul Aiken brings more than forty years of engineering, systems design, and technical innovation experience to NanoStart Inc. His background includes multiple technical degrees in electronics, industrial processes, and an applied degree in hydraulics, forming a strong foundation for a career dedicated to developing advanced technologies for both private industry and government partners.

Executive Background

Mr. Aiken has spent decades leading and contributing to specialized engineering projects, including consulting roles with various government entities and major industrial organizations. For the past ten to twelve years, he has served as Systems Design Engineer for Recycling Solutions Technology, where he developed integrated systems, processes, and software to support high‑performance recycling and waste‑management operations.

His work includes completed projects for international companies such as Cyprus Minerals, Caterpillar Tractor Company, and Ingersoll Rand. Several of his specialized designs remain in active use by Drill Tech Corporation, demonstrating the durability and long‑term value of his engineering solutions.

Innovation and Technical Leadership

Paul Aiken is the inventor of the Phoenix 21 technology and has created multiple additional technologies for NanoStart Inc. and other organizations. His career reflects a consistent focus on practical, forward‑thinking innovation—designing systems that solve complex challenges with efficiency, reliability, and technical precision.

 Brian Boyd serves as the company’s Information Technology Specialist, bringing more than twenty years of experience across computer systems, electronics, and technical support. His background includes formal training in electronics and computer science from Mayo Technology in the early 1990s, a period when modern computing and digital infrastructure were rapidly emerging. That foundation shaped a career defined by adaptability, problem‑solving, and a deep understanding of evolving technology.

Professional Background

Mr. Boyd has applied his technical expertise across a wide range of environments, supporting organizations with complex IT needs and ensuring reliable, secure system performance. In 2014, he founded a successful computer repair and technology services business, providing support to medical practices, legal offices, eye clinics, and independent school systems. His work earned a reputation for precision, responsiveness, and trust—qualities that continue to define his role within the company.

Technical Strengths

• Systems support and troubleshooting — ensuring stability, security, and efficiency across hardware and software environments.
• Network and infrastructure management — maintaining reliable connectivity and operational continuity.
• Client‑focused service — delivering solutions tailored to the needs of diverse professional settings.
• Adaptability and continuous learning — staying current with emerging technologies and best practices.