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 is an accomplished safety and regulatory compliance executive with extensive experience leading complex safety, industrial hygiene, and emergency management operations within federal healthcare environments. As Safety Chief for the Robley Rex Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Louisville, Kentucky, she directed all safety‑related functions for the medical center and its affiliated off‑site facilities, ensuring the protection of employees, contractors, and the veteran population served across the region. She maintained full responsibility for Life Safety Code compliance, conducting certified inspections and implementing corrective actions to uphold stringent federal and healthcare regulatory standards.

Professional Background

Ms. Porter’s leadership is defined by her deep command of regulatory frameworks, operational risk management, and multidisciplinary program oversight. She managed a team encompassing Industrial Hygiene, Safety, and Emergency Management, and ensured organizational compliance with a broad range of regulatory authorities, including:

• Federal OSHA
• Kentucky Environmental Protection
• The Joint Commission
• CARF
• State Radiological Safety agencies
• City of Louisville regulatory bodies

She developed, authored, and maintained all employee and facility safety programs, including those governing construction and other contractor activities. Her oversight extended to the medical center’s research enterprise, where she served on the internal board responsible for auditing and reviewing research programs conducted in partnership with the University of Louisville. In this capacity, she ensured adherence to all safety and health protocols within laboratories and research environments.

Ms. Porter represented the medical center in all regulatory interactions, collaborating directly with agency directors, inspectors, and compliance officials. She managed departmental budgets, including ergonomic initiatives, and provided strategic direction, training, and professional development for her staff.

Areas of Expertise

Regulatory Compliance & Governance  

Comprehensive oversight of federal, state, and local regulatory requirements across healthcare, research, and facility operations.

Safety & Health Program Leadership  

Development and administration of enterprise‑wide safety programs, Life Safety Code compliance, and risk‑reduction strategies.

Industrial Hygiene  

Assessment and control of occupational exposures and environmental hazards across diverse operational settings.

Emergency Management  

Leadership of emergency preparedness, response planning, and continuity operations for a major federal medical center.

Operational Oversight & Administration  

Budget management, staff leadership, policy development, and cross‑departmental coordination.

Executive Impact

Ms. Porter played a critical role in strengthening the organizational safety posture of the Robley Rex VA Medical Center. She provided regular briefings to the Facility Director and senior leadership, chaired the facility safety committee, and led the review and analysis of OSHA 100 forms to identify trends in workplace injuries and illnesses. Her data‑driven approach informed targeted interventions that improved employee safety outcomes and reduced operational risk.

Her commitment to continuous improvement included proactive monitoring of regulatory changes, emerging methodologies, and industry best practices. Through this forward‑looking approach, she ensured that the medical center remained compliant, resilient, and aligned with evolving 

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.