Management Team
Eric Hansen
Chief Executive Officer, Founding Partner
Eric Hansen Bio
Eric has more than 30 years of experience in the wireless telecommunications industry. Prior to IWT, Eric held engineering management positions for General Electric/Ericsson in their radio and cellular division (joint venture). At GE, he managed R&D engineering, automation/test and new product introduction teams. Before GE, Eric was the engineering team leader for Motorola’s radio group. While there, he finished his masters and participated in the Motorola Management Institute program.
Eric remains an advocate for leadership, innovation and education. Formerly a board member for Virginia’s Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) for two terms, he currently serves as the rector and board member of Longwood University. He is also a regional board member of Wells Fargo bank.
Eric holds a BSEE from RIT and an MSCE from FAU, along with several patents. He lives with his wife and three daughters in the Lynchburg, Virginia area.
Todd Irby
Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operations Officer
Todd Irby Bio
Todd has more than 25 years’ experience in global Fortune 500 and small business with responsibility for financial performance, operational execution, corporate strategy, business development, information technology, and HR and legal corporate functions. Prior to IWT, Todd worked at Ericsson.
Todd received his MBA and BS in Finance from Virginia Tech. He is very active in the community, including: Director and Audit and Compliance Chair, Centra Health; Board Member and Development Committee, Amazement Square; and Board Member and Finance Committee, Academy Center of the Arts.
Todd is a native Virginian and resides in Lynchburg with his wife and two sons.
Jeremiah Colling
Director of Marketing
Jeremiah Colling Bio
Jeremiah has more than 22 years of experience in the wireless and telecommunication industry. He began as a software engineer with IWT and spent most of his career as a Program and Product Manager developing wireless solutions for IWT business units in the Defense & Security markets, Mining and Critical Communications.
Prior to joining IWT in 2002, Jeremiah spent three years as a software engineer for Ericsson developing CDMA mobile platforms and broadband cable telephony.
Jeremiah received his BSEE from Olivet University and resides in Lynchburg, Virginia with his wife and four children, and is an active member of the community.
Swathi Prabhu Bio
Swathi leads a department composed of software, hardware and systems engineers that are dedicated to creating cutting edge solutions for a myriad of applications with a focus on safety and security. In her more than 20 years of experience, she has designed and developed complex and dynamic software for real-time simulation and mission-critical applications that have been deployed at hundreds of customer sites around the world.
Her most recent accomplishments include work in the fields of data analytics and machine learning to drive advanced automation solutions for customers. Prior to joining IWT, Swathi worked at TRAX International where she was the lead software engineer for developing real-time training simulators for use in power plants.
Swathi is passionate about technology and education, and enjoys volunteering at various local nonprofit organizations. She is currently on the Board for James River Day School, and is a member of the Building Finance Committee at Vector Space. Swathi received her BS Computer Engineering from Manipal Institute of Technology, India. She lives with her husband and two children in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Gary Sergent
Director of Sales
Gary Sergent Bio
Gary Sergent, aka “Sarge”, has worked in the global mining and tunneling industry for most of his career. Starting as the fifth generation of Sergent to work in the U.S. coal industry, he now has more than 15 years of experience in underground wireless communications and tracking, with a focus on plant automation and machine safety.
Gary holds a degree in Electrical Engineering Technology. A father of three, he lives with his wife in the Greensboro, North Carolina area where he is involved in community volunteer programs, including the American Red Cross.
Gary Raulerson
Director of Operations
Gary Raulerson Bio
Gary has 25 years of experience in the wireless and telecommunication industry and started with IWT in 2000 as a RF design engineer. He is responsible for our operational execution in production, repairs, procurement, shipping, installs, and support at our headquarters in Lynchburg and satellite offices in West Virginia.
He received his BS in Electrical Engineering and BS in Computer Engineering from West Virginia University and his MS in Electrical Engineering from Virginia Tech. He is active in the community serving as Chair and Board Member for Lynchburg Beacon of Hope, and Board Member for Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance.
Gary lives in Lynchburg with his wife and daughter and enjoys Formula 1 racing, traveling, and the great outdoors.
Sandy Lawrence
Director of Finance
Sandy Lawrence Bio
Sandy is a highly experienced financial professional with a diverse background in manufacturing and technology industries. As the leader of financial operations at IWT, she handles critical aspects such as payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and financial reporting. Her primary focus is on implementing financial strategies that align with the company's overall goals.
Sandy earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Lynchburg College. She is a member of the Institute of Management Accountants, which indicates her commitment to professional development and staying updated with industry trends and best practices. In 2019, she achieved certification as a Management Accountant, further enhancing her expertise in financial management. Sandy is actively involved in the Downtown Lynchburg Association, where she serves on the Board. Over the years, she has taken up the role of Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee and deeply enjoys actively contributing to the enhancement of the community in which she works.
Growing up in an Air Force family provided Sandy with the opportunity to travel extensively and experience various cultures and environments around the world. However, she now proudly calls Virginia her home. She resides in Forest with her husband and is a parent to three grown boys.
