Key People
Welcome to Core Optics! Our success is driven by a team of dedicated professionals who are experts in the field of optical technology. Meet the visionary leaders and key individuals behind our innovative solutions.
Seonkee Kim
Chief Executive Officer
A seasoned professional who began his career as a researcher in Korea Electric Power Technology Co., Ltd., and pursued advanced finance studies at NYU's Stern School of Business (Ph.D.). He lectured in financial engineering and risk management in Korea. He led FIST Global, a top financial engineering firm, and oversaw their LFP battery production. He is now spearheading the establishment of a gigafactory in the U.S. focused on innovative energy solutions.
Michael Ussery
Chairman of Advisory Board
Having served as the U.S. Ambassador to Morocco and as a Senior Advisor to the State Department in 2018, he transformed a U.S. military base into a business hub and co-founded the Romania Moldova Direct Fund. He has held advisory roles within San Leon Energy, General Dynamics, and Philips Medical, and has played a pivotal role in the establishment of the American University of Afghanistan. His academic roots stem from Newberry College.
Prakash Chandak
Executive Director, Chief Investment Officer
With over two decades at Goldman Sachs, an MBA from The Wharton School, and Financial Risk Manager (FRM) and Energy Risk Professional (ERP) certifications, his expert boasts of a strong Wall Street network and proficiency multiple products and asset classes as it relates to private equity, SPACs, structured credit, and special situations. He possesses a deep understanding of climate change science and policy, and is skilled in cash, derivatives, structured finance, and blockchain. His experience extends to valuing complex capital structures and a keen involvement in ESG investments and market analysis.
Birge Watkins
Executive Director, Vice Chairman
A diverse leadership background spanning businesses, governments, and nonprofits. He is the Chair of the Advisory Board of ZaiCell Inc, a Senior Advisor to Landmark Atlantic Holdings, and an advisor to Virterras Materials US LLC. He also plays an active role in conservation and community organizations, including the Land Trust of Virginia and the Fauquier Parks Foundation. In the past, he has held significant positions in real estate, financial services, and software companies. Due to his economic and policy expertise, he has served not only in The White House but also in the local councils in Virginia. His academic credentials include an MBA from the London Business School and an MPA from Harvard University.
David Lee
Executive Director
He has a distinguished career with over 30 years in brand management, marketing, and operations, remarkably leading Sleet & Company, LA as the President since 2015. He has contributed significantly to the food and beverage sector, focused on enhancing strategic partnerships and investor relations. As President of Wireless Republic L.L.C, he extensively managed retail operations across multiple states, thereby improving performance through data analysis and team development. Within real estate, he drove development and team building as he led United Brokers L.L.C. His design background from Parsons School of Design and a Master's in Costume History from NYU has enriched his innovative leadership approach across diverse sectors.
Mihn Le
Executive Director
A seasoned executive and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in strategy, technology, and real estate development. His career highlights include leading roles at Accenture – managing $500 million in business development, and at DoD, overseeing significant defense and aerospace projects. As a CEO of DSTG, he drove US$10M in business, focusing on big data analytics. As a COO at Cogility, Inc, he managed operations and federal engagements. His tenure at ExxonMobil covered market trading and IT management. Currently, he is a Managing Partner at 22 Capital Partners, with focus on renewable energy and smart city technologies, that includes leading Gramercy District, LLC, a "smart city" development in Virginia. Le holds an MBA from Georgetown University and a BS in Computer Science from the University of Maryland.
Jungmin Lee
Executive Director. Chief Financial Officer
A Deputy Director and Research Team Leader at KOTRA in Washington D.C. Since 2020, he has been analyzing U.S. trade laws, negotiations, and disputes. Leading the Washington Trade Desk, he not only manages research content but also mentor’s staff. Enhancing U.S.-Korea investment ties, his previous roles include senior manager in Invest Korea and LG Electronics. He started his career as a financial analyst in Merrill Lynch. Lee's research on U.S. economic policies and trade has been widely published. He holds a master’s in international economics and finance from Johns Hopkins University and bachelor’s in foreign studies from Hankook University.
Roberto H. Kim
Executive Director
He has a robust career in finance and consulting, focusing on growth capital for emerging companies based out of East Asia. With over a decade of experience, he is adept at private capital, IPOs, and M&A. He facilitates transactions in various industries, manages large equity deals and specializes in financial strategies. Recently, he is focused on battery storage. He holds a B.S. from Hanyang University.