Michael Pavia, Co-Founder/ President

Michael Pavia is a global business and technology executive with over 25 years experience in photonics and imaging. He is responsible for the strategic direction of the company and understanding key market needs. Since founding Sydor Instruments six years ago, he has grown the company into a leading player in the field of high performance imaging for US and European government agencies. The company’s exponential growth has been featured as a Rochester Top-100 fastest growing company and in the top 25% of Inc Magazine’s 5000 fastest growing companies nationwide.

Mr. Pavia believes in surrounding himself with smart, talented people and empowering them to drive the success of the organization. He encourages his staff to work smarter not harder, and provides them with the creative latitude and environment necessary to solve mission critical problems for our nation and allies.

Prior to starting Sydor Instruments, Mr. Pavia held key positions in laser fusion systems, semiconductor capital equipment, satellite remote sensing systems, and other advanced imaging applications. He has a track record of success in commercialization for Eastman Kodak Company, launching products on a global basis as the worldwide marketing manager of a $1.5B strategic product group. While at the University of Rochester’s Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE), he was a key contributor on the Omega Laser 60 beam upgrade program, the highest power ultraviolet fusion laser in the world at the time.

He holds a BS in Optical Engineering from the University of Rochester. 		 
     







 


James Sydor, Co-Founder/ Sr. Business Advisor

James Sydor, President and Owner of Sydor Optics, co-founded Sydor Instruments with Michael Pavia when he recognized the opportunity to further the field of imaging by commercializing the ROSS streak camera. In partnering with the University of Rochester, this first technology transfer created an innovative approach and filled a need for research and defense customers who couldn’t be served with existing off-the-shelf instruments.

Creating and fostering innovation is Mr. Sydor’s greatest strength. He leads at Sydor and in the industry by supporting people and inspiring new ideas.

With more than 30 years’ experience manufacturing for advanced light applications for the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Defense and NASA, Mr. Sydor has built a culture of innovation, forward thinking, and customer collaboration critical to highly custom and fully integrated systems. He credits Sydor’s willingness to take on the research and risk for their growth and success.

This approach has resulted in Sydor’s inclusion in Inc Magazine’s Inc 5000 and the Rochester 100 year after year, consistently demonstrating high company growth, responsibly and sustainably.

Mr. Sydor sits on the board of directors of the American Precision Optics Manufacturers Association and the Rochester Regional Photonics Cluster.

 
     


   
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