James Sydor, CEO

James Sydor, president and owner of Sydor Optics, has more than 30 years’ experience manufacturing precision optical components for advanced light applications for the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Defense and NASA. In addition to strategic direction and financial management of Sydor Instruments, he will oversee and drive a customer-collaborative environment at the company.

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

Prior to joining his father at Sydor Optics in 1978, he held senior manufacturing positions at American Optical's Scientific Instrument Division and American Cystoscope Makers, Inc. Mr. Sydor holds a degree in Optical Technology from Monroe Community College.

Michael J. Pavia, President

Michael Pavia has almost 20 years’ experience in the design, fabrication, assembly, and testing of precision optical systems and lasers. In addition to general management of Sydor Instruments, he will assess and manage key customer, inventor and market needs.

Mr. Pavia’s earlier work includes laser fusion and systems for semiconductor manufacture, space exploration, and advanced imaging experimentation. He also built a successful track record in advanced product 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 designed and built the Ultraviolet Alignment System, and qualified the regenerative amplifier system. Mr. Pavia also served as a member of the activation team for the Omega Laser, the highest power ultraviolet fusion laser in the world, at the LLE. He holds a BS in Optical Engineering from the UR Institute of Optics.