Our Leaders

Executives

President - Grey H.

Hello! I'm excited to be the GearCats' 2025/2026 President. I joined the GearCats in 2022 and for the last two years I have been the Electrical Team Executive. In addition to the GearCats, I am also in my school's IB program, Science Olympiad, and I started my school's Crochet Club. I also enjoy creating visual art.

Vice President - Audrey W.

Hello, this will be my fourth year on the GearCats. I've been the Mechanical Executive for the last two years and am serving as the team's Vice President this year. Outside of the GearCats, I am also a member of the Millbrook Executive Board, Science Olympiad, and Millbrook's all-women's select chorale group, Celeste. In my free time, I like to wake surf and play piano.

Mechatronics - Ben W.

Hi - I'm a junior this year and I've been with the GearCats since I was a freshman. I am leading the Mechatronics subteam this year which is the combined functions of Electrical and Mechanical. I've participated in FIRST since middle school where I did FLL. In addition to the GearCats, I am involved in my high school theatre and in my free time I like to play video games.

Programming - Jason H.

Hey, I'm Jason H., and I'm the other programming executive this year. I've been on the team for 3 years now, but this will be my first as an exec. I like the competitions and the people you meet as a part of FIRST, but outside of this and school I enjoy mountain-biking, playing the piano, working out, and playing video games.

Programming - Pranav V.

Hi - I'm Pranav and I am leading the Programming subteam with Jason. I am a senior and this is my second year with the GearCats. Outside of the team, I tutor students who are learning Java in AP Computer Science. I also attended the Beaver Works Summer Institute at MIT last summer, which was an incredible experience, teaching me about Python, ROS2, OpenCV, Machine Learning, Linux and drones.

Our Mentors

Mrs. Stephanie Petzold

A former string orchestra teacher, I have worked with the GearCats since 2018 , currently serving as Lead Mentor. My focus is administrative tasks and things not technical!

Mr. Rob Gale

I am Mr. Rob and I work as a software solution architect for Fujitsu North America Inc. I have been on the team since 2017.

Mr. Ben Edwards

I am Mr. Ben and I work for one of our sponsors Schneider Electric. I have been on the team since 2018, am a parent of a current and a former GearCat, and I work mainly with the Mechatronics subteam.

Mrs. Jennifer Mulrooney

I have been with the GearCats as a parent/mentor for over 5 years, and serving as the team's Treasurer for 4 years. I am also an active volunteer with Millbrook High School, having graduated two children from Millbrook.

Mr. Bennett Petzold

I am a Linux Firmware Engineer at Schneider Electric and a proud GearCat alumnus. I graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science (2023) and Master of Science (2024) in Computer Engineering. I have been helping to mentor the team since 2021.

Ms. Joanne Ward

I am an attorney for a life sciences company and proud GearCats parent (x2!). I've been mentoring the team since 2022 and help out with non-technical areas including finding build space, sponsorships and outreach opportunities.

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