Andrew Hughan is an accomplished communications, public affairs, government, military, energy, and broadband infrastructure professional with more than 30 years of experience. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication with an emphasis in Broadcast Television and has extensive expertise in journalism, public affairs, photography, video production, crisis management, strategic communications, and marketing.

Andrew currently serves as a consultant to the California Department of Technology on the Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative, helping expand reliable, high-speed broadband infrastructure to traditionally unserved and underserved communities across California. Previously, he served for more than a decade as a Public Information Officer for CalRecycle and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, where he led public communications, media relations, government outreach, and crisis communications initiatives.

A fully qualified ICS 400 Public Information Officer, Andrew has played key leadership and communications roles during major emergencies, environmental incidents, public safety events, and natural disasters. His contributions have been recognized by FEMA and various government agencies, and he received a Certificate of Honor from then-Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom for his extraordinary efforts during the Oroville Dam emergency crisis.

Andrew is also a retired Technical Sergeant (E-6) of the California Air National Guard. His military career included service in the U.S. Navy, the California Army National Guard, and the 129th Rescue Wing, with deployments to Central America, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He has received numerous military honors, including the Meritorious Service Medal and Air Force Commendation Medal.

MD Nazmul Islam is the Co-Founder of Trade California, an international trade and business platform based in Orange County, California. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and more than 10 years of experience in technology, healthcare, international trade, government procurement, private-sector supply, and business development, he brings a unique combination of technical and international business expertise.

Throughout his career, MD Nazmul Islam has designed software solutions and worked with U.S.-based healthcare, trading, and service companies. He has also developed experience in cross-border trade, international sourcing, government and private procurement, distribution agreements, U.S. distributorships, and global business partnerships.

He has extensive communication experience with the U.S. business community and has developed strong professional relationships with American companies, suppliers, distributors, and business leaders.

At Trade California, he focuses on connecting American manufacturers, suppliers, service providers, and technology companies with international buyers, distributors, government organizations, and business partners.

His vision is to combine technology, artificial intelligence, and international business expertise to help American companies expand into global markets and create trusted business connections between the United States and the world.

Thomas Hermschulte is the Chief Executive Officer of BITEC LLC, bringing more than 25 years of international experience in technology, software development, business strategy, sales, and marketing. Originally from Germany and now based in California, he has built his career by helping businesses turn ideas into practical, scalable solutions that deliver measurable results. His background combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of business development, allowing him to bridge the gap between innovation and execution.

Throughout his career, Thomas has worked with organizations ranging from startups to global enterprises, leading cross-functional teams and developing long-term client relationships built on trust and transparency. His experience spans software development, digital transformation, AI-driven business solutions, international trade, and strategic consulting.

As CEO of BITEC LLC, Thomas focuses on connecting businesses with the right technology, talent, and strategy to accelerate growth. Working closely with BITEC's highly skilled development team in Bangladesh, he is committed to delivering high-quality solutions while fostering strong partnerships between clients in the United States and exceptional engineering talent overseas.

Thomas believes that successful business is built on integrity, clear communication, and creating lasting value for every client. His leadership philosophy centers on understanding each client's unique challenges and developing solutions that support sustainable growth rather than short-term gains.

Whether leading digital transformation initiatives, building strategic partnerships, or helping organizations embrace emerging technologies, Thomas remains committed to innovation, excellence, and long-term success.