Founders

---

Konnie Vong-Jystad is the Founder and Vice President of Operations at Charging Cities, where she helps shape the vision for a new generation of electric vehicle charging experiences centered around community, wellness, and lifestyle. With a Ph.D. in Acupuncture, Konnie brings a unique perspective that blends health, human connection, and operational excellence into the future of EV infrastructure.

Before co-founding Charging Cities, Konnie built and operated a 2 acre women’s-only health and fitness resort, growing it into a thriving community of more than 4,000 members. Through this experience, she developed deep expertise in customer service, hospitality, and creating environments where people feel connected and supported. Her ability to build loyal communities and deliver high-quality member experiences now informs the culture and service philosophy behind Charging Cities.

A passionate fitness enthusiast and wellness advocate, Konnie believes that the places people go—whether for health, work, or charging their vehicles—should enhance their lifestyle. At Charging Cities, she focuses on operations, guest experience, and community engagement, ensuring that every location delivers a welcoming and elevated charging environment.

Konnie is especially passionate about people connection and health awareness. She regularly shares her knowledge through events, community programming, and educational initiatives that promote wellness alongside the evolving EV lifestyle. Her leadership helps position Charging Cities as more than a charging station—it is a destination that supports both modern mobility and personal well-being.

Through her vision and operational leadership, Konnie is helping redefine the future of charging, building spaces where technology, community, and wellness come together to power the next generation of the charging world. 

Robert Jystad is President and Co-Founder of Charging Cities, where he leads the development and deployment of next-generation EV charging infrastructure across urban markets. Drawing on decades of experience in telecommunications infrastructure, Robert specializes in scaling complex, capital-intensive networks and navigating regulatory environments to accelerate rollout and adoption.

Prior to founding Charging Cities, Robert served as a regional manager at Crown Castle, overseeing large-scale infrastructure deployments across Northern and Southern California. His work focused on site acquisition, municipal coordination, and network expansion—expertise he now applies to the rapidly evolving EV charging sector.

Robert is also a seasoned attorney and industry advocate. He co-founded the California Wireless Association, a long-standing trade organization representing carriers, tower companies, and vendors, where he played a key role in shaping policy and streamlining infrastructure deployment. He also founded Channel Law Group, advising clients on telecommunications, land use, and infrastructure strategy.

At Charging Cities, Robert brings together legal, operational, and infrastructure expertise to deliver scalable charging solutions that support electrification, grid integration, and smart city growth.

Robert holds graduate degrees from Princeton University, Columbia University, and University of California, Los Angeles.

Mark Guillen is the Co‑Founder and Chief Strategic Relationship Officer at Charging Cities, where he leads business development, public partnerships, and strategic growth initiatives that support the company’s mission to transform the EV charging experience into one centered on people, community, and connection.

Mark brings more than two decades of experience in government affairs, business consulting, and community engagement. Before co‑founding Charging Cities, he led Guillen Consulting, a California‑based firm specializing in public affairs and infrastructure strategy. His work advising Fortune 500 companies, municipalities, and emerging technology ventures honed his ability to navigate complex partnerships and advance projects that deliver long-term community and environmental impact.

A visionary connector and relationship builder, Mark is passionate about bridging the worlds of technology, mobility, and human experience. His approach emphasizes collaboration and trust—fostering alliances across public and private sectors to expand access to cleaner transportation and create spaces that enhance daily life.

At Charging Cities, Mark focuses on strategic relationships, brand partnerships, and stakeholder engagement to ensure each project not only enhances mobility but also enriches the fabric of the communities it serves. His leadership reflects a belief that innovation and partnership go hand in hand—and that the next generation of charging destinations should bring people together as much as they power vehicles.