Founders

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Konnie Vong-Jystad is the Founder and Vice President of Operations of Charging Cities, a company redefining electric vehicle charging by transforming traditional charging stations into premium destinations that combine hospitality, wellness, technology, and community.

A first-generation immigrant and refugee from Vietnam, Konnie’s entrepreneurial journey reflects resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to creating meaningful impact. Living with a hearing disability throughout her life, she learned to overcome significant challenges through perseverance, adaptability, and relentless hard work. Those experiences have shaped her leadership philosophy and her belief that obstacles can become opportunities for innovation and growth.

Konnie earned her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Acupuncture and built a successful career centered on health, wellness, and human connection. Before co-founding Charging Cities, she founded and operated a thriving women’s-only health and fitness resort, growing it into a community of more than 4,000 members. Her experience building a customer-focused business from the ground up provided deep expertise in operations, hospitality, membership growth, customer retention, and creating exceptional guest experiences.

At Charging Cities, Konnie leads operations, customer experience, and strategic implementation as the company develops a next-generation EV charging network designed to serve both drivers and local communities. Her vision extends beyond charging infrastructure—she is helping build destinations where travelers can recharge themselves while their vehicles recharge.

Konnie believes the future of mobility is about more than transportation; it is about creating environments that improve quality of life, foster community, and support healthier lifestyles. Her background in healthcare, hospitality, and business operations provides Charging Cities with a unique competitive advantage as the company develops scalable, experience-driven EV destinations.

As a founder, Konnie brings operational discipline, entrepreneurial experience, and a deeply personal story of perseverance that resonates with customers, partners, and investors alike. Her leadership reflects Charging Cities’ mission to build an innovative national charging network that delivers long-term value while positively impacting the communities it serves.

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.