Our Team
Behind every program, partnership, and innovation effort at the Northwest Tech Bridge is a passionate and collaborative team. We’re a group of problem-solvers, connectors, and innovators who work closely with partners to turn ideas into action. Meet the people who help bring the Tech Bridge mission to life every day.
JOHANNES SCHONBERG
NW Tech Bridge Director
Born and raised in Washington State, Johannes brings a solid Navy background as a former enlisted nuclear machinist mate and graduate of the US Naval Academy (USNA Class of ‘07). On the private side, he transitioned to technology startups and eventually founded and ran Bunker Labs Seattle with a mission to support veterans and military spouses in becoming entrepreneurs and startup founders.
Johannes brought that experience back into the Navy as part of the founding team of NavalX and back at Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Keyport as the founder and Director of the Northwest Tech Bridge. Today, he serves as both the Director of the NW Tech Bridge and the Technology Transfer Program at NUWC Keyport.
DAVE KOWALICK
Dave Kowalick is a seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience across the military, government, and private sectors. As part of the Pacific Northwest Tech Bridge team, he specializes in non-dilutive funding strategies and advising emerging tech companies on navigating government R&D opportunities. A retired U.S. Navy Captain, Dave has held leadership roles at NOAA and NUWC Keyport, managed multi-million-dollar contracts, and guided startups through growth and strategic exits. His background includes venture capital, defense acquisition, and technology commercialization, and he holds three graduate degrees from MIT, as well as CISSP and DAWIA Level 3 certifications.
ALANNA IMBACH
Strategic Partner, Innovation & Ecosystem Engagement
Alanna Imbach is an innovation ecosystem leader focused on connecting entrepreneurs, emerging technologies, and both public- and private-sector partners. She brings more than 15 years of experience spanning international development, advocacy, communications, and community-based economic growth, including work with the United Nations globally. Locally, Alanna is the founder of Vibe Coworks and Executive Director of Matchstick Lab, where she designs founder-led programs that support commercialization, access to capital, and cross-sector collaboration. Through Northwest Tech Bridge, she helps strengthen pathways between regional innovators and Naval research and technology opportunities.
MITCH KOONZ
Communication Manager
Mitch Koonz is a communications and marketing professional specializing in digital strategy and economic development. As Communication Manager for the Clallam EDC, he leads communications for several Washington-based programs, overseeing digital marketing, content strategy, website development, public outreach, and business support initiatives. Passionate about fostering local business growth, Mitch also serves as President of the Sequim-Dungeness Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. At Northwest Tech Bridge, Mitch spotlights regional tech innovation, amplifying entrepreneurs’ stories and connecting their ideas to new opportunities.
Partner Organizations
