The 2025 Chang Robotics Annual Celebration

Chang Robotics
Dec 17
4 min read

On December 12, the Chang Robotics team gathered in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, for our 2025 Annual Company Celebration. Thirty-plus team members from across the country came together in person at Margaritaville Beach Hotel in Jacksonville Beach for a full day focused on purpose, innovation, and impact. This annual meeting goes beyond a simple company update; it’s a time to reflect on why we do what we do, celebrate our progress, and align on our future direction.

Opening the Day with Purpose

Founder Matthew Chang opened the meeting by welcoming the team and setting the tone with prayer, reading Psalm 46 as a reminder of the foundation that guides Chang Robotics. His message focused on purpose, why our work matters, and how each role contributes to something larger than ourselves.

Thought Leader Presentations

Kristin Keen – Founder, Rethreaded

Kristin Keen shared the inspiring journey of Rethreaded, an organization that empowers survivors of human trafficking through meaningful employment and community support. Kristin reminded the team that our roles are not our purpose—purpose becomes part of the roles we step into. Her message emphasized the power of courage, thankfulness, and empathy in creating work that truly matters.

Shawn Maxwell – COO, Church of Eleven22

Shawn Maxwell spoke about what it takes to scale an organization with clarity and intention. Drawing from his experience at Church of Eleven22, he discussed the importance of uniting around a shared vision and building systems for where you are going—not just where you are. He challenged the team to clearly define what success looks like, measure the “win,” and act as vision implementers who turn ideas into scalable reality.

Cristina Vanderbeck – Vice President, Next League

Cristina Vanderbeck explored the evolving intersection of AI, robotics, and sports technology. She explained how AI and robotics are transforming the sports industry, improving fan engagement, streamlining operations, and creating smarter, more connected venues. Her talk emphasized how technology functions best when it feels invisible, serving as the foundation for better experiences, stronger brand connections, and new revenue streams across tickets, sponsorships, and engagement.

Dr. Tammie McClafferty – CEO, Lifework Leadership

Dr. Tammie McClafferty discussed Chang Robotics' fruitful work, faith-based impact, and global influence through the company's charitable donations. She explained how purpose-driven organizations can change communities by combining education, enterprise, and evangelism. Her message linked the company’s efforts to a greater calling, using innovation and faith to create meaningful, lasting change worldwide while also addressing burnout through aligned, mission-focused work.

Dr. Nahshon Nicks – Founder, Team Nitro MMA

Nahshon Nicks began his time by reading a powerful prayer written specifically for Chang Robotics. He then shared a framework for living out purpose through Imprint, Blueprint, and Footprint—connecting your purpose, your plan, and your path. His encouragement reminded the team to approach the year ahead with intention, clarity, and purpose.

Ryan Smith – President, First Coast Metalworks

Ryan Smith shared his vision for the upcoming Jacksonville Innovation Hub, created to gather the resources founders and entrepreneurs need to succeed. The hub will act as a collaborative ecosystem, linking talent, ideas, and capital to foster innovation in Jacksonville and beyond.heard

Forrest Hayes – General Partner, Chang Robotics Fund

Forrest Hayes discussed impact investing and how aligning capital with mission creates long-term value. He tied these principles directly to the Chang Robotics Fund, highlighting how intentional investment can drive innovation while staying rooted in purpose.

We then got to hear updates from the team! ⬇️

🤝 Don Capener, PhD, gave the team some business development updates.

🧬 Dr. Tim Wei gave an update on GO-Eco™️, Chang Robotics' advancement in graphene oxide in partnership with Northwestern University.

Javier Fernandez - Chief Operating Officer of Kodiak Tech

💡 Javier Fernandez presented on Kodiak Tech and what the team is excited about in 2026.

🩺 Kate McAfoose & Doug Masters gave an update on Curabotics, Chang Robotics' healthcare company.

📊 Cheyenne LeMaire, Laine Smith, and Corinne Grabow gave an update on marketing and our growth in the media this year, including publishing over 30 thought leadership articles and white papers.

📰 Cheryl Conner shared more updates on awards and media in her PR Strategy presentation.

🤖 Ross Barnard gave an update on all the IP endeavors our team is currently seeking.

📈 Philip Blackwelder discussed technology development and gave specific examples of how we actively do so in our company.

💰 Phil Hudgens gave a financial update.

🧡 Kate McAfoose, P.E. finished our day with a heartfelt thank you to the team for a great year and shared exciting wins for Q4 and upcoming engagements for the new year!

Engineering Workshop

As part of the meeting, the team participated in a hands-on engineering workshop focused on real manufacturing challenges the company is currently tackling. Teams were tasked with developing a robotics-based solution to solve a real-world problem.

Each group developed a complete concept—including product name and branding, cost structure, ROI, and a sales pitch—then presented their solution to a panel of judges. The workshop highlighted creativity, teamwork, and the entrepreneurial spirit that characterizes Chang Robotics.

Gift Shoutout

This year’s gifts included a Chang Robotics mug, Rethreaded toffee, a 3D-printed ornament, and a Chang Robotics merch item. Special thanks to Joe Durham for designing and producing the ornaments for the team!

We’re grateful to support partners who reflect our values and contribute meaningfully to both the experience and the mission.