ATX Robotics is overseen by a Board of Directors that is actively engaged in strategic planning for the growth of Howdy Bots and the addition of more teams, in relationship development, and in community involvement with the aim of promoting STEAM. All of the board members are leaders in their respective fields and organizations, representing engineering, business, and education.
Chirag Dhruv
President of ATX Robotics
Chirag Dhruv is an Engineering Leader with over 25 years of experience in semiconductor industry focusing on IP/SOC/System level architecture, design, and validation. He currently works with Apple helping build cutting edge Apple Silicon. He has successfully led large, cross-functional engineering teams to develop and deliver innovative and power-efficient products at multiple technology companies. His expertise in aligning engineering, program, and cross-organizational efforts is a valuable asset.
Chirag has experience co-founding a tech startup and working with Non-Profit organizations helping them with outreach and funding efforts. As a dedicated advocate for STEM education, Chirag has coached a FIRST LEGO League (FLL) team for more than two years, sharing his passion for robotics with young students. His decades of professional experience in technology, combined with his hands-on mentorship in youth robotics, strongly align with the mission of ATX Robotics. Chirag first engaged with HowdyBots team as his Son joined HowdyBots in 2024 and his daughter graduated from FLL to FRC, and he found home with HowdyBots.
Evan Marchman
TREASURER of ATX Robotics
Evan Marchman founded ATX Robotics in 2016 and served as President through October 2022. Additionally, he served as the Head Coach and lead Technical Mentor for the “Howdy Bots” through the 2022 season and has reassumed Head Coach for the 2026 season. Mr. Marchman has worked as an engineer for over twenty years in the Austin tech community and is currently a Staff Electrical Engineer for Pattern Bioscience. Mr. Marchman holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical and Audio Engineering from the University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL. He has three children who have been previously homeschooled and currently attend public school, Austin Community College, and Colorado School of Mines.
Oscar Fonseca
Secretary of ATX Robotics
Oscar works at NI as a Program Manager in the transportation business unit focused on electric vehicle applications. He is a FIRST alumnus, mentor, and volunteer, and has mentored the Howdy Bots since the 2018 season. Oscar received his bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics Engineering from the Universidad Panamericana and is an MBA candidate in the University of Texas McCombs School of Business class of 2023.
Scott Brondel
BoARD MEMBer of ATX Robotics
As a Senior Cloud Solutions Architect with Microsoft, Scott helps companies protect, detect, and respond to security incidents through training and implementation of new technologies. He has served as a mentor for the Howdy Bots since the 2019 season and served as Head Coach for the 2023-2025 seasons. Scott holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from the University of Missouri-Rolla (now known as Missouri University of Science and Technology). He is the proud father of two homeschooled students who are Howdy Bots alumni.
Peter Anzalone
BOARD MEMBER of ATX ROBOTICS
Peter is active in the Austin Startup Community. A 31-year veteran of the telecommunications industry and founder of three engineering companies, he brings a diverse skill set to both ATX Robotics and the Howdy Bots. Mr. Anzalone holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from the University of Texas at Austin and is the proud father of two grown children.
Amanda Merced
BOARD MEMBER of ATX ROBOTICS
Amanda is an experienced technology transactions attorney who has negotiated all manner of complex technology transactions on both the buy and sell sides. Amanda focuses her practice on complex transactions involving technology and intellectual property, though she has broad experience in the areas of corporate compliance, risk management, and corporate governance. Amanda has served as a senior leader within both Unicorn start-ups and Fortune 100 regulated companies.
Throughout her career, Amanda has been known for her ability to identify, pursue, and execute partnership-minded and practical solutions. Amanda is an alumnus of the University of Texas at Austin, and lives in Austin with her husband, two children, and a mischievous cat.
Andre Espada
BOARD MEMBER of ATX ROBOTICS
Andre Espada is a Certified Supply Chain Professional with 18+ years of experience in the semiconductor industry, specializing in sales and manufacturing operations. He currently serves as a Business Operations Manager at Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), where he leads initiatives that drive operational excellence and strategic growth.
Andre earned his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Mapúa University. Based in Georgetown, TX, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters—especially supporting his youngest, who’s part of the HowdyBots Team.