About Us

"Ten years from now, the world will not remember a time when automated safety technology wasn’t a part of their daily lives."

Avery Piantedosi

Founder of LifeKnight

Pioneering AI-Driven Detection and Emergency Response

Avery Piantedosi is a trailblazing entrepreneur and industry innovator in AI-powered safety technology. As Founder & CEO of LifeKnight, Inc., she is transforming how emergencies are detected and directed—eliminating delays, reducing risk, and ensuring rapid response when every second counts.

At the heart of her vision is LifeKnight’s AI-enabled platform, which powers the LOIS Safety App and wearable integrations. This technology detects critical incidents—falls, medical emergencies, workplace hazards—in real time, using biometrics, smart wearables, and AI-driven anomaly detection. It then automatically directs emergency calls to the right responders, whether 911, GSOCs, or private emergency networks, bypassing outdated, manual processes.

Under Avery’s leadership, LifeKnight has secured strategic partnerships with IBM Watson and NVIDIA Inception, positioning the company as a leader in AI-enhanced safety solutions. With over nine years of experience in safety technology, Avery has built and scaled solutions that protect corporate security teams, senior living facilities, lone workers, and high-risk workplaces.

Her mission is clear: to revolutionize emergency detection and response, ensuring that help arrives faster, smarter, and without human delays.

FOUNDING / MANAGEMENT TEAM

Our team and board of advisors has some of the industry's most highly regarded experts in technology, telecom, finance, business and law.

Avery Piantedosi

Founder & CEO

  • 20 + Years of entrepreneurial experience
  • Four prior companies with millions in sales
  • Product Architect of LOIS
  • System Automation Expert

MANAGEMENT TEAM

Our team and board of advisors has some of the industry's most highly regarded experts in technology, telecom, finance, business and law.

Michael Crown

Co-Founder & CTO, LifeKnight, Inc.

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Kelli Richards

Strategic Advisor, LifeKnight, Inc.

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Buffy Payne

Lead Security Advisor, LifeKnight, Inc.

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Matt Payne

Chief Security Advisor, LifeKnight, Inc.

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Nancy Benovich Gilby

Lead Tech Advisor, LifeKnight, Inc.

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Michael Crown

Co-Founder & CTO, LifeKnight, Inc.

Michael Crown is a technology visionary and seasoned executive with extensive experience in AI, telecom, and public safety innovations. As Co-Founder and CTO of LifeKnight, Inc., he is driving the development of cutting-edge AI-powered detection and emergency response solutions, ensuring seamless integration with 911, GSOCs, and corporate security networks.

With over 30 years in technology leadership, Michael has scaled companies, led multimillion-dollar infrastructure projects, and pioneered advancements in UCaaS, CCaaS, CPaaS, and AI-driven automation. His expertise spans telecom network development, cloud communications, and mission-critical safety technologies—making him instrumental in LifeKnight’s ability to detect emergencies in real time and direct immediate response.

Previously, Michael held executive roles at Samsung Electronics, JDS Uniphase, and multiple high-growth technology firms, leading engineering, product development, and global business strategy. As the Founder of Fractel LLC and Managing Partner at Sol Advisors, he has been a key player in emerging tech ecosystems, specializing in real-time communications, AI, and network optimization.

At LifeKnight, Michael is spearheading the next generation of AI-driven safety solutions, ensuring that LifeKnight’s wearable-integrated platform, LOIS Safety App, and enterprise API provide seamless, automated, and life-saving emergency response.

Kelli Richards

Strategic Advisor, LifeKnight, Inc.

Kelli Richards is a renowned strategist, super-connector, and industry pioneer at the intersection of technology, media, and business innovation. As Strategic Advisor at LifeKnight, Inc., she brings decades of expertise in growth strategy, business development, and forging high-impact partnerships to help scale AI-driven safety solutions in corporate security, public safety, and enterprise technology.

A former Director of Music & Entertainment Markets at Apple, Kelli has spent over 25 years guiding visionary founders, industry leaders, and tech innovators. She has played a pivotal role in launching market-first technologies, shaping emerging industries, and connecting disruptive startups with global leaders. As the Founder & CEO of All Access Group, LLC, she has worked with Silicon Valley executives, top media companies, and pioneering AI startups to drive innovation and market adoption.

With deep expertise in AI, digital transformation, and industry partnerships, Kelli ensures that LifeKnight remains at the forefront of emergency detection and response technology. Her ability to bridge industries, unlock new opportunities, and scale impact-driven solutions makes her an invaluable part of LifeKnight’s mission to redefine safety through AI-powered innovation.

Buffy Payne

Lead Security Advisor, LifeKnight, Inc.

Buffy Payne is a seasoned security executive with over 25 years of expertise in global risk management, crisis response, and corporate security strategy. As LifeKnight’s Lead Security Advisor, she brings extensive experience in physical security, emergency management, investigations, and enterprise risk mitigation.

Previously, Buffy served as Chief Security Officer (CSO) at Novelis, where she developed and led comprehensive global security programs, overseeing physical security, crisis management, and executive protection across an international footprint. She has also held senior investigative roles at Equifax and JPMorgan Chase, managing high-profile fraud operations, law enforcement collaboration, and forensic financial analysis.

Buffy is also a Certified Fraud Examiner and founder of the Outer Circle Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans and first responders through PTSD awareness, suicide prevention, and transition support. Her deep understanding of emergency response, risk assessment, and crisis mitigation makes her a key leader in LifeKnight’s mission to revolutionize safety through AI-driven detection and response.

Matt Payne

Chief Security Advisor, LifeKnight, Inc.

Matt Payne is a highly decorated security expert and former U.S. Air Force Combat Controller with decades of experience in global security operations, crisis management, and emergency response. As Chief Security Advisor at LifeKnight, Inc., he leverages his expertise to enhance AI-driven detection and emergency response solutions for corporate security teams, first responders, and high-risk workplaces.

Matt’s career spans military special operations, law enforcement, and corporate security leadership. He has held executive security roles at Epic Games, PayPal, and Intuit, where he built and led global security, crisis response, and emergency management programs. As Chief of Police and Director of Global Security Operations, he managed high-risk investigations, counterterrorism strategies, and rapid-response protocols across multinational organizations.

Matt is also the co-founder of the Outer Circle Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans and first responders through PTSD awareness, suicide prevention, and career transition support. His deep understanding of security, risk mitigation, and emergency response makes him a key force behind LifeKnight’s mission to revolutionize safety through AI-powered detection and real-time intervention.

Nancy Benovich Gilby

Lead Tech Advisor, LifeKnight, Inc.

Nancy Benovich Gilby is a renowned technology leader, serial entrepreneur, and product innovation expert with a track record of building, scaling, and driving adoption for groundbreaking technologies. As LifeKnight’s Lead Tech Advisor, she brings deep expertise in AI-driven product development, platform scalability, and market adoption strategies.

With 13 high-tech startups, 8 successful exits, and 12 market-first product launches, Nancy has been instrumental in bringing disruptive technologies from concept to millions of users. She has led multiple venture-backed companies, raised over 12 rounds of funding, and holds multiple patents in software and AI-driven innovation.

Nancy has been at the forefront of transformational technologies, playing a key role in pioneering early Java development, the first online communities (Firefly), personalized web experiences (MyYahoo), and intelligent voice interfaces (Wildfire). Her expertise in AI, security technology, and enterprise platforms directly supports LifeKnight’s mission to revolutionize safety through real-time detection and automated emergency response.

As an advisor, executive, and investor, Nancy continues to push the boundaries of AI-driven safety solutions, ensuring LifeKnight’s technology remains at the cutting edge of real-time emergency detection, wearables integration, and seamless security response.