Management Team

Mr. Piluso holds the positions of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer at Data Storage Corporation. Additionally, assumed the role of Treasurer in 2020. His entrepreneurial spirit led to the co-founding of our subsidiary, CloudFirst Technologies Corporation, in 2001. Prior to his tenure at Data Storage Corporation, Mr. Piluso co-founded North American Telecommunication Corporation, serving as its Chairman and President, and played a pivotal role in its growth as a facilities-based Competitive Local Exchange Carrier licensed in ten states. His leadership extended to International Telecommunications Corporation, where he served as Chairman and Founder, culminating in a successful consolidation that went public in 1997 with a value of $800 million. Mr. Piluso's academic credentials include a bachelor’s degree, a Master of Arts in Political Science and Public Administration, and a Master of Business Administration, all earned from St. John’s University. Past roles include Instructor Professor at St. John’s University, College of Business, and his service on the Board of Trustees of Molloy College from 2001 to 2013. Additionally, he has contributed to institutions such as St. John’s University, where he served on the Board of Governors from 2001 to 2016, earning the title of Governor Emeritus. Currently, Mr. Piluso serves on the Board of Advisors for the Nassau County Police Department Foundation. 

Mr. Schwartz assumes the pivotal roles of President and Director at our organization, a position he has held since December 2016. His contributions to the Company's success extend beyond his tenure as Treasurer from 2016 to 2020. Additionally, he serves as President of CloudFirst and holds a seat on its board of directors. With a professional background spanning from 1988 to 2016, Mr. Schwartz served as Vice President of ABC Services, Inc., a company he co-founded. During his tenure, he played a key role in steering the strategic direction, operations, and business development of ABC Services and other affiliated ventures. Over the course of three decades, Mr. Schwartz has leveraged his expertise in IBM business systems, business continuity, and cybersecurity to empower organizations in enhancing IT performance, safeguarding data, and optimizing costs. Mr. Schwartz's entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish Systems Trading, Inc. in 1997, a technology leasing company, where he currently serves as Chief Executive Officer and President. Prior to founding these ventures, he honed his skills collaborating with various IBM business partners. Mr. Schwartz obtained his bachelor’s degree in business from California State University in San Bernardino.

Mr. Kempster brings a wealth of experience to his role as Executive Vice President and Director, a position he has held since February 2020, along with his membership on our Board since December 2016. Prior to his current executive positions, Mr. Kempster served as the President of Service Delivery until 2021, where he played a pivotal role in laying the foundation for the company’s acclaimed customer service standards. His leadership directly contributed to the establishment of the highly rated customer service that distinguishes our company today. Before joining Data Storage Corporation, Mr. Kempster founded ABC Services in 1994 and served as its president until 2016. ABC Services, an IBM Premier partner, specialized in providing managed services, equipment, and software, with a particular focus on IBM Power systems. In 2012, ABC Services embarked on a joint venture with Data Storage Corporation, leading to the establishment of Secure Infrastructure and Services (SIAS). This collaboration marked a significant milestone in providing cloud infrastructure on IBM Power systems. Ultimately, in 2016, ABC Services was acquired by Data Storage Corporation.

Mr. Panagiotakos assumed the role of Chief Financial Officer for the Company on May 18, 2021. Prior to joining us, he served as the Vice President, Corporate Controller of Cineverse Corp., formerly Cinedigm Corp., from April 2017 to March 2021. In this capacity, he oversaw the company’s accounting function, managed external audits, ensured compliance, and implemented controls while also focusing on staff training and development. Preceding his tenure as Vice President, Corporate Controller, Mr. Panagiotakos held the position of Corporate Assistant Controller at Cinedigm Corp. from October 2013 to April 2017. With over 26 years of experience in public company accounting, Mr. Panagiotakos brings a wealth of expertise to our financial leadership team. His extensive background includes various roles within the accounting department at Young Broadcasting Inc. from September 2004 to October 2013, including serving as Controller of one of its divisions and as Assistant Corporate Controller. Mr. Panagiotakos is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Bernard M. Baruch College, as well as a Master of Business Administration from Texas A&M University-Commerce. His comprehensive knowledge and proficiency in public company accounting matters make him a valuable asset to our financial operations.