Raph Copeland
Founder
Raph Copeland is a multifaceted professional whose career spans cybersecurity, information technology, creative arts, and community service. Born in The Bronx and raised in Westchester County, New York, his professional journey began in 1994 and has since evolved into a distinguished career in systems and cybersecurity, marked by leadership roles, international engagements, and public recognition. He is the founder of Copeland Technology LLC.
Copeland has held positions across a wide spectrum of organizations, including private firms, nonprofit institutions, and government agencies. Notably, he served as Chief Technology Officer for a private equity firm and its affiliated hedge fund, overseeing complex systems and security infrastructure. His expertise has been sought in major cities across the United States and abroad, including New York City, Hong Kong, Beijing, Biloxi (Mississippi), Ann Arbor (Michigan), West Windsor and Lakewood (New Jersey), Rye and Elmsford (New York), and Los Angeles (California).
His international work includes a pivotal role in 2003, when he led cybersecurity efforts for eight major medical schools across eight cities in China. Earlier, in 2000, he contributed to systems development in Hong Kong. In 2022, Copeland uncovered a significant cybersecurity breach in East Windsor, New Jersey, prompting a public response that included filing multiple Open Public Records Act requests. His efforts helped safeguard the township’s 30,000 residents and earned coverage in New Jersey newspapers, MSNBC, and leading cybersecurity publications.
Beyond his technical accomplishments, Copeland is deeply engaged in the creative arts. He manages the New York City thrash metal band CHAKA and has worked with or managed seven bands in total. His directorial debut for the music video for Butterbrain’s “Hold Tight” —premiered exclusively on Punknews.org on Inauguration Day 2025. His involvement in the music scene reflects a broader commitment to artistic expression and cultural engagement.
Copeland is also a competitive tournament chess player and pool player. His hobbies reflect a wide range of interests, including Linux systems, Scandinavian artwork, coin collecting, Chinese sculpture, lockpicking, and scam and fraud detection. These pursuits underscore his curiosity and analytical approach to both technology and culture.
His commitment to community service is equally notable. Copeland has volunteered for multiple charitable organizations, providing backend systems support and refurbishing computers for donation to families in need in Hightstown, New Jersey. His technical skills have been leveraged to empower underserved communities and enhance digital access.
As a writer and editor, Copeland’s work has been published in major medical journals, books, and press releases, and translated into four languages. His contributions reflect a high level of expertise and a capacity to communicate complex ideas across disciplines and audiences.
In 2011, Copeland was honored with a formal citation for heroism after rescuing a woman and her infant from a serious car accident in Lakewood, New Jersey. The citation was presented during a Joint Legislative session of the State Senate and General Assembly in Trenton, sponsored by State Senator Robert S. Singer and Assemblymen Joseph R. Malone and Ronald S. Dancer. This act of courage highlights his commitment to public service and personal integrity.
In May 2025, Copeland spoke at a Hands Off rally in New York City, advocating for the rights of LGBTQ+ youth. The event drew over 2,000 attendees and underscored his dedication to social justice and youth empowerment.
Raph Copeland is a father of three and continues to balance his professional, creative, and civic endeavors with a deep sense of purpose. His career and personal life reflect a rare blend of technical mastery, artistic vision, and humanitarian commitment.
Copeland holds a B.A. in Pschology from Binghamton University and resides in White Plains, New York.
Annika Copeland
Limited Partner
A native of San Antonio, Texas, Annika contributes very little to knifetwister records and likely has no idea that she is a partner.
Annika enjoys food, going for walks, and lying around doing nothing. She dislikes fire truck sirens, baths and squirrels. Her connection to music includes attending Rock Against Racism in 2024 in New York City and eating like 4 hot dogs. In 2025, she appeared in the music video for Butterbrain’s “Hold Tight”.
Annika resides in White Plains, New York.