2022 NASS Speaker Lineup
Keynote Speaker:
Lt. Gen. Nina M. Armagno
Director of Staff
U.S. Space Force
Lt. Gen. Nina M. Armagno will serve as Tuesday’s keynote speaker. She is the Director of Staff, Headquarters, U.S. Space Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia. In this role, she synchronizes policy, plans, positions, procedures, and cross functional issues for the U.S. Space Force headquarters staff.
Keynote Speaker:
LT. General (RET.) David J. Buck
President of BRPH Mission Solutions
Lieutenant General David Buck served in the U.S. Air Force for 40 years with a career dedicated to space, nuclear and cyberspace operations. He directed USSTRATCOM space forces in support of national security and combatant commander objectives. Leading over 19,500 men and women, Lt Gen Buck was responsible for protecting and defending critical U.S. and allied space capabilities. He is a highly recognized expert in space operations, twice testifying before the HASC regarding the necessity of maintaining freedom of action in space. In 2018, Lt Gen Buck retired as Commander, Joint Functional Component Command for Space and Commander and 14th Air Force at Vandenberg Air Force Base. He now serves as President of BRPH Mission Solutions where he unlocks potential and spurs client growth endeavors spanning the aerospace, defense, national security and manufacturing industries. Lt Gen Buck will discuss the importance of leveraging commercial capabilities to address top DoD priorities in, through, and from space.
Kareem Ahmed
Associate Professor, Dept of Mechanical & Aerospace Eng.
University of Central Florida
Rajesh Kumar
Associate Director of Research
Raytheon Technologies Research Center (RTRC)
Dr. Hans Mumm
Former Division Chief Cyber Security (ODNI) Former Branch Chief at the CIA
BIO: Kareem Ahmed
University of Central Florida
BIO: Lt. Gen. Nina M. Armagno
Lt. Gen. Nina M. Armagno is the Director of Staff, Headquarters, U.S. Space Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia. In this role, she synchronizes policy, plans, positions, procedures, and cross functional issues for the U.S. Space Force headquarters staff.
Lt. Gen. Armagno earned her commission and graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in June 1988. She is a career space operator with over 32 years of operational experience. She is the only person to have commanded both launch wings in the United States Air Force, and she is the first woman General Officer commissioned in the United States Space Force.
Prior to her current assignment, Lt. Gen. Armagno was the Director, Space Programs, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Acquisition, Washington, D.C. She directed the development and procurement of space programs to Air Force major commands, product centers and laboratories. Her responsibilities included crafting program strategies and options for representing Air Force positions to Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the office of the Secretary of Defense, Congress and the White House. She has also served as Director of Plans and Policy, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. She was directly responsible to the USSTRATCOM Commander for the development and implementation of national security policy and guidance, military strategy, space and weapons employment policy and concepts and joint doctrine as they apply to the command and the execution of its mission. She also served as the Director of Strategic Plans, Programs, Requirements and Analysis, Headquarters Air Force Space Command, Peterson AFB, Colorado; Commander, 45th Space Wing, and Director, Eastern Range, Patrick AFB, Florida; Commander, 30th Space Wing, Vandenberg AFB, California; Commander and Deputy Commander, 21st Operations Group, Peterson AFB, Colorado; Senior Military Assistant and Chief of Staff to the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation, Office of the Secretary of Defense; Squadron and Installation Commander, 6th Space Warning Squadron, Cape Cod Air Force Station, Massachusetts; and Director of Operations, 1st Space Launch Squadron, Cape Canaveral AFS, Florida. Her experience in space systems operations includes combat-mission-ready operator, instructor, evaluator and flight commander in strategic missile warning, space surveillance, space control, space launch and theater missile warning mission areas. In addition, she has held staff assignments at Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Headquarters Air Force Space Command, Headquarters 14th Air Force and the 381st Training Group, and has served as an Air Force Legislative Fellow in the Office of Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher.
EDUCATION
1988 Bachelor of Science, Biology, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo.
1992 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.
1999 Master of Arts, Education Administration and Management, Chapman University, Calif.
2000 Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala., by correspondence.
2002 Air Force Legislative Fellowship, Washington, D.C.
2003 Certificate in Legislative Studies, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
2003 Air War College, Maxwell AFB, Ala., by correspondence.
2007 Master of Science, National Security Studies, National War College, Washington, D.C.
2010 U.S. Air Force Enterprise Leadership Seminar, University of Virginia, Darden School of Business, Charlottesville
2010 Leadership Development Program, Center for Creative Leadership, Colorado Springs, Colo.
2014 Senior Leader Orientation Course, Washington, D.C.
2014 Capstone General and Flag Officer Course, National Defense University, Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C.
2016 Senior Joint Information Operations Application Course, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
2018 Senior Executives in National and International Security Program, Harvard Kennedy School, Boston, Mass.
2019 Cyberspace Operations Executive Course, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
2019 Advanced Senior Leader Development Seminar, Warrenton, Va.
2019 Senior Acquisition Management Course, Defense Acquisition University, Fort Belvoir, Va.
ASSIGNMENTS
1. July 1988–November 1988, Student, Undergraduate Space Training, Lowry Air Force Base, Colo.
2. November 1988–December 1988, Student, Combat Crew Training, Peterson AFB, Colo.
3. January 1989–February 1993, Missile Warning Crew Commander, Chief of Training and Chief, Standardization/Evaluation, 7th Space Warning Squadron, Beale AFB, Calif.
4. March 1993–November 1994, Chief, Operations Training, 21st Operations Support Squadron, Peterson AFB, Colo.
5. November 1994–September 1996, Flight Commander, 11th Space Warning Squadron, Schriever AFB, Colo.
6. September 1996–July 1998, Instructor and Flight Commander, 533rd Training Squadron, Vandenberg AFB, Calif.
7. July 1998–July 1999, Executive Officer, 381st Training Group, Vandenberg AFB, Calif.
8. July 1999–July 2000, Chief, Warning Operations, Headquarters 14th Air Force, Vandenberg AFB, Calif.
9. July 2000–September 2001, Operations Officer, 1st Space Launch Squadron, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
10. September 2001–September 2002, Air Force Legislative Fellow, Washington, D.C.
11. September 2002–May 2003, Chief, ground-based warning, Headquarters Air Force, the Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
12. June 2003–December 2004, Commander, 6th Space Warning Squadron, Cape Cod AFS, Mass.
13. December 2004–July 2006, Deputy Commander, 21st Operations Group, Peterson AFB, Colo.
14. July 2006–June 2007, Student, National War College, Washington, D.C.
15. June 2007–May 2008, Military Assistant for Space and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Systems to the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Washington, D.C.
16. May 2008–June 2009, Senior Military Assistant and Chief of Staff to the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Washington, D.C.
17. June 2009–July 2011, Commander, 21st Operations Group, 21st Space Wing, Peterson AFB, Colo.
18. July 2011–January 2012, Director of Staff, Headquarters Air Force Space Command, Peterson AFB, Colo.
19. January 2012–May 2013, Commander, 30th Space Wing, Vandenberg AFB, Calif.
20. June 2013–August 2015, Commander, 45th Space Wing, and Director, Eastern Range, Patrick AFB, Fla.
21. August 2015–June 2017, Director of Strategic Plans, Programs, Requirements and Analysis, Peterson AFB, Colo.
22. June 2017–June 2018, Director, Plans and Policy, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt AFB, Neb.
23. June 2018–August 2020, Director, Space Programs, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Acquisition, Washington, D.C.
24. September 2020-Present, Director of Staff, Headquarters, U.S. Space Force, Washington, D.C.
MISSILE/SPACE INFORMATION
Master Space Operations Badge
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Defense Superior Service Medal with oak leaf cluster
Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters
Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters
Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Army Commendation Medal
Air Force Achievement Medal
Air Force Meritorious Unit Award
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with three oak leaf clusters
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
2010 Women of Influence Award
2014 Gen. Jerome F. O’Malley Distinguished Space Leadership Award
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Second Lieutenant June 1, 1988
First Lieutenant June 1, 1990
Captain June 1, 1992
Major Oct. 1, 1999
Lieutenant Colonel March 1, 2003
Colonel Sept. 1, 2007
Brigadier General Oct. 2, 2013
Major General June 15, 2016
Lieutenant General August 6, 2020
(Current as of September 2021)
BIO: Amolak Badesha
Co-founder and CEO
Orbital Composites
Amolak Badesha is Co-founder, CEO and Board Member at Orbital Composites. He has BS and MS in Electrical Engineering and 20+ years of demonstrated track record of driving innovation in high-tech industry. Prior to co-founding Orbital, Amolak had a distinguished career in Silicon Valley tech industry leading R&D, Marketing & Sales teams as well as doing Strategy/M&A work at Broadcom, Avago & Agilent Technologies. At Orbital, Amolak is building deep partnerships with DOE, DOD and Commercial Customers alike. In 2021, Orbital graduated from Catalyst Accelerator, an AFRL-RV funded program. Under his leadership, Orbital has won multiple AFWERX and SPACEWERX awards, and is working towards commercializing a number of critical technologies for multiple vanguard programs for the air force.
Amolak is passionate about frontier/deep tech and actively invests with Sand Hill Angels and serves as an advisor at Silicon Catalyst, a high-tech accelerator for silicon startups.
BIO: Jack Bergman
U.S. Representative R-MI 1st District
Growing up in the Midwest, Jack Bergman’s parents instilled in him the values that drive the American Dream: If you work hard, never quit, and strive for excellence, you will find success. Those values are what guided him to the rank of Lt. General in the United States Marine Corps, empowered him to successfully own and operate a small business, and allowed him to enjoy a 22-year career as a commercial airline pilot.
Jack proudly represents the First District of Michigan. The boundaries contain the entire Upper Peninsula and all of northern lower Peninsula. Altogether, the district makes up about 44% of the land mass of the state of Michigan. The Bergman family roots in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula stretch back to the late 1800’s where his ancestors worked as iron miners. Serving his country in uniform for 40 years, Jack has spent time all around the United States – and world. Nearly three decades ago, Jack and his wife Cindy settled in Watersmeet, on the western edge of Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula.
Jack is a grandfather to ten grandchildren. This has always been one of the largest factors in his service in Congress. When Jack sees what is happening in Washington, he knows that we are not doing our best at leaving our children and grandchildren a better place. From his business to his distinguished military career, and now in Congress – Jack Bergman does not accept the status-quo as an acceptable path forward. Jack is driven by his commitment to serving others. While in the military, he launched two successful startup businesses in the medical equipment field, maintaining an obligation to both his nation and his customers simultaneously. As an entrepreneurial leader focused on mission accomplishment and customer satisfaction, Jack knows how to get things done.
BIO: James “Aaron” Bishop
Chief Information Security Officer
Department of the Air Force
James “Aaron” Bishop, a member of the Senior Executive Service, is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for the Department of the Air Force, comprised of the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Space Force. As CISO, he is responsible for advising the Chief Information Officer and senior officials on cybersecurity policy, cybersecurity programs and cyber force development in the department. He leads a Directorate comprised of military, civilian and contractor personnel responsible for developing cybersecurity policy and strategy for over 5,000 Air Force information technology systems. He oversees risk management and cybersecurity accountability for information systems, weapon systems and operational technology supporting military cyberspace operations. His portfolio includes policy and governance of the defense industrial base, cyber supply chain risk management, compliance and cybersecurity capabilities. He has oversight for the Freedom of Information Act, Privacy Act laws and cryptographic modernization supporting cyber operations for the department.
Mr. Bishop recently joined the Department of the Air Force to drive cybersecurity innovation. He is a highly experienced National Security Services and Information Security Executive with in-depth knowledge of government contracting, business execution, national security, military supply chain, criminal investigation and cybersecurity. As the Chief Executive Officer and founder of Eigenspace and Quantum Security Alliance, Mr. Bishop evangelized disruptive and transformational research and approaches to the cyber industry while building coalitions with academia, industry partners and U.S. government agencies. As an industry expert, he was nominated to the Presidential National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee.
BIO: Chuck Brooks
President
Brooks Consulting international
Chuck Brooks, President of Brooks Consulting International, is a globally recognized thought leader and subject matter expert Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies. Chuck is also Adjunct Faculty at Georgetown University’s Graduate Cybersecurity Risk Management Program where he teaches courses on risk management, homeland security technologies, and cybersecurity. He is also IEEE Cyber Security for Next Generation Connectivity Systems for Quantum IOT Vice-Chair and serves as the Quantum Security Alliance Chair for IOT. LinkedIn named Chuck as one of “The Top 5 Tech People to Follow on LinkedIn.” He was named as one of the world’s “10 Best Cyber Security and Technology Experts” by Best Rated, as a “Top 50 Global Influencer in Risk, Compliance,” by Thompson Reuters, “Best of The Word in Security” by CISO Platform, and by IFSEC, and Thinkers 360 as the “#2 Global Cybersecurity Influencer.” He was featured in the 2020, 2021, and 2022 Onalytica “Who’s Who in Cybersecurity” He was also named one of the Top 5 Executives to Follow on Cybersecurity by Executive Mosaic, He is also a Cybersecurity Expert for “The Network” at the Washington Post, Visiting Editor at Homeland Security Today, Expert for Executive Mosaic/GovCon, and a Contributor to FORBES. He has an MA in International relations from the University of Chicago, a BA in Political Science from DePauw University, and a Certificate in International Law from The Hague Academy of International Law.
BIO: Gavin Brown
Executive Director:Michigan Aerospace Manufacturers Association
Gavin Brown is committed to establishing Michigan as a leader in the commercialization of near-Earth space and as a source for highly qualified suppliers to the Defense, Commercial, General Aviation, and UAV aerospace manufacturing sectors.
Gavin is recognized as the driving force for promoting aerospace and defense companies active in Michigan. With more than 25 years of aerospace experience, Gavin founded the Michigan Aerospace Manufacturers Association in 2007.
MAMA is a membership association providing the global aerospace industry with state-of-the-art technology, multiple manufacturing disciplines and extensive manufacturing capabilities. MAMA is focused on growing Michigan’s Aerospace industry through synergy with the engineering and manufacturing competencies of the automotive industry.
Gavin has been instrumental in organizing and promoting the Michigan Launch Initiative. The MLI is a public-private partnership that provides a collaborative platform for academia, industry, and governmental agencies to access near-earth space.
The MLI will provide vertical and horizontal rocket launch capability as well as a control center for post-launch operations. The MLI leverages Michigan’s unique advantages for polar orbit satellite launches: location, infrastructure, skilled workforce, economy and advanced manufacturing capability.
BIO: LT. General (RET.) David J. Buck
President
BRPH Mission Solutions INC.
Lieutenant General David Buck served in the U.S. Air Force for 40 years with a career dedicated to space, nuclear and cyberspace operations. He directed USSTRATCOM space forces in support of national security and combatant commander objectives. Leading over 19,500 men and women, Lt Gen Buck was responsible for protecting and defending critical U.S. and allied space capabilities. He is a highly recognized expert in space operations, twice testifying before the HASC regarding the necessity of maintaining freedom of action in space. In 2018, Lt Gen Buck retired as Commander, Joint Functional Component Command for Space and Commander and 14th Air Force at Vandenberg Air Force Base. He now serves as President of BRPH Mission Solutions where he unlocks potential and spurs client growth endeavors spanning the aerospace, defense, national security and manufacturing industries. Lt Gen Buck will discuss the importance of leveraging commercial capabilities to address top DoD priorities in, through, and from space.
BIO: Robert Callaghan
Senior Manager
Bättra, LLC
Rob Callaghan is a Senior Manager at Bättra, a Veteran Owned Small Business delivering supply chain illumination and risk management services for commercial and government clients. He currently supports the Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III Program within the Office of the Secretary of Defense, where he helps manage the program’s investment portfolio in strategic material capabilities. For the past two years, Rob has had an active role in the DoD’s efforts to decrease the nation’s dependency on foreign sources of rare earths elements, critical minerals, and refined mineral products.
Prior to joining the DPA team, Rob served a number of clients at the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and the Services to include DLA’s Strategic Materials and Industrial Capability programs. He is a former Field Artillery officer in the US Army.
BIO: Mike Carey
COO & Co-Founder of ATLAS Space Operations / USAF (Ret.)
Mike Carey is a co-founder and the Chief Operating Officer of ATLAS Space Operations. Before ATLAS, he served in the US Air Force for thirty-four years, attaining the rank of Major General.
In the years since, Carey has refined his skills and expanded his knowledge. He now leads by first tuning in to the ever-changing satellite communications needs of society and ATLAS’ clients. In doing so, the work that he is responsible for is centered around the development of infrastructure and technology that will bring people and space closer together.
Carey has distilled his mission and streamlined ATLAS’ efforts to provide innovative and proven solutions for satellite operators.
Carey holds a BA in History from the University of Central Florida, an MPA from the University of Oklahoma, and an MA in National Security & Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. He’s proud to have returned to his home state of Michigan, this time creating jobs and driving innovation.
BIO: John Couch
Vice President
Futuramic Tool & Engineering
John Couch has been Vice President of Futuramic for seven years and is the leader of defense and commercial aerospace business development.
Couch joined Futuramic in 1988 where he spent two years in manufacturing, 10 years in engineering and an additional 10 years as Engineering Manager before being appointed Vice President in 2011. Couch has also served on the Board of Directors for over 15 years.
Upon the incorporation of Futuramic in 1955, the company primarily serviced the automotive industry and quickly became a leader in its arena. With diligence and corporate focus, Couch has been instrumental in bringing a new aerospace and aircraft business plan to Futuramic in both defense and commercial operations while ensuring corporate longevity and strong business and community positions.
In conjunction with his day-to-day responsibilities, Couch has dedicated hundreds of hours towards achieving enormous corporate growth over the past seven years.
Couch also serves on the Board of Advisors for the Coalition for Deep Space Exploration, an alliance of space industry businesses and advocacy groups collaborating to reinforce the value and benefits of deep-space exploration with the public and our nation’s leaders.
Couch attended Colorado State University where he studied Business. He resides in Bloomfield Hills with his wife and children.
BIO: Stacey L. DeFore
Strategy & Business Development Stakeholder Engagement
Lockheed Martin Space
Stacey DeFore serves in the role of Strategic Stakeholder Engagement & Government Relations for Lockheed Martin Space.
She aligns stakeholder engagement to key capture strategies across LM Space to develop and execute S&BD strategy to opportunities for segment growth in existing, and emerging markets within commercial and civil with NASA, NOAA, DoD, and DoE customers.
She focuses on cultivating and strengthening relationships with state & federal officials, associations, academia, community, non-profits, and industry partners for a sustained approach to growth for Lockheed Martin Space.
Her dedication to the community is evident through her service. She currently sits on a number of community boards. Among her appointments, she currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Colorado Aerospace States Association (ASA) Chaired by Lt. Governor -Primavera and participants on a number of industry, association, non-profits, and academic advisory boards throughout Colorado.
Ms. DeFore was acknowledge by the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce as the Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Colorado in 2021 and received the Colorado Space Business Roundtable’s 2020 Cosmic Contributor Award.
She is a native of Colorado where she lives with her husband Robert, and daughter Tabor DeFore.
BIO: Adam Dershowitz, Ph.D., P.E., CFEI
Managing Engineer
Thermal Sciences
Dr. Dershowitz specializes in aeronautical and astronautical engineering. He has expertise in aircraft and spacecraft systems and instrumentation, including unmanned systems (UAVs). Dr. Dershowitz studies the interactions of complex systems, including human in the loop systems; airplane and helicopter icing; manned and unmanned space vehicles; cockpit displays; control of vehicles; decision making; safety critical software; software failures; software operation; IP matters; large databases and vehicle and structure fire cause and origin. He models and analyzes ground and flight vehicles, systems, and their accidents, and analyzes and presents high dimensionality and complex data.
Prior to joining Exponent, Dr. Dershowitz worked at Johnson Space Center for United Space Alliance. There, he worked in NASA’s Mission Control Center on the motion control system of the International Space Station, designed and researched advanced technology solutions for Mission Control, and served as a member of the orbital debris analysis team for the Shuttle Columbia accident investigation. Dr. Dershowitz has significant teaching experience, both in the classroom and as a certified flight instructor.
BIO: Heidi Devroy
CEO
Prosper-Tech Machine & Tool
Heidi Devroy, CEO of Prosper-Tech Machine & Tool in Richmond, MI co-founded the company with her husband, Bob, in 2007. Unlike Bob with a well-established career in manufacturing as a Journeyman Mold Maker and Tool Room Manager, Heidi was new to manufacturing having spent the majority of her time raising four children and serving part-time as the Director of Fellowship & Service at their church.
Once the business started growing and they moved out of their home garage, Heidi decided to go back to school with the goal of learning how to “work on the business”. In 2016 she earned a BA in General Business / Finance from Walsh College and received their Financial Executives Institute Award. In 2018, she graduated from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program for Entrepreneur’s.
In its early years, Prosper-Tech, worked mainly within the automotive sector building plastic injection tooling. Over time Heidi and Bob have strategically and tactically worked to grow the machining side of their business which has expanded into the medical, defense, aerospace, and space sectors.
BIO: Nigel Francis
Nigel Francis is the CEO and Executive Director at Detroit-based LIFT. Prior to joining LIFT, Nigel served as Vice President and Officer, Advanced Engineering & Technology Development at American Axle (NYSE:AXL), after working as Senior Automotive Adviser to the State of Michigan and Senior Vice President, Automotive Industry Office, Michigan Economic Development Corporation where he was charged with developing, implementing and executing a comprehensive strategic plan and road map to promote, retain and grow the automotive industry in Michigan.
Francis has over 35 years of experience in the global automotive sector having held executive level positions at OEM and Tier 1 companies in North America and Europe, including Tata Technologies, Executive Vice President, Bright Automotive; and Vice President, Vehicle Engineering at Mercedes-Benz Technology. He has spent the majority of his career in advanced design and engineering product development and in recent years has been closely involved with clean technology through hybrid and electric vehicle development and vehicle light-weighting initiatives.
Francis holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree with honors from Brunel University in London, England. Professional affiliations include fellow, Institute of Mechanical Engineers of Great Britain; chartered engineer, Great Britain; Member SAE and Member SME. He sits on the advisory boards of several technology companies and universities.
BIO: Brian Gockel
Research Scientist, Staff
Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Center
Brian is a research scientist on the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Team at the Advanced Technology Center at Lockheed Martin Space. He works in the areas of advanced manufacturing, rapid qualification, and in-space manufacturing. Prior to this role, he was a research mechanical engineer at the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. He received his PhD from Carnegie Mellon University in materials science and received degrees from University of Dayton and Wright State University in mechanical engineering.
BIO: Beth Gotthelf
Shareholder
Co-Chair Aerospace & Defense Industry Team
Butzel Long
Beth Gotthelf is Butzel’s Director of Innovation and External Relations, Co-Chair of the Energy & Sustainability Practice, and Co-Chair of the Aerospace & Defense industry team. Beth brings a pragmatic and holistic approach to clients’ issues, by understanding her clients’ goals and assisting them in reaching those goals through a variety of tools. It is not unusual for her to assist in matchmaking clients’ needs, acting as an outside general counsel, or coming up with creative solutions. Her assistance in diversifying automotive suppliers into the aerospace and defense arena during the economic downturn is just one example of her holistic approach.
Beth started her career in the environmental law arena and remains a leader to this date. For over a decade, Beth has also been active counseling Aerospace and Defense clients in the variety of issues such companies face. Because of the growth with satellites, space and space junk, she is now active in that arena as well.
Ms. Gotthelf credits her successful counseling on using her business experience, legal training, and active participation in professional groups and non-profits that gives her many experiences to draw upon.
BIO: Jamie Headley
Director of Business Development
Seraph
Jamie Headley has spent over 30 years in manufacturing operations management helping companies with cost containment, productivity improvements, revenue generation and turnarounds. She served in various operational roles such Director of Supply Chain for Catalent Pharma Solutions, Vice President of Operations for Art.com and Director of Business Development for the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center.
Jamie has a passion for teaching and has been an adjunct professor for Western Michigan University teaching both Marketing and Business courses.
Jamie holds a BA and MBA from Dominican University.
BIO: Derek Hodgins
Strategy and Business Development Lockheed Martin
Derek Hodgins leads Strategy & Business Development for Lockheed Martin’s work to support America’s return to the Moon as part of the Artemis Program. He brings to bear 15 years of experience in Human Space Exploration to lead LM’s efforts to return humans to the lunar surface and enable long-duration and sustainable exploration of the Moon including with General Motors to develop the next-generation lunar rover.
Derek joined Lockheed Martin in 2020 from Northrop Grumman, where he was the Director of Business Development for Human Exploration, successfully capturing the Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO), the first habitation module of NASA’s Gateway station around the Moon. Prior to joining industry, he spent 10 years leading strategic planning and oversight of NASA’s human exploration and space technology enterprises, planning what has become the Artemis Program.
As an engineer, Derek supported 8 successful missions as a Flight Controller in Mission Control for the Space Shuttle, building the International Space Station, and prior to that, as a Spacecraft Systems Engineer for the GOES-N series of Earth Science spacecraft. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from Syracuse University, a Master of Engineering in Space Systems Engineering from The University of Michigan, and a Master of Business Administration from George Washington University.
BIO: Olivia Gamez Holzhaus
Founder and CEO
Rhodium Scientific
Olivia Gamez Holzhaus is the Founder and CEO of Rhodium Scientific (Rhodium), a biotechnology company based in Houston, focused on facilitating quality assured biotech and biopharma testing and discovery in space. Charged with advancing the company’s Low Earth Orbit commercialization strategies, Olivia oversees science, engineering, and QA strategies to ensure discoveries made in microgravity translate into products recognized by regulated manufacturing, consumer, and life science industries. Ms. Holzhaus has positioned Rhodium as an official Commercial Services Provider to multiple national laboratories, including the International Space Station. She has led the creation and implementation of Rhodium’s Quality, Industry-Compatible (QuIC) Space Process, the first set of commercially developed, life science protocols ensuring industry-standard quality assurances are incorporated into spaceflight ground and mission operations. These protocols allow for the reproducibility and standardization of biotech, biopharma, and biomanufacturing investigations in space. Olivia has over 20 years in research and applied life science fields, has served in Scientist and Sr. Engineering positions with research organizations and Fortune 500 companies, and holds an advanced degrees in Microbiology and the Management of Technology. Currently, she is on the Board of Advisors at Global Entrepreneurship Network-Space (GEN-Space), the International Space Safety Foundation (ISSF), the College of Science and Engineering at Texas State University, and Generación STEM Workforce Advisory Council at Texas State University. For fun, Olivia serves as Rear Commodore for the Galveston Bay Cruising Association (GBCA), having competed in over 30 sailing regattas and is the class champion for the 2021 GBCA Women’s Regatta.
BIO: James Howard
Anactisis, LLC
James Howard is the Chief of Operations for Anactisis, a waste-to-value company focused on the extraction of critical minerals from industrial waste streams. James spent 10-years leading projects in industrial equipment engineering, manufacturing, and operations and 3-years consulting on product development and commercialization strategy in early-stage environments. A US Marine Corps Veteran and Carnegie Mellon educated MBA, James has led dozens of automation projects for processes in chemical processing, refining, mining, and many other industries, and is charged with driving Anactisis’ process technology to commercial scale.
BIO: Lt. General (Ret.) Joseph “Keith” Kellogg Jr.
Chief of Staff & Executive Secretary of the National Security Council under President Donald Trump
Keith Kellogg joined the Army in 1967 and served two tours during the Vietnam War. He earned a B.A. in political science from Santa Clara University and an M.S. in international affairs from the University of Kansas. Kellogg went on to study senior level management and diplomacy at the Army War College.[3][4]
During Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, from 1990 to 1991, Kellogg served as the chief of staff for the 82nd Airborne Division. The 82 Airborne Division is an infantry division that “trains for airborne assault operations into enemy-denied areas, with a specialization in airfield seizure.” Kellogg retired from the Army in 2003 after becoming a lieutenant general and serving as the “director of command, control, communications and computers for U.S. forces under the Joint Chiefs of Staff.” During his military career, he earned “the Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star, and several Bronze Stars.
In December 2016, following Donald Trump’s win in the presidential election, Kellogg was named as chief of staff and executive secretary for the National Security Council. When National Security Advisor Michael Flynn resigned in February 2017, Kellogg filled the role temporarily until Trump selected Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster for the job.
BIO: Cheree Kiernan
President and CEO
Integrated Launch Solutions
Cheree provides the overall leadership and strategic vision for the ILS team and is responsible for the implementation and execution of corporate policy, company objectives, and daily operations. She has 22 years of experience in spacecraft, launch vehicle, and ground system development; mission integration; and launch site and range operations. She was awarded Space Coast Woman Engineer of the Year by the Society of Women Engineers in 2012 and is PMP Certified.
BIO: Irina S. Litchfield
Chief Executive Officer
Rizon Labs, Inc.
Irina S. Litchfield is the Chief Executive Officer at Rizon Labs, Chairwoman of Space Interactions Inc, Investor, Author, Speaker, and Visionary Leader. She is a Chairwoman of Space Interactions, a space situational awareness company. She is a board member of the Foundation for the Future (F4F), a nonprofit dedicated to advancing the space economy. Irina is a senior advisor and General Partner at Space Fund, advisor at Prochain Capital, and founding advisor at ABE, a global securities exchange. Irina is the founder of Blockchain Cubed, a white glove consulting firm, and the President of Lemuria. Her FinTech journey began in 2005 when she co-founded a payments/gaming company in Texas. Early in the blockchain space, she co-founded a bitcoin exchange in 2013 and later built a retail bank in Mexico. Passionate about innovation technology, positive social capital, the democratization of space, and democratization of opportunities & investments, Irina often speaks as a subject matter expert.
BIO: Kevin Iott
Vice President Engineering
PlaneWave Instruments
Kevin Iott, Vice president of PlaneWave Instruments, is an award-winning design engineer and Journeyman tool maker. His passion for astronomy and mechanics started at a very young age. Growing up on a family farm, Kevin was introduced to astronomy when he received a small telescope as a birthday gift. He would go on to attend astronomy summer camps in Middle school where his love of space flourished. At the age of 16 Kevin began working at a local telescope retail store, The Nature Company, where he was the resident telescope expert. While he was able to purchase modest telescope equipment over the years, the equipment he yearned for was largely out of reach. He would have to build it himself.
Kevin’s interests broadened from math and science to machining and drafting. By end of his senior year in school, Kevin had designed, machined, and built a fully functioning computerized telescope mount. This mount would go on to receive multiple awards in machining and astronomy: First place in MITES Competition (Michigan Industrial Technology Education Society), second place in the Nation Young Astronomers award, first place in the custom design category at Stellafane.
After high school Kevin attended The University of Toledo for Mechanical engineering, concurrently working as a Journeyman apprentice at a large tool and die company. It was here that Kevin would get his first taste of true mechanical engineering, as he was promoted to design engineer after only 2 years as an apprentice. For this company, Kevin designed many different types of equipment, ranging from robotic laser cutting and welding cells to solar panel processing equipment.
All along, his passion was still with space and astronomy. In 2009 that dream became a reality when Kevin partnered with PlaneWave Instruments. Kevin has gone on to be the lead design engineer at PlaneWave. He has designed and developed products such as the PW1000 1 Meter telescope, L Series mounts, T Series gimbals and many more. Leaning on his tool and die background, Kevin developed the machining, manufacturing, and technology strategies to propel PlaneWave to the forefront of the industry.
BIO: Noel Mack
Chief Technology Officer at LIFT
Noel Mack is the Chief Technology Officer at LIFT, the Detroit-based Department of Defense manufacturing innovation institute. In this role, Mack implements new technology focus areas to ensure alignment with Department of Defense priorities, directs large scope, complex projects and programs, leads LIFT member involvement in technology projects and serves as a mentor to LIFT technical and engineering staff.
Mack brings over 35 years of experience in engineering and design to LIFT. Previously, Mack served as a product line executive, strategic technologies at American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. and as Director and Business Unit Lead, Driveline and Transmission Systems at Ricardo’s Detroit Technical Center. Mack also held leadership positions at Magna International, Inc. and Magna Steyr.
He began his career in the aerospace and defense industries, working at Denel Aviation as the Principal Engineer, Stress and Design, and as Manager of CAD and Specialist CAE Engineer for Combat Vehicles, Tanks, Heavy and Light Armored Vehicles at Denel Land Systems/Ermetek.
Mack holds six U.S. patents and is a graduate of both the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with Aeronautical Specialization and the University of Detroit Mercy, where he earned a Master of Engineering Management degree and a Graduate Certificate in Business Turnaround Management.
BIO: Austin Mann
Boeing Research & Technology
BIO: Colonel Mike Moran, USAF (Ret.)
Chief Operating Officer
PredaSAR Corporation
Michael Moran is Chief Operating Officer of PredaSAR Corporation, leading the strategic operations of the company fielding a constellation of low earth orbiting satellites to provide responsive, high-resolution synthetic aperture radar products and services for global commercial and government users. Prior to his current position, he served as Vice President, Space Strategies for Peraton, where he led the establishment and direction of the growth strategy for Peraton’s Air Force space portfolio and supported Peraton’s broader space and cyber strategy within the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community.
In 2014, Moran completed 26 years of distinguished service in the United States Air Force retiring in the rank of Colonel. His service included command assignments at the squadron, group and wing levels and a career that spanned space, launch, cyber, airborne, and foreign military sales programs to include executive and enterprise leadership within Air Force Space Command, the National Reconnaissance Office, the Pentagon, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
Moran holds a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy from the National Defense University, a Master of Science in Military Operational Art & Science from Air University, a Master of Science in Systems Management from the University of Southern California, and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Virginia. He attended the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University as a Senior Executive Fellow and holds certifications as a Program Management Professional and Certified Information Systems Security Professional.
BIO: Troy M. Morris
Co-Founder & Director of Operations
Kall Morris Inc (KMI)
Troy Morris is the Director of Operations for KMI, a Michigan-based space solutions company that removes and repurposes uncooperative objects in orbit, largely debris. KMI has been selected for multiple research awards with the US Space Force through AFRL, completed work for NASA and Commercial LEO Destination companies, and will be conducting validation testing aboard the ISS next year. Troy leads customer engagement, partner coordination, and organization of the business with an education in Psychology/Behavior Analysis from Northern Michigan University. An invited speaker at the International Astronautical-, ISS R&D-, and NASA OSAM conferences, Troy is delighted to return to Traverse City and NASS again.
BIO: Dr. Hans Mumm
Former Division Chief for Cyber Security
(ODNI)
Former Branch Chief at the CIA
Dr. Mumm has spent a combined twenty-eight years in government and contractor service building teams to address hard problems in the areas of national security, homeland security, and advanced technologies. He was the Division Chief for Cyber Security at the Office of The Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) programming and executing a budget of over $140M. Subsequently, he was a Branch Chief at the CIA building a unique set of continuous monitoring capabilities in support of the ICD503 Risk Management Framework. He established a rogue wireless framework, as well as the funding, technology, and teams to support the ICD 503 initiatives. He gained notoriety during Operation Iraqi Freedom as the officer in charge of the “Iraqi Regime Playing Cards; CENTCOM’S Top 55 Most Wanted List,” which was touted by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) as one of the most successful Information Operations (IO) in the history of DIA. Dr. Mumm is a proven leader in a diverse set of fields, including autonomous systems, post-quantum cyber security, AI/machine learning, advanced fuel systems, cognitive scientific research, and all aspects of the military intelligence communities. He has nine published books and many whitepapers and research studies to his credit in both the scientific and social science arenas.
Dr. Mumm was entered into US Congressional Record (E1201-E1202 Sept 5, 2018) for his decades of dedication and service to the United States of America. He has earned twenty-three personal military ribbons/medals, including six military unit medals/citations, and two Directors Awards, from the Defense Intelligence Agency. In 2016 he was awarded the People of Distinction Humanitarian Award as well as being granted a US Patent and Trademark for How to Harmonize the Speed of Innovation and Change with the Human Spirit’s Need for Leadership. In 2005, Dr. Mumm was recognized as one of the “Ten Outstanding Young Americans,” and in 2003, he was awarded the National Defense PAC “American Patriot Ingenuity Award” for his service during “Operation Iraqi Freedom.”
BIO: Brandon N. Pender
Associate Director
Materials Directorate at GVSC
Mr. Brandon N. Pender currently serves as the Associate Director of the Materials Directorate at the Army’s Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC). The Materials Directorate is charged with transitioning novel materials, advanced manufacturing, joining processes, and corrosion abatement technologies to the Army’s ground vehicle fleets. Mr. Pender previously served as a Category Manger with the Office of the Secretary of Defense where his team worked to increase buying power for the DoD. He has also served as GVSC’s Director of External Business and G4.
Prior to joining GVSC, Mr. Pender served in the United States Army as an Infantry Officer assigned to the 25th Infantry Division. He has completed multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan in support of OIF and OEF. Mr. Pender holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Lake Superior State University and an MBA from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business.
BIO: Gary Peters
Gary was born in Pontiac, Michigan – a 5th generation Michigander. His father, a World War II veteran, worked as a public-school teacher and NEA union member for more than 30 years. His mother – who survived Nazi occupation of France and met Gary’s father while he served in Europe during the war – worked as a nurse’s aide at a local nursing home. She helped organize her workplace and became an SEIU union steward.
Growing up, Gary learned the importance of hard work and fairness from his parents. He started his own small business delivering newspapers at age 11. In junior high, he bused tables at a Big Boy restaurant, and in high school and college, he worked at a local retailer and on a grounds crew. Gary is an Eagle Scout and in 2019, he was humbled to receive the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award from the Boy Scouts of America.
Gary worked in the private sector for over 20 years as both a financial advisor and in a variety of management positions with two major financial service firms. He was an assistant vice president at Merrill Lynch before working at UBS/PaineWebber as a vice president.
While working a full-time job, he went on to earn an M.B.A. in Finance from the University of Detroit Mercy, an M.A. in political science from Wayne State University, an M.A. in Philosophy from Michigan State University with a focus on the ethics of development and a law degree (J.D.) from Wayne State University Law School.
Gary began his public service as a Rochester Hills City Councilman in 1991. In 1994, Gary was elected to the Michigan State Senate and served two terms. During his eight years of service, he authored and passed more bills signed into law than any other member of his party.
BIO: Mark Pickett
Technology Transfer Program Manager
SAE Government Technologies
Mark Pickett is the Technology Transfer Program Manager for SAE Government Technologies supporting the Defense Automotive Technologies Consortium (DATC™) and the Advanced Manufacturing Commercialization Center (AMCC™) programs and the Supply Chains of Recovered Elements (SCORE) consortium. Mark has over 28 years of commercial leadership and business development experience with success in U.S. Government capture management to include Department of Energy, Federal Agencies and all branches of the Department of Defense. Mark earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Michigan State University.
BIO: Rajesh Kumar
Associate Director of Research
Raytheon Technologies Research Center (RTRC)
Dr. Rajesh Kumar is Associate Director (of Research) at Raytheon Technologies Research Center (RTRC), which serves as an innovation hub for Raytheon Technologies. Dr. Kumar manages the Solid and Structural Mechanics group at RTRC whose mission is to solve challenging and complex problems in the areas of materials and structures via state-of-the-art computational simulations. Dr. Kumar’s expertise lies in the areas of computational mechanics, damage and fracture mechanics, and composite materials and structures for gas turbines and hypersonic applications.
Dr. Kumar has led several internally and externally funded programs including the current LIFT Hypersonic Challenge project titled “ICME approach for accelerated insertion of high-temperature composites in hypersonic vehicles.” Dr. Kumar currently serves as the chair of the ASME IGTI Ceramics committee and has published over 45 papers in international journals and conference proceedings. Dr. Kumar has won several awards including ASME and AHS best paper awards, ASME Outstanding Service award, and RTRC Outstanding Achievement and Technical Excellence awards.
BIO: Michelle Lucas
Founder and CEO
Higher Orbits
Michelle Lucas spent 10+ years working at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. First as part of the International Space Station (ISS) Payload Safety Review Panel (PSRP) and then in the Mission Operations Directorate as a Flight Controller in ISS Mission Control and as an Astronaut Instructor in the ISS Daily Operations Group. Additionally, she worked with each of the International Partners (European Space Agency – ESA, Japanese Space Agency – JAXA, and the Russian Space Agency) in the field of Daily Operations, Flight Controller, and Instructor Training. Michelle was part of the Core NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations (NEEMO) team for 9 missions where astronauts would carry out analog space missions underwater in the Aquarius habitat. Along the way, Michelle found she has a passion for launching the next generation’s dreams and ambitions. Her passion for inspiring students led to extensive work with other organizations in STEM outreach so she founded the non-profit Higher Orbits to use space to excite and inspire students about STEM, Leadership, Teamwork, and Communication. Michelle is proud to be a Space Camp Alum, AIAA Associate Fellow, and member of the Space Camp Hall of Fame. She believes that collaboration in space and STEM is the key to the stars! Space Inspires!
BIO: Thomas J. Manganello
Partner
Warner Norcross + Judd
With a strong focus on the automotive industry, Tom Manganello represents clients in supply chain contracting issues and matters between suppliers and car companies. Tom’s vast experience in the area includes automotive product liability and negligence trials, as well as compliance with NHTSA regulations. In addition to handling numerous products cases, Tom advocates for clients in commercial litigation in warranty, recall and contract disputes. He also counsels manufacturing and industrial organizations in supply chain and commission sales disputes.
Serving a client base of suppliers spanning many geographic areas — from Michigan, Kentucky and South Carolina to Germany and Hong Kong — Tom helps organizations understand business challenges. These include both upstream obligations to their customer base to downstream commitments from their supply base. He guides them in navigating competing interests while furthering their own. Recent client concerns have included the imposition of steel tariffs and the drastic impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the supply chain.
BIO: Victoria Mechtly
Business Development Aerospace & Defense
RS & H, Inc.
Ms. Victoria Mechtly is the Lead Business Develop for RS&H’s Aerospace capabilities in architecture, engineering, and construction (A/E/C). Her team has a long history of working with NASA and is currently working on the design modifications to the Mobile Launcher 1 for the Space Launch System for the Artemis program. Her passion for space has now found its way into her career. She looks to provide awareness and understanding to others outside of the aerospace industry of the future’s incredible opportunities and challenges.
Ms. Mechtly holds a degree in business management, marketing, and sales and brings a passion for helping others develop interpersonal skills. She’s coached everyone from young professionals to senior-level managers and transitioning military service members to improve their communication skills, personal brand, and other soft skills that lead to successful careers.
Currently, Ms. Mechlty is the immediate past chair of the National Young Professionals Community of Interest and also a Board Member of Higher Orbits, a non-profit with the mission of promoting STEM, leadership, teamwork, and communication through spaceflight.
BIO: Joe Panella
VP Manufacturing
Orbion Space
Joe Panella, Orbion Space Technology’s VP Manufacturing, leads manufacturing and product testing with over 25 years of experience in executive management in global engineering and manufacturing companies. Joe has held senior manufacturing and product management positions with Cummins, Honeywell’s Garrett Turbochargers, and Haldex Braking Systems. Early in his career Joe helped develop and implement the Cummins Production System based off the Toyota Production System. As a prior plant manager, he has successfully implemented lean manufacturing processes and robust quality systems in complex manufacturing environments. Joe brings his expertise and experience from the automotive and commercial vehicle manufacturing sectors to the New Space market—enabling Orbion to deliver satellite components at higher capacity and lower cost than anyone in the industry while meeting high product reliability requirements. Joe holds a B.S. Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
BIO: Wade Phillips
Engagement Manager
Seraph
Wade Phillips brings more than 25 years of experience in the Automotive and manufacturing space. Prior to joining Seraph, Wade was VP of Operations for Spartan Motors Inc. and COO of Detroit Manufacturing Systems, where he led transformative initiatives to improve underperforming operations to achieve best-in-class performance.
Wade graduated from the U.S Military Academy at West Point with a B.S in Aerospace Engineering before receiving his MBA in Business Administration from Spring Arbor University in Michigan. Wade heads Turnaround and Crisis Management operations for Seraph.
Areas of Expertise: Crisis Management, Turnaround, Lean Manufacturing.
BIO: Matt Raplenovich
ATC Materials, Inc.
Matt Raplenovich is the Director of Business Development for ATC Materials, Inc. He oversees the external operations of ATC Materials including identification of market opportunity, new product development, and expanding capabilities to meet customer needs. Markets include RF materials for hypersonic applications, armor, insensitive munitions compliance, and other advanced material development.
Prior to joining ATC Mr. Raplenovich has led several startup and small manufacturers from concept to commercialization including a ceramic armor company, ballistic test facility, and defense vehicle manufacturer. His current role is based out of ATC’s Westlake, Ohio facility.
Mr. Raplenovich earned Bachelors and Masters degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University.
BIO: John Remen
Strategic Engagement Lead
Air Force Research Laboratory
Rocket Propulsion Division
Edwards Air Force Base
Mr. John Remen is the Strategic Engagement Lead at Air Force Research Laboratory, Rocket Propulsion Division, Edwards AFB, CA. Mr. Remen is responsible for strategic engagement and strategic planning for the Division, overseeing interactions with customer organizations, development of strategic plans.
Mr. Remen graduated from the University of Kansas in 1987. He started with the Air Force Astronautics Laboratory (now the Rocket Propulsion Division of the Air Force Research Laboratory) in 1989. He has executed and managed rocket propulsion science and technology projects and conducted test efforts in support of customer programs. He developed the first Science and Technology Memorandum of Understanding with the Japan Defense Agency. He has also been the Line Producer for seven corporate videos created to showcase the Division’s/Directorate’s mission and capabilities.
Prior to his current position, Mr. Remen worked as the Senior Planner for the Air Force Research Laboratory, Aerospace Systems Directorate, WPAFB AFB, OH.
BIO: Jeffrey F. (Jeff) Rhoads
Purdue University
Jeffrey F. (Jeff) Rhoads is a Professor in the School of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University and serves as the Director of the Ray W. Herrick Laboratories and the Director of Practice for MEERCat Purdue: The Mechanical Engineering Education Research Center at the same institution. He previously served as the Associate Director of PERC: The Purdue Energetics Research Center.
Dr. Rhoads received his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees, each in mechanical engineering, from Michigan State University in 2002, 2004, and 2007, respectively. Dr. Rhoads is a Member of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) and National Defense Industry Association (NDIA) and a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). Dr. Rhoads is a recipient of numerous research and teaching awards, has authored more than 150 peer reviewed journal and conference publications, and with his colleagues has conducted more than $75M in sponsored research with industry, the National Science Foundation, and the United States Departments of Defense, Energy, and Homeland Security. Dr. Rhoads also serves as the Chief Operating Officer of two successful national security focused start-up entities: Level 6 Engineering LLC and Next Offset Solutions, Inc.
BIO: Mark A. Ricoy
Chief Executive Officer
RF Bistatics, Inc.
The goal of RF Bistatics is to exploit the availability of low-cost high performance COTS technology to develop and launch radar payloads supporting a broad spectrum of commercial, DoD, and scientific missions, with a primary emphasis on moving target indication. To date we have created a prototype radar, with which we were able to successfully collect 800 MHz and 950 MHz airborne data from a Cessna aircraft. We subsequently processed this data to create high quality SAR imagery.
Chief Scientist at Orbital Effects, 2019 – 2021. Oversaw development of an in-house spaceborne synthetic aperture radar payload, from early design trades through PDR and CDR. Worked with team to create a radar prototype and perform successful ground and airborne collections, oversaw development of calibration methodology. Participated in collaborative development of in-house image formation processor.
ERIM/Veridian/General Dynamics/Maxar (Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti) 1990 – 2019: Served in various capacities such as Chief Engineer, Technical Manager and other technical roles. Served as Technical Lead on some of the largest classified programs and oversaw technical teams ranging in size from 5 to 35 engineers.
BIO: Dan Schutter
CEO and Co-founder
Space Interactions, Inc.
Dan Schutter is the passionate and relentless CEO and Co-founder of Space interactions Inc. A champion of collaboration, creativity, and inclusion, he has led corporately awarded teams that disrupted, trailblazed and created positive change across multiple industries. Dan relishes difficult and complex problems and, along with Space Interactions, is committed to solving some of the most challenging the global space industry faces today.
He previously served as the Regional Business Development Manager at W. Soule & Company, formulating, directing, and coordinating the business development, networking, and sales activities for the W. Soule brand. During this time, Dan would also lead W. Soule into the commercial space industry, working for industry-leading launch providers, engineers, and aerospace contractors to great success. Before W. Soule, Dan worked for Cabela’s corporation in various roles. He and his teams received multiple awards and accolades for their accomplishments and game-changing practices that set new industry standards for quality, inventory management, logistical excellence, and company-wide merchandising.
BIO: Ken Shields
Ken Shields
BIO: Leamon R. Sowell
President and Managing Partner
Sowell Law Partners
Leamon R. Sowell is the President and Managing Partner of Sowell Law Partners. He has practiced corporate law since graduating in 1981 from Northwestern University School of Law and has extensive training and knowledge of the emerging business markets involving certified minority and women business enterprises (MWBEs).
Mr. Sowell assists his client group in general corporate matters and has been licensed to practice law in the state of Michigan since 1985.
Prior to founding Sowell Law Partners, Mr. Sowell was founder and Managing Partner of L. R. Sowell & Associates since October 2000. As an accomplished transactional attorney and a national thought leader on the subject of supplier diversity strategies for corporate America, his law practice focuses on developing growth strategies for corporations that are implementing procurement programs with their qualified MWBE suppliers. Our corporate clients have highly developed supplier diversity initiatives and seek to implement supplier diversity as a strategic business process.
Since the early 1990’s, Mr. Sowell practice began to focus on assisting certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises in developing growth strategies by working with their corporate customers who were developing substantial procurement programs.
Mr. Sowell has been influential in handling a wide range of corporate transactions for MWBEs involving mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, strategic alliances and turn-around matters. His practice has evolved into servicing certified MWBEs and major corporations committed to supplier diversity initiatives. A number of Mr. Sowell’s clients are pursuing the acquisition of middle market companies as a means to grow and expand their business.
BIO: Elaine Taylor
Strategic and Business Development Executive
Warner Norcross + Judd
A results-driven strategist, Elaine Taylor provides expert relationship management and strategic business guidance. She focuses on building trust and has a passion for professional and personal development, as well as commanding the highest value for her clients. A friendly, highly efficient and analytical leader, she is well-versed in demonstrated business and management best practices. Not one that sits by and waits for things to happen, Elaine works proactively and strategically, a practice that often leads to innovative achievements and new levels of insight and business success.
Currently, Elaine brings more than 25 years of professional services experience to her role as business development executive for Warner Norcross + Judd. She has worked in multiple industries throughout her career and currently focuses on the aerospace, space and defense, automotive and manufacturing, government and emerging technology industries, as well as a number of practice groups across the organization. She has a wide network of trusted relationships with high-level business stakeholders, decision makers and organizational leadership. Working with the firms’ management, attorneys and professional staff, Elaine helps craft and implement strategically positioned and client focused initiatives that assure clients benefit from Warner’s differentiating strengths and capabilities. In her role, she also creates and executes on business development and sales plans designed to retain and grow the firm’s presence across the state and nationally. By keeping up to date on the trends that shape our global economy, Elaine is able to help facilitate cross-office and cross-practice collaboration to provide tailored legal solutions that can effectively meet clients’ business objectives.
Prior to transitioning to the legal profession, Elaine held several senior management positions with KPMG, where she was responsible for strategic account growth in the automotive, aerospace and defense industry sectors, and state and local government; as well as helped build the business plan and launch a North American Justice & Security practice.
BIO: Mike Vinter, CPCU
ARM
Executive Vice President
International Space Brokers
Michael Vinter is an Executive Vice President of International Space Brokers, a division of Aon Risk Services. Mike has spent the last twenty plus years dedicated exclusively to the space industry. His duties include the design and placement of insurance programs for a wide variety of space sector clients. In this role, Mike has worked with leading satellite operators, manufacturers and launch vehicle providers to deliver innovative risk management and insurance solutions.
Mike received his B.S. in Business Management from Virginia Tech and has earned the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) and Associate in Risk Management (ARM) designations from the Insurance Institute of America.
Mike can be reached at Mike_Vinter@aon.com
About Aon
Aon plc (NYSE:AON) is a leading global professional services firm providing a broad range of risk, retirement and health solutions. Our 50,000 colleagues in 120 countries empower results for clients by using proprietary data and analytics to deliver insights that reduce volatility and improve performance.
BIO: Dr. Merrick S. Watchorn
Co-Founder
Quantum Security Alliance
Dr. Merrick S. Watchorn, DMIST provides a myriad of services within the Cybersecurity industry based on his sixteen-years of active service in the United States Navy (USN) and the last several within the United States Government (USG). His work background included formal training in semantic ontologies, Big Data analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence methods, theories, and cognition. As a co-founding member of the Quantum Security Alliance (QSA), he serves as Chair for the Security Reference Architecture (Q-SRA). He has expansive computer and systems experience; including business systems development, complex networking, database management, and advance programming requirements in classified and unclassified programs. He has proven experienced team leader, supervisor, and resource manager; with extensive inter-agency experience, while acting as a senior military liaison for all branches of the Department of Defense; including Senior North Atlantic Treaty Organization personnel. He has worked in and around the Washington, DC metropolitan area for the last ten years and provided support for numerous government agencies in distinct roles. He is a former U.S. Military Service member with over 28 years of work in and around the Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Commerce (DoC), Intelligence Community (IC), and Pentagon Force Protection (PFP). He has broad experience as a government certified Automation Data Protection Officer (ADPO), Information Security Systems Officer (ISSO), and Information Security Systems Manager (ISSM), and acted as a directorate level Security Officer for the DoD. Has worked inside classified programs for the IC for over several years and has worked in leadership positions. He enlisted in the United States Navy and service honorable until June 2007. As a member of the Submarine Force, served at various duty stations with distinct roles and responsibilities.