2024 NASS Speaker Lineup
~ More Speakers to be added ~
BIO: Dr. Michael Brown
Dr. Michael S. Brown is the Principal Scientist for the High-Speed Systems Division within the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Wright-Paterson AFB.
He has 24 years of experience in propulsion, the last 14 of which have been in the hypersonic flight regime. In his present role he is responsible for the High-Speed Systems Division’s foundational research portfolio in hypersonic aerodynamics, propulsion, and structures. He leads the AFRL Hypersonic Overall Integrated Product Team and works collaboratively with NASA, the JHTO, and OUSD-R&E. Previously he served as the Branch Chief for the Hypersonic Sciences Branch leading foundtional research in modeling and experimentation across five ground test facilities. His early career was spent applying optical diagnostics to both low and high-speed reacting flows to identify relevant physical dynamics and obtain data for engineering needs. He successfully collected optical data in the scramjet engine on HIFiRE Research Flight 2 at Mach 8. He has authored over 120 papers and presentations. He received his PhD in physics at the University of Texas at Austin.
BIO: Paul Browne
Paul Browne Senior Vice President & Chief Information Officer, Henry Ford Health
Paul Browne joined Henry Ford Health in February 2018 after a nationwide search. He is the system’s Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, overseeing all aspects of Information Technology across the entire health system.
Previously, Browne was the Chief Information Officer and Senior Vice President of Applied Informatics for Tenet Healthcare, where he was responsible for all aspects of information services across the publicly traded healthcare system. Prior to that, he served as Chief Information Officer and Senior Vice President for Strategic Program Development for Trinity Health.
Browne specializes in leading transformational change in complex organizations and the development of business and clinical intelligence capabilities across large enterprises. In addition to the delivery side, Browne has also extensive experience in the insurance sector, with both SelectCare and Accenture.
During more than three decades in information technology, Browne has been named to ComputerWorld’s list of “Top 100 CIOs.” He has also been named a “Top 50 Innovator” across all industries and “Top 5 Innovator” in health care by InformationWeek. Additionally, Browne has authored numerous articles and lectured extensively at national symposiums focusing on IT strategy and innovation.
A Michigan native, Browne is a graduate of the University of Michigan with both a bachelor’s degree in Economics and master’s degree in Health Services Administration.
BIO: LT. General (RET.) David J. Buck
LT. GENERAL (RET.) DAVID J. BUCK, President
BRPH Mission Solutions INC.
Lieutenant General David Buck served in the U.S. Air Force for 41 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, Dave was
responsible for protecting and defending critical U.S. and allied space capabilities.
In 2018, he retired as Commander, Joint Functional Component Command for
Space (JFCC-S) and Commander, 14th Air Force at Vandenberg Air Force Base.
General Buck is a highly recognized expert in space operations, twice testifying
before the U.S. House of Representatives Arms Services Committee regarding
the necessity of maintaining freedom of action in space to protect and defend
the U.S. and its allies. He is an advocate for disruptive technologies and managed
multi-billion-dollar portfolios of space, cyberspace, command and control, and
terrestrial technologies including 27 different weapon systems. He also conceived,
developed and delivered the new National Space Defense Center on time and
under budget – a facility that enabled the first fusion of intelligence operators with
space operators in a common operations center.
Today, Dave is President of BRPH Mission Solutions where he helps unlock
potential and spur client growth endeavors spanning national security and
defense of space, nuclear, and cyberspace arenas. He is committed to helping
clients succeed in mission critical programs through tailored consulting services
including strategy development, facilities engineering, agency navigation,
proprietary methodologies development, program management, and
procurement services.
NATIONAL RECOGNITION
• Thomas D. White Space Award (2016).
– “For the most outstanding contribution to the Nation’s progress in aerospace”
• Jerome F. O’Malley Distinguished Space Leadership (2013)
– “For vision and leadership in pursuit of space excellence”
• Air Force Association’s California Military Member of the Year (2010)
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Distinguished Service Medal (Air Force) with oak leaf cluster
Defense Superior Service Medal
Legion of Merit Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Bronze Star Medal
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters
Joint Service Commendation Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster
Air Force Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster
BIO: Tom Engler
Thomas O. Engler
Director, Center Planning and Development
John F. Kennedy Space Center
Mr. Engler provides strategic leadership and management integration of center planning activities, partnership development initiatives and technology development activities to enable Kennedy as a multiuser spaceport supporting both government and commercial launch providers and their customers. He leads the identification and development of strategic and business partnerships that advance NASA and Kennedy goals and provides the Kennedy “front door” interface to industry and other governmental organizations.
Engler also ensures the effective use and development of the center’s land, facilities and technical capabilities in support of NASA missions through center land use planning, development of spaceport infrastructure and business strategies, and the preparation and coordination of the center Master Plan with NASA organizations and external stakeholders.
He is responsible for the development, negotiation and coordination of proposed real estate agreements with public and private entities for use of Kennedy land and facilities. He also is responsible for managing the integration technology development and technology transfer activities at Kennedy.
Education
Engler holds a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from the University of Alabama in Huntsville, and a Master of Science in computer science from the Florida Institute of Technology.
BIO: Jeff Rhoads
Jeffrey F. (Jeff) Rhoads
Vice President for Research
Professor, Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
University of Notre Dame
Jeffrey F. (Jeff) Rhoads was appointed vice president for research in 2023. In this role, he has oversight for all of Notre Dame’s research infrastructure, including supporting programs in all areas of research, scholarship and creative endeavor. He also holds the position of professor of aerospace and mechanical engineering.
Prior to joining Notre Dame, Rhoads served as executive director of the Purdue Institute for National Security and as a professor in the School of Mechanical Engineering. He previously served as the director of the Ray W. Herrick Laboratories, associate director of the Purdue Energetics Research Center, and director of practice for the Mechanical Engineering Education Research Center at Purdue University.
Rhoads is a fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and a member of the American Society for Engineering Education and the National Defense Industrial Association. Rhoads earned a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and a doctoral degree, each in mechanical engineering, from Michigan State University.
BIO: Barbara Rossmann
Barbara Rossmann
President and Chief Executive Officer
Henry Ford Macomb Hospital
Barbara Rossmann joined the organization in 1999 as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer in January 2004.
Barbara received Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science degrees. In addition to executive leadership roles within the Daughters of Charity Health System and Trinity Health, both leading health systems in the United States, Barbara served as a Captain in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps.
Barbara’s commitment to the southeast Michigan region extends beyond her work through Henry Ford Macomb Hospital. She serves as a board member for the Sterling Heights Regional Chamber, Families Against Narcotics Advisory Board, Advancing Macomb, Macomb Community College Foundation, Fifth Third Bank Eastern Division Board of Directors, Southeast Michigan American Red Cross board, Metropolitan Affairs Coalition (MAC), and the Trauma Center Association of America (TCAA).
BIO: John Sanders
John Sanders,
CEO/President
Innovative, Information, and Intelligence Solutions LLC
Over 30 plus years of experience as an intelligence professional in the U.S. Army including multiple combat tours. Served as an Executive Officer to the Deputy Director of National Intelligence, Policy, Plans, and Requirements with significant interaction with the 16 members of the Intelligence Community, DoD, Congress, and the National Security Council. Extensive experience as an Army Intelligence Officer, Cyberspace Professional, and Strategic Planner. Orchestrated Computer Network Operations/Cyberspace campaign planning and implementation for Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM). Skilled in working with high level Intelligence Community and DoD intelligence policy, programs. Well versed and experienced with strategy/operational level planning to derive tactical level action and execution. Trained in the Army Staff Force Development and Management process. Provided operational oversight and seamless integration for the development of mature state-of-the-art technologies, concepts, partnerships, training initiatives, and policies in support of the command. Orchestrated the Commands Computer Network Operations (CNO) and Cyberspace Campaign planning and implementation for Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM) which included end to end Joint Capabilities Integration Development System (JCIDS) process analysis of highly classified CNO capabilities. In the private sector, recently provided strategic advice and management consulting services to a Fortune 500, Billion-dollar Defense IT contractor on Cyber Strategy and Cybersecurity capability development for commercial offerings and large government contract efforts. Led two (256 Million Dollars and 5.6 Billion Dollar) award winning IDIQ contract proposal efforts with two small 8A defense contracting firms resulting in increased revenue and significant corporate growth.
BIO: Dan Schutter
Dan Schutter
Space Interactions Inc.
CEO and Co-Founder
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: Dr. Janet C. Wolfson P.E.
Dr. Janet C. Wolfson P.E.
Director of Science, Technology and Engineering
Dr. Janet Wolfson is the Director of Science, Technology and Engineering for the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration (SAF/SQ) at the Pentagon. She oversees and guides the execution of space related research at the Air Force Research Laboratory. She also sits on multiple committees focused on Science and Technology across the Department of the Air Force and the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
Previously, Dr. Janet Wolfson served as the Director of Staff for SAF/SQ. In this position, she collaborated and coordinated across the Department, ensuring all opportunities and efficiencies while preserving the authority and autonomy of SAF/SQ. She was the Space Division Chief in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Special Projects. There she led a team managing Special Access Programs for Space efforts involving emerging technologies. During her time at the Air Force Research Laboratory her expertise spanned from managing a highly classified science and technology research portfolio to addressing Air Combat Command’s critical gaps in Air Dominance and Global Precision Attack. She is a pioneer in fuzing technology and developed the first major change to fuzing since World War II. She also built diverse teams spanning the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy to optimize her research programs.
Before entering public service, Dr. Wolfson worked as a structural engineer for Applied Research Associates and the Thornton-Tomasetti Group. She practiced building design, forensic engineering, and blast-resistant design. She is a registered professional engineer in California and was a member of the response team for the World Trade Center Disaster.
Dr. Wolfson has published over 100 publications and proceedings in national and international journals and forums. She has been an invited speaker to various events.
EDUCATION
2000 Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA
2006 Masters of Science degree in Structural Engineering, University of California, San Diego, CA
2008 Doctorate of Philosophy degree in Structural Engineering, University of California, San Diego, CA
2016 Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., by correspondence
2020 Masters of Science, National Security Strategy, National Defense University, Washington DC
CAREER CHRONOLOGY
1. Sep 2000 – May 2002, Engineer, Thornton-Tomasetti Group, New York, NY
2. Aug 2002 – Sep 2005, Associate Engineer, Richard Brady and Associates, San Diego, CA
3. Aug 2008 – Sep 2009, Principal Engineer, Special Project Group, Applied Research Associates, Niceville, FL
4. Sep 2009 – Jan 2013, Mechanical Engineer, Munitions Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Eglin Air Force Base, FL
5. Jan 2013 – June 2017, Senior Mechanical Engineer, Munitions Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Eglin AFB, FL
6. June 2017 – July 2019, Senior Supervisory Engineer, Munitions Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Eglin AFB, FL
7. July 2019 – July 2020, National Security Strategy Student, National War College, Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington DC
8. July 2020 – July 2021, Advanced Space Capabilities Division Chief, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Special Projects, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, VA
9. July 2021 – Nov 2023, Director of Staff, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, VA
10. Nov 2023 – Present, Director of Science, Technology, and Engineering, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, VA
AWARDS AND HONORS
2014 AFRL Science and Engineering Early Career Award
2015 AFRL Directors Cup, Sr. Individual
2018 Invited Speaker for AFRL Inspire
2019 Exemplary Civilian Service Award
2020 MG Theodore Antonelli Best Group Paper Award
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS AND ASSOCIATIONS
Shock and Vibration Exchange (Technical Advisory Group)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (President, Vice President of Northwest FL Section)
National Defense Industrial Association
Society for Experimental Mechanics
Registered Professional Engineer – CA