Chief Risk Officer, Citadel

Joanna Welsh is Chief Risk Officer at Citadel. Joanna chairs Citadel’s Portfolio Committee and advises in determining risk tolerance levels for the strategies, businesses, and the funds as a whole.

Vice Chief of Space Operations, United States Space Force

As Vice Chief, he is responsible for assisting the Chief of Space Operations in organizing, training and equipping space forces in the United States and overseas, integrating space policy and guidance, and coordinating space-related activities for the U.S. Space Force and the Department of the Air Force.

Global Head of Aerospace, Defense & Government Services , UBS

Chris Harris is a Managing Director in UBS' Global Industrials Group. He has +25 years of M&A experience providing strategic and financial advice to Industrial clients. He has an extensive track-record as a M&A advisor to senior management, founders, owners and boards of directors of public and private companies on many of their most important strategic transactions across North America, 

Founder, Small Satellite Alliance

Mr. Charles Beames is currently the Chairman of York Space Systems, a leader in commercial small satellite design, manufacturing, and operations.

He also serves as the Executive Chairman of TrustPoint, SpiderOak, and the SmallSat Alliance (SSA). Previously, he served as President at Vulcan Aerospace, managing asset allocation of Microsoft co-founder Paul G. Allen’s $1B aerospace and technology investment portfolio, as well as directing all aspects of the Stratolaunch project.

Beames brings executive-level experience across the space and military industries, including technology development, operations, and private/venture capital investment. Prior to leading Vulcan Aerospace, he was a member of the Senior Executive Service, holding several executive positions with the Department of Defense, including Principal Director, Space & Intelligence Systems in the Pentagon. He served 23 years on active duty as an Air Force space and intelligence officer, retiring as a colonel.

Chair of the Board of Directors, Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center

Samuel Sanders Visner is a Technical Fellow at the Aerospace Corporation and Chair of the Board of Directors. Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center, the premier public/private and global partnership for the protection of our space systems. Sam is a former adjunct professor of Science and Technology in International Affairs at Georgetown University, where he taught a course on cybersecurity policy, operations, and technology; he remains and advisor to that program.

Head of Strategy, K2 Space

Dr. John F. Plumb served as the first Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy from April 2022-May 2024. In this role he was responsible for the overall supervision of space warfighting policy for the Department of Defense. His policy portfolio encompassed the Department’s strategic capabilities for integrated deterrence: space, nuclear weapons, cyber, missile defense, electromagnetic warfare, and countering weapons of mass destruction.  His accomplishments during his tenure included the classified Space Strategic Review, the unclassified Commercial Space Integration Strategy, the 2022 Missile Defense Review, the 2022 Nuclear Posture Review, and the unclassified Space Policy Review and Strategy on Protection of Satellites.  He also led the entire rewrite of the Department’s outdated space classification strategy, and spearheaded the expansion of the Combined Space Operations Initiative from 7 to 10 Allied nations.

Managing Partner, AE Industrial

Mr. Konert is a Managing Partner and member of the Investment Committee at AE Industrial Partners, a market leading investor in National Security and Space. Mr. Konert is Chairman of Firefly Aerospace and also serves on the Board of Directors of AE Industrial portfolio companies: BigBear.ai, Calca Solutions, Columbia Helicopters, Firefly Aerospace, Redwire, ThayerMahan and York Space Systems. He previously served on the Board of Directors of Gryphon Technologies, prior to its sale to ManTech International Corporation in 2021, American Pacific Corporation, prior to its sale to NewMarket Corporation in 2024, and Belcan, prior to its sale to Cognizant in 2024.

Founder, Space Policy Group

Mike has held leadership roles across the federal government, including as NASA’s Chief of Staff. As Chief of Staff, he helped execute NASA’s priorities across the agency’s commercial space, exploration, science, and aeronautics programs. Mike’s private sector experience includes leading a diverse coalition of over 70 space companies to advocate for policies, regulations, and investments across the civil, commercial, and national security sectors. He also led the commercial space practice of a market analysis and management consulting firm, advising private sector clients on growth, policy, and investment decisions. 

Partner, Head of MDP's Technology & Government Team

Prior to joining MDP, Matt was with Merrill Lynch in Investment Banking and with MDP as an Associate. He currently serves on the Boards of Directors of AEVEX Aerospace, Carnegie Learning, City Year Chicago, CoVant Technologies II, Harmonia Holdings Group, the Illinois Venture Capital Association, Lightspeed Systems, the National Security Space Association ("NSSA"), Omni Federal, SpiderOak, T2S Solutions and Unison. In addition, he was formerly on the Boards of Directors of Aderant, BlueCat Networks, Boise Cascade Company (NYSE: BCC), Boise Inc. (NYSE: BZ), Fieldglass, Fleet Complete, Kaufman Hall, LinQuest, LGS Innovations and NFP. Matt holds an active government security clearance.

President & Chief Executive Officer, Space Florida

Robert Long serves as Space Florida’s president and CEO, leading the state’s aerospace finance and development authority to advance the aerospace industry and solidify the state as the premier global and interplanetary capital for aerospace commerce. He is a proven leader with more than 25 years of experience overseeing large organizations across the aerospace spectrum from launch operations and mobility to logistics and spaceport operations. Long has spent his career improving and enhancing the transportation to, from, and in space, managing complex aerospace programs, leveraging innovative technologies to improve both government and private sector outcomes, and developing new business models and operating concepts to create value for the commercial aerospace industry.

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Senior Vice President, Space Defense
True Anomaly

Steve is responsible for scaling True Anomaly’s product portfolio and business strategy, with a focus on enabling the readiness and mission effectiveness of space forces, both on-orbit and across the globe.

Previously, Steve held multiple leadership roles at Microsoft. Most recently, he was the Senior Director of Strategic Ventures, focused on AI for Science and Quantum Computing. Prior, he was Senior Director of Azure Space serving as a leader of Microsoft's efforts to support the mission needs of the space sector through cloud-enabled technologies. Steve's efforts spanned product development with the engineering team to growth and strategy with partners and customers.

Lt Gen John Shaw (US Space Force, ret) has 34+ years of experience in national security space andaerospace engineering with a focus on leading large-scale technical, global organizations. His unique proven strengths in executive decision-making, strategic risk management, and combat operations at all levels have made him a leader in organizational transformation, strategic culture transformation, and the innovative integration of allied/international and commercial capabilities into national security missions. He was among the first general officers to accept a commission in the US Space Force, resigning his US Air Force commission to do so. General Shaw’s last active duty assignment, as a 3-star general in the US Space Force, was Deputy Commander of United States Space Command, where he directed 12,000+ personnel worldwide and oversaw a $525M budget to defend the nation’s critical space capabilities and to deliver space effects to terrestrial warfighters and human society. Before joining U.S. Space Command, John was the last commander of 14th Air Force (US Air Force) and the first commander of Space Operations Command (US Space Force) at Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA, leading 10,000+ personnel across the globe that organized, trained, and equipped military space forces and executed global space operations, in teamwork with international partners.

Board Director, President, Founder, and CEO, York Space Systems (York)

York was founded in 2012 to radically improve spacecraft affordability and deployment speed and has helped to fundamentally transform space architectures and the American space industrial base for the future. Today, York is the largest provider of spacecraft for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, by contracts, and is the second largest provider in the world of satellites to the United States Government, by quantity.

Technical Director, SIXGEN

Jacob Oakley, PhD, DSc, is a cybersecurity journeyman, author, speaker, and educator specialized in offensive cybersecurity, cyber warfare, and space system cybersecurity. He has advised Department of Defense (DoD) and Fortune 500 executives on strategic mitigation of risks and threats to globally distributed, multi-domain network architectures. Jacob serves as an adjunct professor for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, is the space lead for the Aerospace Village, and is on the steering committee for the IEEE Space System Cybersecurity Working Group.

Executive Director, Small Satellite Alliance

Angel is the Executive Director of the Small Satellite Alliance, where she champions the integration of commercial small satellite and AI capabilities into government defense and intelligence operations. With extensive expertise as a technologist, global policy leader, and retired USMC aviator, Angel aligns the Alliance’s mission with the needs of both industry and government. Her deep experience in AI integration within mission-critical environments strengthens the Alliance’s efforts to drive innovation and efficiency. Under her leadership, the Alliance advocates for the adoption of advanced commercial technologies that enhance the capabilities of defense and intelligence organizations globally.

Co-Founder and CEO, SkyFi,

SkyFi is an industry-leading Earth intelligence company headquartered in Austin, Texas. Luke began his career as a US Army Special Operations aviator where he ledteams in the most demanding environments. After theArmy, Luke was Head of Flight Operations at Uber andlater led Government Operations at Joby Aviation. After Joby, Luke was an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Shield Capital where he focused on investing in Space, Autonomy, AI, and Cyber until he co-founded SkyFi.

Director, DIU Space Portfolio

Steve “Bucky” Butow is the Director of the Space Portfolio at the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). He joined the team in 2015 as a plank owner when DIU was known as the Defense Innovation Unit Experimental (DIUx) and helped establish the organization’s operating locations in Silicon Valley; Boston, Massachusetts; and Austin, Texas.

In his reserve capacity, Butow is a Major General serving as the Commander of the California Air National Guard where he leads 4,900 Airmen assigned to five wings and a headquarters staff. Prior to this assignment, he was a Special Assistant to the Director, Air National Guard.

Capt Andrew Bossert is an Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA) and the Deputy Division Chief, Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve, Commercial Space Office, Space Systems Command, Los Angeles AFB, California. Prior to this assignment, Capt Bossert served as an IMA and Planning and Programming Officer with Assured Access to Space Program Executive Office, Patrick SFB, Fl. He began his Air Force Reserve career as a Contracting Officer, Defense Contract Management Agency – Stockton, Stockton, California. Prior to transitioning to the Air Force Reserves, Capt Bossert served as an Advanced Concepts Contracting Officer, Special Programs, Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles AFB, CA where he had responsibility of contract execution and administration of a $740 million dollar portfolio. Capt Bossert supported classified programs to field and sustain cutting-edge space technology ensuring US space superiority.  

Vice President, Strategy & Business Development, Lockheed Martin Space

As the vice president of Strategy & Business Development (S&BD) for Lockheed Martin Space, Jeff Schrader leads the future vision and growth for one of the largest space portfolios of any company. In this role, Jeff leads a global team of employees operating in several countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Kingdom of Saudia Arabia and Japan. Jeff’s role includes leading mission strategies and advanced capabilities for a portfolio spanning the following areas: Communications, PNT & Space Security; Strike, Deterrence & Missile Defense; Human & Scientific Exploration; Nuclear Command, Control & Communications (NC3); and Global Situational Awareness (GSA). 

Prior to his current role, Jeff served as the vice president for GSA and was responsible for managing mission areas, technologies and advanced programs in the areas of remote sensing, missile warning and tracking, radio frequency, intelligence solutions and cyber capabilities. Jeff led a geographic and technologically diverse team to deliver integrated end-to-end solutions supporting a $7B National Security Space line of business. The high-performance systems, critical space architectures and innovative concepts within GSA aid customers in executing vital national security missions across the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC) and U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).

Senior Vice President, M & T Bank

Zachary Hauser is a seasoned commercial banker specializing in strategic planning, commercial lending, and relationship management. He is the Senior Vice President and Team Lead of the Middle Market Aerospace, Defense, and Government Services Group at M&T Bank, where he leads a team of experts in government contracting.His team helps clients navigate complex financial scenarios and supports growth through capital solutions and M&A strategies.

Principal, AE Industrial Partners

Mr. Letarte currently serves on the Board of Directors of AE Industrial portfolio company York Space Systems. He previously served on the Board of Directors of Belcan, prior to its sale to Cognizant in 2024. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2018, Mr. Letarte was an Associate at Moelis & Company, where he focused on M&A, restructuring and strategic corporate advisory across a broad spectrum of industries including aerospace and defense, industrials, healthcare and consumer. Prior to joining Moelis, Mr. Letarte was an Analyst in J.P. Morgan’s Leveraged Finance Group, where he focused on clients in the technology, media and telecommunications sector.

Principal, 8090 Industries

Garuth Acharya is a Principal at 8090 Industries where he leads venture and growth stage investments in aerospace, defense and advanced manufacturing. Prior to 8090, Garuth spent time in operations and strategy roles at SpaceX, Blue Origin and the Department of Defense. Garuth holds a B.S. in Nuclear Engineering and Mechanical Engineering from Penn State, M.S. in Systems Engineering from Cornell and an M.B.A. from Wharton.

Senior Materiel Leader,Commercial Space Office, USSF Space Systems Command

Colonel Richard Kniseley is the Senior Materiel Leader, Commercial Space Office, Space Systems Command, Los Angeles Air Force Base, California. Colonel Kniseley leads a 90 personnel office that assesses, implements, integrates, and monitors commercial spaces capabilities for the Department of Defense. Charged with enacting a "Buy Before Build" paradigm shift, Colonel Kniseley executes over $1 Billion in investments mitigating critical capability gaps for the warfighter while interacting with senior Department of the Air Force members, Congressional Staff, and leaders of industry.

CEO, Xairos

Xairos a startup building a global timing service to expand beyond GPS.  David has three decades of experience in the space industry, including Hughes Space and Communications, Orbital, Maxar, and BridgeComm. David has a BS in Aeronautical Engineering from Cal Poly SLO, a MS in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Stanford University, and an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management. 

Vice President of Solutions, SpiderOak

As Vice President of Solutions, Erickson works closely with SpiderOak clients in the defense and intelligence sectors to implement these robust security measures. His focus on adaptive security solutions ensures that organizations can respond effectively to emerging threats while maintaining the integrity of their sensitive information. By applying zero-trust principles, clients can protect their data transfers to, through, and from tactical edge assets, which are increasingly critical in contemporary military operations. 

In 2018, Matt took on the role of Executive Director at the Digital Privacy Alliance, where he played a pivotal role in unifying various sectors of the tech industry that prioritize user privacy. His leadership was instrumental in fostering collaboration among companies that share a commitment to safeguarding personal information, allowing them to present a cohesive front in legislative discussions across the nation. This concerted effort not only amplified the industry's voice but also helped shape public policy in a way that protects user rights while encouraging innovation.