Space Foundation Names Michelle Olson as Senior Vice President of Strategic Communications and Marketing

Written by: Space Foundation Editorial Team

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — October 13, 2026 — Space Foundation has named Michelle Olson as Senior Vice President of Strategic Communications and Marketing.

Olson brings more than 35 years of experience in public relations, corporate communications and integrated marketing, most recently as Partner and U.S. Chief Client Officer at LLYC, where she built and led the firm’s Aerospace/Defense and Advanced Air Mobility practice. Her work has centered on stakeholder engagement and public acceptance of emerging technologies, including convening industry leaders through the inaugural Arizona Advanced Air Mobility Summit, which helped shape state legislation supporting the sector’s growth.

Previously, Olson founded and led her own communications firm, which was acquired by a New York advertising agency in 2014. At the time of its acquisition, the firm was ranked as Arizona’s third-largest public relations firm by the Phoenix Business Journal.

“Michelle brings deep aerospace and defense industry experience and a strong understanding of the ecosystem to Space Foundation,” said Heather Pringle, CEO of Space Foundation. “Her leadership, strategic communications expertise and extensive relationships across the industry will be tremendous assets as we continue to expand our reach and communicate the importance of space to audiences around the world.”

In her new role, Olson will be based in Colorado Springs and will lead Space Foundation’s marketing and communications strategy, overseeing brand, media relations and content initiatives that advance the organization’s mission to inspire, educate and connect the global space community.

“There couldn’t be a better time to join an organization that embodies credibility and collaboration at such a pivotal moment for the space industry,” said Olson. “Space is increasingly central to our economy, national security, scientific advancement and our future. As the global space ecosystem continues to grow in scale and importance, Space Foundation has a unique role in connecting the people, ideas and organizations shaping what comes next. I look forward to helping strengthen that voice, tell the stories that matter and expand the Foundation’s reach and impact.”

A longtime leader in the communications profession, Olson served as national chair of the Public Relations Society of America in 2021. She has been active in numerous aerospace, defense and advanced air mobility organizations, including AAAA, AUSA, Vertical Flight Society, Advanced Air Mobility Institute and Arizona Technology Council.  Olson has received numerous professional honors, including recognition by PR News as one of the Top Women in PR in 2020 and 2021, a 2021 Top Women in Communications Award from Ragan Communications and a 2021 Stevie Award in the Thought Leader category.

About Space Foundation 

Space Foundation, a nonpartisan nonprofit, brings together every corner of the global space ecosystem. Through year-round programs and events, including its flagship Space Symposium, the organization convenes leaders from government, industry, finance and education to exchange ideas, build partnerships and advance the future of space. As a trusted, neutral expert, Space Foundation turns connections into impact. It reinvests proceeds from its events into STEM education, workforce development and its Discovery Center. Together, these programs help build the talent and leadership that will power the space economy for generations to come.

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Media Contact:

Zakary Watson
Director, Communications
Space Foundation
[email protected]

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