Space Foundation Announces New Board Members, General Counsel

Written by: Space Foundation Editorial Team

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Sept. 23, 2026 — Space Foundation today announced the election of General (Ret.) David D. “DT” Thompson and Bridgit Mendler to its board of directors, effective Nov. 11, 2026. The organization also named Nathan Davis general counsel, a role he assumed this spring. 

“These leaders represent the very best of the space community: proven leadership, bold innovation, and a belief that space can improve life on Earth,” said Space Foundation CEO Heather Pringle. “We are thrilled to welcome General Thompson and Bridgit to our Board of Directors and continue working alongside Nate. Their combined experience spans national security, entrepreneurship, technology, and law, strengthening our ability to convene leaders, foster collaboration, and advance the future of the global space economy.” 

Thompson retired in 2024 after more than 38 years in the military, culminating his career as the first Vice Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force. While in service, General Thompson commanded at the squadron, group, and wing levels, and served in senior positions at the National Reconnaissance Office, Air Force Warfare Center, United States Strategic Command, Air Force Space Command, and Headquarters United States Space Force. Since retiring, Thompson joined several prominent commercial and defense aerospace boards and currently serves as the General Bernard Schriever Chair of Space Systems Engineering at the United States Air Force Academy. 

Mendler, who will serve in the board’s New Generation Space Leader seat, is the co-founder and CEO of Northwood, which is building a network that connects satellites to Earth. As an entrepreneur, researcher, and policy expert, as well as early career professional, she brings a unique perspective at the intersection of technology, connectivity, and commercial space growth. Her experience includes work on satellite licensing and regulatory policy at the Federal Communications Commission during her studies at Harvard Law School, as well as communications and connectivity research at the MIT Media Lab as a Director’s Fellow. She holds a master’s degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a J.D. from Harvard University.  

Davis joins Space Foundation while serving as a corporate partner at Holland & Hart LLP, where he advises companies, sponsors and investors on mergers and acquisitions, fundraising, corporate governance and strategic growth initiatives. Before beginning his legal career, Davis was a startup founder and professional ice hockey player. 

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, Space Foundation 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] 

Melissa Price
Senior Director
Griffins Communications Group
[email protected] 

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