HIGHLIGHTED SPEAKERS
THE HONORABLE FRANK CALVELLI
Frank Calvelli is the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisitions andIntegration. He is responsible for all architecture and integration with respect toacquisition of space systems and programs in the armed forces, chairing the SpaceAcquisition Council, and overseeing and directing the space acquisition centers inthe Department of the Air Force. He also serves as the DAF Service AcquisitionExecutive for Space Systems and Programs.
Mr. Calvelli has more than 34 years of experience in national security spaceacquisitions, operations, and leadership in the National Reconnaissance Offi ce andthe Central Intelligence Agency. He has held a variety of senior positions includingsatellite and ground system acquisitions, systems engineering, and mission operations.
Prior to joining the Department of the Air Force, Mr. Calvelli served for eight years asthe Principal Deputy Director of the National Reconnaissance Offi ce where hemanaged the day-to-day operations of the 3,500+ person Intelligence Community agency.
EDUCATION
1986 Bachelor of Science, Computer Science, State University of New York, Potsdam
1992 Master of Business Administration, Loyola University, Baltimore, Md.
AWARDS AND HONORS
Presidential Rank Award for Distinguished Service
National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal
CIA Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal
NRO Distinguished Performance Medal
THE HONORABLE FRANK CALVELLI
Frank Calvelli is the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisitions andIntegration. He is responsible for all architecture and integration with respect toacquisition of space systems and programs in the armed forces, chairing the SpaceAcquisition Council, and overseeing and directing the space acquisition centers inthe Department of the Air Force. He also serves as the DAF Service AcquisitionExecutive for Space Systems and Programs.
Mr. Calvelli has more than 34 years of experience in national security spaceacquisitions, operations, and leadership in the National Reconnaissance Offi ce andthe Central Intelligence Agency. He has held a variety of senior positions includingsatellite and ground system acquisitions, systems engineering, and mission operations.
Prior to joining the Department of the Air Force, Mr. Calvelli served for eight years asthe Principal Deputy Director of the National Reconnaissance Offi ce where hemanaged the day-to-day operations of the 3,500+ person Intelligence Community agency.
EDUCATION
1986 Bachelor of Science, Computer Science, State University of New York, Potsdam
1992 Master of Business Administration, Loyola University, Baltimore, Md.
AWARDS AND HONORS
Presidential Rank Award for Distinguished Service
National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal
CIA Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal
NRO Distinguished Performance Medal
Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisitions and Integration, U.S. Air Force
Kari A. Bingen
Kari A. Bingen is the Director of the Aerospace Security Project and a Senior Fellow in the International Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Her research interests include national security space, intelligence, and technology issues across the public and private sectors. She joined CSIS from HawkEye 360, an innovative space technology company creating a new class of radio frequency (RF) data and analytics, where she was the Chief Strategy Officer.
Prior to HawkEye 360, Kari served as the U.S. Senate-confirmed Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security, overseeing the defense intelligence and security enterprises, comprising more than 120,000 personnel and an annual budget of over $54 billion. Before that, Kari served as the policy director on the House Armed Services Committee and staff lead for its Strategic Forces subcommittee, advising members of Congress on defense policy, program, and budget matters. Prior to entering government, Kari specialized in national security space issues, working with U.S. defense and intelligence community clients, first as a space systems analyst at SRA International’s Adroit C4ISR Center, and then as a senior space policy analyst at The Aerospace Corporation.
In addition to her work at CSIS, Kari is passionate about “paying it forward” as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Georgetown University and as a member of the Common Mission Project Advisory Board. She is a member of the U.S. Strategic Command Strategic Advisory Group, was a commissioner on the CSIS Task Force on Technology and Intelligence, and serves on a number of corporate and non-profit advisory boards. She is a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics, and a 2002 NRO Technology Fellow.Kari A. Bingen
Kari A. Bingen is the Director of the Aerospace Security Project and a Senior Fellow in the International Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Her research interests include national security space, intelligence, and technology issues across the public and private sectors. She joined CSIS from HawkEye 360, an innovative space technology company creating a new class of radio frequency (RF) data and analytics, where she was the Chief Strategy Officer.
Prior to HawkEye 360, Kari served as the U.S. Senate-confirmed Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security, overseeing the defense intelligence and security enterprises, comprising more than 120,000 personnel and an annual budget of over $54 billion. Before that, Kari served as the policy director on the House Armed Services Committee and staff lead for its Strategic Forces subcommittee, advising members of Congress on defense policy, program, and budget matters. Prior to entering government, Kari specialized in national security space issues, working with U.S. defense and intelligence community clients, first as a space systems analyst at SRA International’s Adroit C4ISR Center, and then as a senior space policy analyst at The Aerospace Corporation.
In addition to her work at CSIS, Kari is passionate about “paying it forward” as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Georgetown University and as a member of the Common Mission Project Advisory Board. She is a member of the U.S. Strategic Command Strategic Advisory Group, was a commissioner on the CSIS Task Force on Technology and Intelligence, and serves on a number of corporate and non-profit advisory boards. She is a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics, and a 2002 NRO Technology Fellow.Senior Fellow and Director Aerospace Security Project, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
Kristina M. “Tina” Harrington
Ms. Tina Harrington, a member of the Defense Intelligence Senior Executive Service, is Director, Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) Systems Acquisition Directorate and Cadre Executive Director at the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), Chantilly, VA. As SIGINT Director, she leads a joint team responsible for the design, development, and acquisition of United States Signals Intelligence Space Systems for the Intelligence Community, military services, and allied partners.
Ms. Harrington grew up in Southern California and Colorado. She began her career as a technical staff member undergraduate with The Aerospace Corporation. She supported multiple programs in this role including Inertial Upper Stage (IUS) and MILSTAR. Upon graduation from college in 1991, Ms. Harrington became a full-time Member of the Technical Staff (MTS). Her initial assignments in the Engineering Technology Group included GPS and RADCAL, an experimental satellite. She also supported several NRO programs including multiple architecture studies that determined the SIGINT path. In 1995 she transitioned full time to the NRO where she served in a system engineering role on the development of the next generation of SIGINT systems. She also performed as a mission thread lead, coordinating and executing all aspects of the initialization and checkout of a new satellite. In 2002 Ms. Harrington transitioned to a management position with the Aerospace Corporation, continuing to support the NRO.
Ms. Harrington joined the Central Intelligence Agency in May 2006 assigned to the Directorate of Science and Technology, with duty in the NRO SIGINT Directorate, Low Earth Orbit System Program Office (LSPO). Upon entry, she served as Deputy Director, Systems Engineering, LSPO. In 2007, as part of the NRO larger transformation, Ms. Harrington stood up and directed the new LSPO Missions Department. This role included responsibility for all payload hardware, mission analysis, payload software development, and mission engineering in support of future and ongoing initiatives. In 2009 Ms. Harrington became the Deputy Director of LSPO where her responsibilities were program management of the acquisition and development of a state-of-the-art satellite collection system to include technical, operations, budget, schedule, and personnel. In 2010 Ms. Harrington joined the Air Force as a Defense Intelligence Senior Leader to take the role of the Chief Scientist Signals Intelligence Systems Acquisition National Reconnaissance Office where her responsibilities included leading Intelligence Community and Department of Defense studies on satellite based signals intelligence architectures for 2020 and beyond. In 2012 Ms. Harrington was assigned as Director of the Systems Engineering Directorate, NRO, where her role was to lead the requirements, interfaces, and schedule development for the NRO future architecture to ensure that the new integrated system would accomplish mission needs.
EDUCATION
1991 – Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics, California State University, Northridge, CA
CAREER CHRONOLOGY
1. Jun 1987 – Jul 1991, Technical Staff Undergraduate, Aerospace Corporation
2. Jul 1991 – Jun 1995, Member of Technical Staff, Electronic Technology Group, Aerospace Corporation
3. Jun 1995 – Sep 2002, Member of Technical Staff, National Systems Group, Aerospace Corporation
4. Sep 2002 – May 2006, System Director, National Systems Group, Aerospace Corporation
5. May 2006 – Nov 2007, Deputy Director Systems Engineering, Low Earth Orbit Program Office, NRO
6. Nov 2007 – Aug 2009, Director Missions Department, Low Earth Orbit System Program Office, NRO
7. Aug 2009 – Dec 2010, Deputy Director, Low Earth Orbit System Program Office, NRO
8. Dec 2010 – Jun 2012, Chief Scientist, Signals Intelligence Systems Acquisition, NRO
9. Jun 2012 – Dec 2013, Director Systems Engineering Directorate, NRO
10. Dec 2013 – Present, Director Signals Intelligence Systems Acquisition, NRO
11. Mar 2017 – Present, Cadre Executive Director, NRO
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS
DoD Program Management, Level III
Kristina M. “Tina” Harrington
Ms. Tina Harrington, a member of the Defense Intelligence Senior Executive Service, is Director, Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) Systems Acquisition Directorate and Cadre Executive Director at the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), Chantilly, VA. As SIGINT Director, she leads a joint team responsible for the design, development, and acquisition of United States Signals Intelligence Space Systems for the Intelligence Community, military services, and allied partners.
Ms. Harrington grew up in Southern California and Colorado. She began her career as a technical staff member undergraduate with The Aerospace Corporation. She supported multiple programs in this role including Inertial Upper Stage (IUS) and MILSTAR. Upon graduation from college in 1991, Ms. Harrington became a full-time Member of the Technical Staff (MTS). Her initial assignments in the Engineering Technology Group included GPS and RADCAL, an experimental satellite. She also supported several NRO programs including multiple architecture studies that determined the SIGINT path. In 1995 she transitioned full time to the NRO where she served in a system engineering role on the development of the next generation of SIGINT systems. She also performed as a mission thread lead, coordinating and executing all aspects of the initialization and checkout of a new satellite. In 2002 Ms. Harrington transitioned to a management position with the Aerospace Corporation, continuing to support the NRO.
Ms. Harrington joined the Central Intelligence Agency in May 2006 assigned to the Directorate of Science and Technology, with duty in the NRO SIGINT Directorate, Low Earth Orbit System Program Office (LSPO). Upon entry, she served as Deputy Director, Systems Engineering, LSPO. In 2007, as part of the NRO larger transformation, Ms. Harrington stood up and directed the new LSPO Missions Department. This role included responsibility for all payload hardware, mission analysis, payload software development, and mission engineering in support of future and ongoing initiatives. In 2009 Ms. Harrington became the Deputy Director of LSPO where her responsibilities were program management of the acquisition and development of a state-of-the-art satellite collection system to include technical, operations, budget, schedule, and personnel. In 2010 Ms. Harrington joined the Air Force as a Defense Intelligence Senior Leader to take the role of the Chief Scientist Signals Intelligence Systems Acquisition National Reconnaissance Office where her responsibilities included leading Intelligence Community and Department of Defense studies on satellite based signals intelligence architectures for 2020 and beyond. In 2012 Ms. Harrington was assigned as Director of the Systems Engineering Directorate, NRO, where her role was to lead the requirements, interfaces, and schedule development for the NRO future architecture to ensure that the new integrated system would accomplish mission needs.
EDUCATION
1991 – Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics, California State University, Northridge, CA
CAREER CHRONOLOGY
1. Jun 1987 – Jul 1991, Technical Staff Undergraduate, Aerospace Corporation
2. Jul 1991 – Jun 1995, Member of Technical Staff, Electronic Technology Group, Aerospace Corporation
3. Jun 1995 – Sep 2002, Member of Technical Staff, National Systems Group, Aerospace Corporation
4. Sep 2002 – May 2006, System Director, National Systems Group, Aerospace Corporation
5. May 2006 – Nov 2007, Deputy Director Systems Engineering, Low Earth Orbit Program Office, NRO
6. Nov 2007 – Aug 2009, Director Missions Department, Low Earth Orbit System Program Office, NRO
7. Aug 2009 – Dec 2010, Deputy Director, Low Earth Orbit System Program Office, NRO
8. Dec 2010 – Jun 2012, Chief Scientist, Signals Intelligence Systems Acquisition, NRO
9. Jun 2012 – Dec 2013, Director Systems Engineering Directorate, NRO
10. Dec 2013 – Present, Director Signals Intelligence Systems Acquisition, NRO
11. Mar 2017 – Present, Cadre Executive Director, NRO
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS
DoD Program Management, Level III
Director, Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) Systems Acquisition Directorate and Cadre Executive Director, National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)
John D. Hill
Mr. John D. Hill was appointed as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space and Missile Defense in January 2022 with responsibilities for formulating and coordinating national security space and missile defense policies and strategies, and related international cooperation. He also performed the duties of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy from January 2021 to March 2022.
A Presidential Rank Award recipient and member of the career Senior Executive Service, Mr. Hill previously served as the Principal Director for Space Policy from 2013-2021 and has held a diverse range of assignments in the Department of Defense (DoD) beyond the space and missile defense portfolios. He was DoD’s representative in negotiations with Afghanistan on the Security and Defense Cooperation Agreement that enabled a post-2014 presence of United States and NATO forces. Mr. Hill has held two prior Principal Director positions in DoD, overseeing defense policies and programs regarding Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Central Asia from 2010- 2012, and holding similar responsibilities regarding the East Asia region from 2006-2010.
In previous assignments as the Director for Northeast Asia and as the Senior Country Director for Japan, Mr. Hill led DoD’s management of U.S. alliance relationships with Japan and the Republic of Korea and oversaw security policies regarding the Korean Peninsula.
Mr. Hill’s career includes extensive experience across a wide range of international negotiations encompassing defense posture, status of forces, nuclear non-proliferation, defense industrial collaboration, international trade, and host nation support agreements. His early career highlights included roles in developing the longstanding U.S. policy on offsets in military exports and development and implementation of the Gulf War program under which coalition partners contributed $53 billion to defray U.S. costs.
As a member of the inaugural class of Mansfield Fellows, Mr. Hill served assignments on detail to the Japan Defense Agency, the Japan Federation of Economic Organizations (Keidanren), and Japan's Ministry of International Trade and Industry. Mr. Hill joined DoD through selection to the Presidential Management Internship Program, serving assignments with the Army Security Assistance Command, the Office of Management and Budget, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
Mr. Hill received his Master of Arts in International Affairs from American University, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at UCLA. He and his wife Lynn have three daughters, who are embarked on their own professional careers, and one grandson.
John D. Hill
Mr. John D. Hill was appointed as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space and Missile Defense in January 2022 with responsibilities for formulating and coordinating national security space and missile defense policies and strategies, and related international cooperation. He also performed the duties of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy from January 2021 to March 2022.
A Presidential Rank Award recipient and member of the career Senior Executive Service, Mr. Hill previously served as the Principal Director for Space Policy from 2013-2021 and has held a diverse range of assignments in the Department of Defense (DoD) beyond the space and missile defense portfolios. He was DoD’s representative in negotiations with Afghanistan on the Security and Defense Cooperation Agreement that enabled a post-2014 presence of United States and NATO forces. Mr. Hill has held two prior Principal Director positions in DoD, overseeing defense policies and programs regarding Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Central Asia from 2010- 2012, and holding similar responsibilities regarding the East Asia region from 2006-2010.
In previous assignments as the Director for Northeast Asia and as the Senior Country Director for Japan, Mr. Hill led DoD’s management of U.S. alliance relationships with Japan and the Republic of Korea and oversaw security policies regarding the Korean Peninsula.
Mr. Hill’s career includes extensive experience across a wide range of international negotiations encompassing defense posture, status of forces, nuclear non-proliferation, defense industrial collaboration, international trade, and host nation support agreements. His early career highlights included roles in developing the longstanding U.S. policy on offsets in military exports and development and implementation of the Gulf War program under which coalition partners contributed $53 billion to defray U.S. costs.
As a member of the inaugural class of Mansfield Fellows, Mr. Hill served assignments on detail to the Japan Defense Agency, the Japan Federation of Economic Organizations (Keidanren), and Japan's Ministry of International Trade and Industry. Mr. Hill joined DoD through selection to the Presidential Management Internship Program, serving assignments with the Army Security Assistance Command, the Office of Management and Budget, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
Mr. Hill received his Master of Arts in International Affairs from American University, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at UCLA. He and his wife Lynn have three daughters, who are embarked on their own professional careers, and one grandson.
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space and Missile Defense, U.S. Department of Defense
FAGA FORUM - SERIOUS TIMES DEMAND SERIOUS DISCUSSIONS
Space and Intelligence Community back together for in person conference with dialog at the TS/SCI level.
Timely and Compelling Topics Include:
- Norms of Operations between IC and military
- Commercial space industry role in Ukraine and implications for the future
- National Security Space and Risk Assessment
- Rapid Capabilities and Acquisition Initiatives
- NRO Requirements and Capabilities
- Fostering Unity across the IC Space Domain
- Congressional Perspective and Future Legislation
Engage with Experts
Leading government officials and industry experts, well-versed in space and intelligence issues, will discuss critical threats and challenges, and share their perspectives and insights on a variety of issues.
Join Us at the Faga Forum
With an overwhelming interest in classified programming at our annual Space Symposiums and customer demand for such programming, Space Foundation is again convening this one-day event for the Intelligence Community in the metro Washington, D.C., area.
Industry registration: $499
Active Duty Military/Government Personnel: $179
Networking reception following Faga Forum (UNCLASS)
U.S. citizenship and a TS/SCI security clearance are required for all attendees.
Faga Forum Agenda
| 7:30am | Registration Opens |
| 7:30am – 8:20am | Networking Breakfast co-sponsored by Lockheed Martin Corporate Host: Eric J. Brown, Lockheed Martin Space |
| 8:20am – 8:30am | Master of Ceremonies: Dr. Craig Heatwole, The Aerospace Corporation • Security Video |
| 8:30am – 8:40am | Opening Remarks: Jeffrey Grant, Space Foundation |
| 8:40am – 8:45am | Welcome Remarks: The Honorable Steven Isakowitz, The Aerospace Corporation |
| 8:45am – 9:05am | Featured Speaker: Paul Irwin, Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) |
| 9:05am – 9:25am | Featured Speaker: Maj. Gen. Gregory Gagnon, U.S. Space Force |
| 9:25am – 9:35am | Break |
| 9:35am – 9:50am | Featured Speaker: The Honorable Frank Calvelli, U.S. Air Force |
| 9:50am – 10:40am | Panel: NRO Tower Discussion Moderator: Dr. Jamie Morin, The Aerospace Corporation Panelists:
|
| 10:40am – 11:00am | Featured Speaker: John D. Hill, U.S. Department of Defense |
| 11:00am – 12:00pm | Panel: Commercial Military Intel Integration Moderator: Kari Bingen, CSIS Panelists:
|
| 12:10am – 1:30pm | Luncheon co-sponsored by Blue Origin Corporate Host: Lars Hoffman, Blue Origin |
| 1:30pm – 1:50pm | Featured Speaker: John Lombardi, USSPACECOM |
| 1:50pm – 2:10pm | Featured Speaker: Jonathan B. Smith, National Space Intelligence Center (NSIC) |
| 2:10pm – 2:25pm | Break |
| 2:25pm – 3:15pm | Panel: Congressional Staff Perspectives Moderator: John Galer, The Aerospace Corporation Panelists:
|
| 3:15pm – 3:35pm | Featured Speaker: Gen. John E. Hyten, USAF (Ret.), Blue Origin |
| 3:35pm – 4:15pm | Open Discussion/Industry Reflections |
| 4:15pm – 4:30pm | Closing Remarks: Jeffrey Grant, Space Foundation |
| 4:30pm – 6:00pm | Networking Reception co-sponsored by Tyto Athene * Separate Registration or Purchase Required |
Faga Forum Speakers
Bill Adkins
Coming soon.
Bill Adkins
Coming soon.
Professional Staff Member, House Appropriations Committee Defense Subcommittee
Kari A. Bingen
Kari A. Bingen is the Director of the Aerospace Security Project and a Senior Fellow in the International Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Her research interests include national security space, intelligence, and technology issues across the public and private sectors. She joined CSIS from HawkEye 360, an innovative space technology company creating a new class of radio frequency (RF) data and analytics, where she was the Chief Strategy Officer.
Prior to HawkEye 360, Kari served as the U.S. Senate-confirmed Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security, overseeing the defense intelligence and security enterprises, comprising more than 120,000 personnel and an annual budget of over $54 billion. Before that, Kari served as the policy director on the House Armed Services Committee and staff lead for its Strategic Forces subcommittee, advising members of Congress on defense policy, program, and budget matters. Prior to entering government, Kari specialized in national security space issues, working with U.S. defense and intelligence community clients, first as a space systems analyst at SRA International’s Adroit C4ISR Center, and then as a senior space policy analyst at The Aerospace Corporation.
In addition to her work at CSIS, Kari is passionate about “paying it forward” as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Georgetown University and as a member of the Common Mission Project Advisory Board. She is a member of the U.S. Strategic Command Strategic Advisory Group, was a commissioner on the CSIS Task Force on Technology and Intelligence, and serves on a number of corporate and non-profit advisory boards. She is a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics, and a 2002 NRO Technology Fellow.Kari A. Bingen
Kari A. Bingen is the Director of the Aerospace Security Project and a Senior Fellow in the International Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Her research interests include national security space, intelligence, and technology issues across the public and private sectors. She joined CSIS from HawkEye 360, an innovative space technology company creating a new class of radio frequency (RF) data and analytics, where she was the Chief Strategy Officer.
Prior to HawkEye 360, Kari served as the U.S. Senate-confirmed Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security, overseeing the defense intelligence and security enterprises, comprising more than 120,000 personnel and an annual budget of over $54 billion. Before that, Kari served as the policy director on the House Armed Services Committee and staff lead for its Strategic Forces subcommittee, advising members of Congress on defense policy, program, and budget matters. Prior to entering government, Kari specialized in national security space issues, working with U.S. defense and intelligence community clients, first as a space systems analyst at SRA International’s Adroit C4ISR Center, and then as a senior space policy analyst at The Aerospace Corporation.
In addition to her work at CSIS, Kari is passionate about “paying it forward” as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Georgetown University and as a member of the Common Mission Project Advisory Board. She is a member of the U.S. Strategic Command Strategic Advisory Group, was a commissioner on the CSIS Task Force on Technology and Intelligence, and serves on a number of corporate and non-profit advisory boards. She is a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics, and a 2002 NRO Technology Fellow.Senior Fellow and Director Aerospace Security Project, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
Eric J. Brown
Eric Brown is the Vice President of Advanced Program Development for Lockheed Martin’s Military Space business, working with the U.S. Government and its allies to develop space solutions with a particular focus on the following mission areas: missile warning and defense; military satellite communications (MILSATCOM); position, navigation, timing (PNT); space control; space domain awareness; and tactical integration. Mr. Brown leads Lockheed Martin’s developmental efforts from architectural design through research & development and ultimately defining operational warfighting capabilities. He oversees the coordination of company’s investments in future capabilities with those of teammates in industry, academia, research labs, and the U.S. Government to establish new architectures responsive to emerging threats to space and missions. Based on the criticality of space to today’s global security, Mr. Brown coordinates the space enablement across Lockheed Martin’s complete portfolio, which includes fighter aircraft, missiles and mission systems, to provide warfighters the tools needed to sustain US and allied operational advantage.
Prior to joining Lockheed Martin Space, Mr. Brown led PwC Strategy &’s global space community of practice, providing strategic consultation on topics of competitive positioning, new technology introduction, and inorganic strategy to executives across aerospace, defense, space, industrial, and technology sectors. Previously, he supported various agencies across the intelligence and defense communities in the development of mission and organizational strategies and concepts of operations to respond to evolving threats and critical national requirements.
Mr. Brown holds a Bachelor of Arts from Davidson College, a Master of Arts in National Security Policy from Georgetown University, and a Master of Business Administration from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. He currently sits on the Board of Directors for Astrotech Space Operations, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin.
Eric J. Brown
Eric Brown is the Vice President of Advanced Program Development for Lockheed Martin’s Military Space business, working with the U.S. Government and its allies to develop space solutions with a particular focus on the following mission areas: missile warning and defense; military satellite communications (MILSATCOM); position, navigation, timing (PNT); space control; space domain awareness; and tactical integration. Mr. Brown leads Lockheed Martin’s developmental efforts from architectural design through research & development and ultimately defining operational warfighting capabilities. He oversees the coordination of company’s investments in future capabilities with those of teammates in industry, academia, research labs, and the U.S. Government to establish new architectures responsive to emerging threats to space and missions. Based on the criticality of space to today’s global security, Mr. Brown coordinates the space enablement across Lockheed Martin’s complete portfolio, which includes fighter aircraft, missiles and mission systems, to provide warfighters the tools needed to sustain US and allied operational advantage.
Prior to joining Lockheed Martin Space, Mr. Brown led PwC Strategy &’s global space community of practice, providing strategic consultation on topics of competitive positioning, new technology introduction, and inorganic strategy to executives across aerospace, defense, space, industrial, and technology sectors. Previously, he supported various agencies across the intelligence and defense communities in the development of mission and organizational strategies and concepts of operations to respond to evolving threats and critical national requirements.
Mr. Brown holds a Bachelor of Arts from Davidson College, a Master of Arts in National Security Policy from Georgetown University, and a Master of Business Administration from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. He currently sits on the Board of Directors for Astrotech Space Operations, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin.
Vice President, Military Space Advanced Program Development, Lockheed Martin Space
THE HONORABLE FRANK CALVELLI
Frank Calvelli is the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisitions andIntegration. He is responsible for all architecture and integration with respect toacquisition of space systems and programs in the armed forces, chairing the SpaceAcquisition Council, and overseeing and directing the space acquisition centers inthe Department of the Air Force. He also serves as the DAF Service AcquisitionExecutive for Space Systems and Programs.
Mr. Calvelli has more than 34 years of experience in national security spaceacquisitions, operations, and leadership in the National Reconnaissance Offi ce andthe Central Intelligence Agency. He has held a variety of senior positions includingsatellite and ground system acquisitions, systems engineering, and mission operations.
Prior to joining the Department of the Air Force, Mr. Calvelli served for eight years asthe Principal Deputy Director of the National Reconnaissance Offi ce where hemanaged the day-to-day operations of the 3,500+ person Intelligence Community agency.
EDUCATION
1986 Bachelor of Science, Computer Science, State University of New York, Potsdam
1992 Master of Business Administration, Loyola University, Baltimore, Md.
AWARDS AND HONORS
Presidential Rank Award for Distinguished Service
National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal
CIA Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal
NRO Distinguished Performance Medal
THE HONORABLE FRANK CALVELLI
Frank Calvelli is the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisitions andIntegration. He is responsible for all architecture and integration with respect toacquisition of space systems and programs in the armed forces, chairing the SpaceAcquisition Council, and overseeing and directing the space acquisition centers inthe Department of the Air Force. He also serves as the DAF Service AcquisitionExecutive for Space Systems and Programs.
Mr. Calvelli has more than 34 years of experience in national security spaceacquisitions, operations, and leadership in the National Reconnaissance Offi ce andthe Central Intelligence Agency. He has held a variety of senior positions includingsatellite and ground system acquisitions, systems engineering, and mission operations.
Prior to joining the Department of the Air Force, Mr. Calvelli served for eight years asthe Principal Deputy Director of the National Reconnaissance Offi ce where hemanaged the day-to-day operations of the 3,500+ person Intelligence Community agency.
EDUCATION
1986 Bachelor of Science, Computer Science, State University of New York, Potsdam
1992 Master of Business Administration, Loyola University, Baltimore, Md.
AWARDS AND HONORS
Presidential Rank Award for Distinguished Service
National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal
CIA Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal
NRO Distinguished Performance Medal
Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisitions and Integration, U.S. Air Force
Maj. Gen. Gregory Gagnon
Maj. Gen. Gagnon is the Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Intelligence, U.S. Space Force. He serves as the Senior Intelligence Officer to the Chief of Space Operations and is responsible to the Secretary of the Air Force and Chief of Space Operations for intelligence policy, oversight, and guidance of Space Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. He exercises overall responsibility for the Space Force Intelligence Community Element, which is the 18th member of the U.S. Intelligence Community. Additionally, he serves as the Chief, Service Cryptologic Component with delegated authorities from the Director the National Security Agency.
Maj. Gen. Gagnon is a career Intelligence Officer with an extensive background in cyberspace operations. He has commanded at the squadron, group and joint wing levels with one combat command tour in Afghanistan. Maj. Gen. Gagnon has deployed on multiple occasions in support of joint air and special operations.
Maj. Gen. Gregory Gagnon
Maj. Gen. Gagnon is the Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Intelligence, U.S. Space Force. He serves as the Senior Intelligence Officer to the Chief of Space Operations and is responsible to the Secretary of the Air Force and Chief of Space Operations for intelligence policy, oversight, and guidance of Space Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. He exercises overall responsibility for the Space Force Intelligence Community Element, which is the 18th member of the U.S. Intelligence Community. Additionally, he serves as the Chief, Service Cryptologic Component with delegated authorities from the Director the National Security Agency.
Maj. Gen. Gagnon is a career Intelligence Officer with an extensive background in cyberspace operations. He has commanded at the squadron, group and joint wing levels with one combat command tour in Afghanistan. Maj. Gen. Gagnon has deployed on multiple occasions in support of joint air and special operations.
Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Intelligence, U.S. Space Force
John Galer
John Galer is the Chief of Government Relations for the Aerospace Corporation where he leads the corporation’s government relations activities, providing strategic vision and execution of a growing portfolio of educational and outreach efforts to Congress, Executive Branch, and state and local government officials. Concurrently, Galer serves as the co-chair of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Space Systems Critical Infrastructure Working group, a public-private partnership that identifies and develops strategies to minimize risks and increase the security and resiliency of America’s space-based assets and critical functions.
Prior to joining Aerospace, Galer served as the Assistant Vice President for National Security Space at the Aerospace Industries Association, providing policy leadership, and representing industry consensus on national security space matters. He is a presently a Stephen M. Kellen Term Member at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) and was a 2019 Shawn Brimley National Security Fellow at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS).
John is also a Space Operations Officer in the United States Air Force Reserve, currently serving in the Office of Policy and Strategy at the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). He spent fourteen years on active duty with a variety of assignments leading dynamic teams in space operations, strategy, communications, and policy. During his career, he has served as a satellite operator and integrator and a trusted advisor and strategic communicator for chief executives in the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, and U.S. Congress. In his last assignment, he was a Legislative Liaison for U.S. Strategic Command.
Galer is currently pursuing a Doctor of International Affairs at Johns Hopkins SAIS and holds a B.S. in Journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and an M.B.A. from Florida State University.
John Galer
John Galer is the Chief of Government Relations for the Aerospace Corporation where he leads the corporation’s government relations activities, providing strategic vision and execution of a growing portfolio of educational and outreach efforts to Congress, Executive Branch, and state and local government officials. Concurrently, Galer serves as the co-chair of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Space Systems Critical Infrastructure Working group, a public-private partnership that identifies and develops strategies to minimize risks and increase the security and resiliency of America’s space-based assets and critical functions.
Prior to joining Aerospace, Galer served as the Assistant Vice President for National Security Space at the Aerospace Industries Association, providing policy leadership, and representing industry consensus on national security space matters. He is a presently a Stephen M. Kellen Term Member at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) and was a 2019 Shawn Brimley National Security Fellow at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS).
John is also a Space Operations Officer in the United States Air Force Reserve, currently serving in the Office of Policy and Strategy at the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). He spent fourteen years on active duty with a variety of assignments leading dynamic teams in space operations, strategy, communications, and policy. During his career, he has served as a satellite operator and integrator and a trusted advisor and strategic communicator for chief executives in the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, and U.S. Congress. In his last assignment, he was a Legislative Liaison for U.S. Strategic Command.
Galer is currently pursuing a Doctor of International Affairs at Johns Hopkins SAIS and holds a B.S. in Journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and an M.B.A. from Florida State University.
Chief of Government Relations, The Aerospace Corporation
Jeffery D. Grant
Jeffrey Grant has served on the Space Foundation board since 2014, becoming Member at Large in 2018, and elected Vice Chairman in 2019.
Grant retired as Sector Vice President and General Manager of Space Systems at Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. In his former role, Grant led the division that provides space solutions for civil, military, and restricted customers. Prior to that appointment, Grant was Vice President of National Systems for Space Systems where his primary responsibilities were the acquisition and execution of all space programs for restricted customers, which included the design, build, launch, and operations of major systems. He was also responsible for new business with those customers, as well as for the evolution of existing systems, including capabilities enhancements and technology insertion.
Earlier in his career, Jeffrey served as the Vice President of Business Development at Northrop Grumman’s former Space Technology sector. In that role, he led the business development function, overseeing Space Technology’s strategy formulation, program development, marketing, and discretionary investment. Grant joined Northrop Grumman via the acquisition of TRW in December 2002. Before joining TRW in February 2002, he held a variety of government and private sector positions. He’s also the former Vice President and Chief Technical Officer for Astrolink International, LLC, a joint international venture to develop and operate a global broadband telecommunications satellite system.
Before joining the private sector, Jeffrey served for 21 years at the United States Central Intelligence Agency in positions at the CIA/National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), Directorate of Science and Technology, and Directorate of Intelligence, Office of Scientific Intelligence. In his last assignment at the NRO, he served as Director, Office of Plans and Analysis. During his 18 years at the NRO, Grant also served as a program director for satellite, launch, and ground segment development. Additionally, he was the Chief Systems Engineer on two space intelligence collection projects involving spacecraft in both geosynchronous and low Earth orbits. He also led an advanced technology division to develop and test advanced imagery, communication, and data processing technologies.
In addition to serving on the Space Foundation Board of Directors, Grant also serves on the Board of Trustees of The Aerospace Corporation. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Distinguished Intelligence Medal, the Intelligence Medal of Merit, CIA Engineer of the Year, the Intelligence Certificate of Distinction, and the CIA Certificate of Distinction. Grant earned his Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering from the Florida Institute of Technology.
Jeffery D. Grant
Jeffrey Grant has served on the Space Foundation board since 2014, becoming Member at Large in 2018, and elected Vice Chairman in 2019.
Grant retired as Sector Vice President and General Manager of Space Systems at Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. In his former role, Grant led the division that provides space solutions for civil, military, and restricted customers. Prior to that appointment, Grant was Vice President of National Systems for Space Systems where his primary responsibilities were the acquisition and execution of all space programs for restricted customers, which included the design, build, launch, and operations of major systems. He was also responsible for new business with those customers, as well as for the evolution of existing systems, including capabilities enhancements and technology insertion.
Earlier in his career, Jeffrey served as the Vice President of Business Development at Northrop Grumman’s former Space Technology sector. In that role, he led the business development function, overseeing Space Technology’s strategy formulation, program development, marketing, and discretionary investment. Grant joined Northrop Grumman via the acquisition of TRW in December 2002. Before joining TRW in February 2002, he held a variety of government and private sector positions. He’s also the former Vice President and Chief Technical Officer for Astrolink International, LLC, a joint international venture to develop and operate a global broadband telecommunications satellite system.
Before joining the private sector, Jeffrey served for 21 years at the United States Central Intelligence Agency in positions at the CIA/National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), Directorate of Science and Technology, and Directorate of Intelligence, Office of Scientific Intelligence. In his last assignment at the NRO, he served as Director, Office of Plans and Analysis. During his 18 years at the NRO, Grant also served as a program director for satellite, launch, and ground segment development. Additionally, he was the Chief Systems Engineer on two space intelligence collection projects involving spacecraft in both geosynchronous and low Earth orbits. He also led an advanced technology division to develop and test advanced imagery, communication, and data processing technologies.
In addition to serving on the Space Foundation Board of Directors, Grant also serves on the Board of Trustees of The Aerospace Corporation. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Distinguished Intelligence Medal, the Intelligence Medal of Merit, CIA Engineer of the Year, the Intelligence Certificate of Distinction, and the CIA Certificate of Distinction. Grant earned his Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering from the Florida Institute of Technology.
Vice Chairman, Space Foundation
Kristina M. “Tina” Harrington
Ms. Tina Harrington, a member of the Defense Intelligence Senior Executive Service, is Director, Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) Systems Acquisition Directorate and Cadre Executive Director at the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), Chantilly, VA. As SIGINT Director, she leads a joint team responsible for the design, development, and acquisition of United States Signals Intelligence Space Systems for the Intelligence Community, military services, and allied partners.
Ms. Harrington grew up in Southern California and Colorado. She began her career as a technical staff member undergraduate with The Aerospace Corporation. She supported multiple programs in this role including Inertial Upper Stage (IUS) and MILSTAR. Upon graduation from college in 1991, Ms. Harrington became a full-time Member of the Technical Staff (MTS). Her initial assignments in the Engineering Technology Group included GPS and RADCAL, an experimental satellite. She also supported several NRO programs including multiple architecture studies that determined the SIGINT path. In 1995 she transitioned full time to the NRO where she served in a system engineering role on the development of the next generation of SIGINT systems. She also performed as a mission thread lead, coordinating and executing all aspects of the initialization and checkout of a new satellite. In 2002 Ms. Harrington transitioned to a management position with the Aerospace Corporation, continuing to support the NRO.
Ms. Harrington joined the Central Intelligence Agency in May 2006 assigned to the Directorate of Science and Technology, with duty in the NRO SIGINT Directorate, Low Earth Orbit System Program Office (LSPO). Upon entry, she served as Deputy Director, Systems Engineering, LSPO. In 2007, as part of the NRO larger transformation, Ms. Harrington stood up and directed the new LSPO Missions Department. This role included responsibility for all payload hardware, mission analysis, payload software development, and mission engineering in support of future and ongoing initiatives. In 2009 Ms. Harrington became the Deputy Director of LSPO where her responsibilities were program management of the acquisition and development of a state-of-the-art satellite collection system to include technical, operations, budget, schedule, and personnel. In 2010 Ms. Harrington joined the Air Force as a Defense Intelligence Senior Leader to take the role of the Chief Scientist Signals Intelligence Systems Acquisition National Reconnaissance Office where her responsibilities included leading Intelligence Community and Department of Defense studies on satellite based signals intelligence architectures for 2020 and beyond. In 2012 Ms. Harrington was assigned as Director of the Systems Engineering Directorate, NRO, where her role was to lead the requirements, interfaces, and schedule development for the NRO future architecture to ensure that the new integrated system would accomplish mission needs.
EDUCATION
1991 – Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics, California State University, Northridge, CA
CAREER CHRONOLOGY
1. Jun 1987 – Jul 1991, Technical Staff Undergraduate, Aerospace Corporation
2. Jul 1991 – Jun 1995, Member of Technical Staff, Electronic Technology Group, Aerospace Corporation
3. Jun 1995 – Sep 2002, Member of Technical Staff, National Systems Group, Aerospace Corporation
4. Sep 2002 – May 2006, System Director, National Systems Group, Aerospace Corporation
5. May 2006 – Nov 2007, Deputy Director Systems Engineering, Low Earth Orbit Program Office, NRO
6. Nov 2007 – Aug 2009, Director Missions Department, Low Earth Orbit System Program Office, NRO
7. Aug 2009 – Dec 2010, Deputy Director, Low Earth Orbit System Program Office, NRO
8. Dec 2010 – Jun 2012, Chief Scientist, Signals Intelligence Systems Acquisition, NRO
9. Jun 2012 – Dec 2013, Director Systems Engineering Directorate, NRO
10. Dec 2013 – Present, Director Signals Intelligence Systems Acquisition, NRO
11. Mar 2017 – Present, Cadre Executive Director, NRO
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS
DoD Program Management, Level III
Kristina M. “Tina” Harrington
Ms. Tina Harrington, a member of the Defense Intelligence Senior Executive Service, is Director, Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) Systems Acquisition Directorate and Cadre Executive Director at the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), Chantilly, VA. As SIGINT Director, she leads a joint team responsible for the design, development, and acquisition of United States Signals Intelligence Space Systems for the Intelligence Community, military services, and allied partners.
Ms. Harrington grew up in Southern California and Colorado. She began her career as a technical staff member undergraduate with The Aerospace Corporation. She supported multiple programs in this role including Inertial Upper Stage (IUS) and MILSTAR. Upon graduation from college in 1991, Ms. Harrington became a full-time Member of the Technical Staff (MTS). Her initial assignments in the Engineering Technology Group included GPS and RADCAL, an experimental satellite. She also supported several NRO programs including multiple architecture studies that determined the SIGINT path. In 1995 she transitioned full time to the NRO where she served in a system engineering role on the development of the next generation of SIGINT systems. She also performed as a mission thread lead, coordinating and executing all aspects of the initialization and checkout of a new satellite. In 2002 Ms. Harrington transitioned to a management position with the Aerospace Corporation, continuing to support the NRO.
Ms. Harrington joined the Central Intelligence Agency in May 2006 assigned to the Directorate of Science and Technology, with duty in the NRO SIGINT Directorate, Low Earth Orbit System Program Office (LSPO). Upon entry, she served as Deputy Director, Systems Engineering, LSPO. In 2007, as part of the NRO larger transformation, Ms. Harrington stood up and directed the new LSPO Missions Department. This role included responsibility for all payload hardware, mission analysis, payload software development, and mission engineering in support of future and ongoing initiatives. In 2009 Ms. Harrington became the Deputy Director of LSPO where her responsibilities were program management of the acquisition and development of a state-of-the-art satellite collection system to include technical, operations, budget, schedule, and personnel. In 2010 Ms. Harrington joined the Air Force as a Defense Intelligence Senior Leader to take the role of the Chief Scientist Signals Intelligence Systems Acquisition National Reconnaissance Office where her responsibilities included leading Intelligence Community and Department of Defense studies on satellite based signals intelligence architectures for 2020 and beyond. In 2012 Ms. Harrington was assigned as Director of the Systems Engineering Directorate, NRO, where her role was to lead the requirements, interfaces, and schedule development for the NRO future architecture to ensure that the new integrated system would accomplish mission needs.
EDUCATION
1991 – Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics, California State University, Northridge, CA
CAREER CHRONOLOGY
1. Jun 1987 – Jul 1991, Technical Staff Undergraduate, Aerospace Corporation
2. Jul 1991 – Jun 1995, Member of Technical Staff, Electronic Technology Group, Aerospace Corporation
3. Jun 1995 – Sep 2002, Member of Technical Staff, National Systems Group, Aerospace Corporation
4. Sep 2002 – May 2006, System Director, National Systems Group, Aerospace Corporation
5. May 2006 – Nov 2007, Deputy Director Systems Engineering, Low Earth Orbit Program Office, NRO
6. Nov 2007 – Aug 2009, Director Missions Department, Low Earth Orbit System Program Office, NRO
7. Aug 2009 – Dec 2010, Deputy Director, Low Earth Orbit System Program Office, NRO
8. Dec 2010 – Jun 2012, Chief Scientist, Signals Intelligence Systems Acquisition, NRO
9. Jun 2012 – Dec 2013, Director Systems Engineering Directorate, NRO
10. Dec 2013 – Present, Director Signals Intelligence Systems Acquisition, NRO
11. Mar 2017 – Present, Cadre Executive Director, NRO
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS
DoD Program Management, Level III
Director, Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) Systems Acquisition Directorate and Cadre Executive Director, National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)
Dr. Craig Heatwole
Dr. Craig M. Heatwole is the General Manager of the Imagery Programs Division, National Systems Group. He was appointed to this position on August 1, 2017. In this role he provides technical leadership and management of four subdivisions supporting the National Reconnaissance Office GEOINT mission areas. The division assists the government with satellite acquisitions, ground segments, and systems engineering for vital national missions.
Prior to his current assignment, Dr. Heatwole has undertaken a number of assignments including Manager of the Advanced Control Applications in the Control Analysis Department of the Guidance and Control Systems Subdivision, Director of Systems Engineering, Director of Vehicle Engineering, and Principal Director of the Reconnaissance Systems Office.
Dr. Heatwole has 30 years of experience in space acquisitions, systems engineering, space vehicle design, and program management with SMC, NRO and NASA customers. He has supported all phases of acquisition including concept development, preliminary design, complete design, assembly integration and test, launch operations, and on-orbit support. He is an expert in attitude determination and control hardware, line-of-sight control systems, and multi-control-loop and performance analysis.
Dr. Heatwole completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute, and a Master’s Degree and Ph.D., both in Mechanical Engineering, from Purdue University.
Dr. Heatwole developed and patented a gyroless control methodology which became the crucial solution for difficulties encountered on several NASA and NRO programs. He was awarded the Aerospace Presidents Award, “For innovative design and application of the Pseudo Gyro and for sustained excellence in the application of attitude reference systems to national security programs." He is the author of several publications, derived from his work at the Aerospace Corporation and has developed a Precision Satellite Attitude Determination course for the NRO.
Dr. Craig Heatwole
Dr. Craig M. Heatwole is the General Manager of the Imagery Programs Division, National Systems Group. He was appointed to this position on August 1, 2017. In this role he provides technical leadership and management of four subdivisions supporting the National Reconnaissance Office GEOINT mission areas. The division assists the government with satellite acquisitions, ground segments, and systems engineering for vital national missions.
Prior to his current assignment, Dr. Heatwole has undertaken a number of assignments including Manager of the Advanced Control Applications in the Control Analysis Department of the Guidance and Control Systems Subdivision, Director of Systems Engineering, Director of Vehicle Engineering, and Principal Director of the Reconnaissance Systems Office.
Dr. Heatwole has 30 years of experience in space acquisitions, systems engineering, space vehicle design, and program management with SMC, NRO and NASA customers. He has supported all phases of acquisition including concept development, preliminary design, complete design, assembly integration and test, launch operations, and on-orbit support. He is an expert in attitude determination and control hardware, line-of-sight control systems, and multi-control-loop and performance analysis.
Dr. Heatwole completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute, and a Master’s Degree and Ph.D., both in Mechanical Engineering, from Purdue University.
Dr. Heatwole developed and patented a gyroless control methodology which became the crucial solution for difficulties encountered on several NASA and NRO programs. He was awarded the Aerospace Presidents Award, “For innovative design and application of the Pseudo Gyro and for sustained excellence in the application of attitude reference systems to national security programs." He is the author of several publications, derived from his work at the Aerospace Corporation and has developed a Precision Satellite Attitude Determination course for the NRO.
General Manager, National Systems Group, The Aerospace Corporation
John D. Hill
Mr. John D. Hill was appointed as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space and Missile Defense in January 2022 with responsibilities for formulating and coordinating national security space and missile defense policies and strategies, and related international cooperation. He also performed the duties of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy from January 2021 to March 2022.
A Presidential Rank Award recipient and member of the career Senior Executive Service, Mr. Hill previously served as the Principal Director for Space Policy from 2013-2021 and has held a diverse range of assignments in the Department of Defense (DoD) beyond the space and missile defense portfolios. He was DoD’s representative in negotiations with Afghanistan on the Security and Defense Cooperation Agreement that enabled a post-2014 presence of United States and NATO forces. Mr. Hill has held two prior Principal Director positions in DoD, overseeing defense policies and programs regarding Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Central Asia from 2010- 2012, and holding similar responsibilities regarding the East Asia region from 2006-2010.
In previous assignments as the Director for Northeast Asia and as the Senior Country Director for Japan, Mr. Hill led DoD’s management of U.S. alliance relationships with Japan and the Republic of Korea and oversaw security policies regarding the Korean Peninsula.
Mr. Hill’s career includes extensive experience across a wide range of international negotiations encompassing defense posture, status of forces, nuclear non-proliferation, defense industrial collaboration, international trade, and host nation support agreements. His early career highlights included roles in developing the longstanding U.S. policy on offsets in military exports and development and implementation of the Gulf War program under which coalition partners contributed $53 billion to defray U.S. costs.
As a member of the inaugural class of Mansfield Fellows, Mr. Hill served assignments on detail to the Japan Defense Agency, the Japan Federation of Economic Organizations (Keidanren), and Japan's Ministry of International Trade and Industry. Mr. Hill joined DoD through selection to the Presidential Management Internship Program, serving assignments with the Army Security Assistance Command, the Office of Management and Budget, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
Mr. Hill received his Master of Arts in International Affairs from American University, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at UCLA. He and his wife Lynn have three daughters, who are embarked on their own professional careers, and one grandson.
John D. Hill
Mr. John D. Hill was appointed as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space and Missile Defense in January 2022 with responsibilities for formulating and coordinating national security space and missile defense policies and strategies, and related international cooperation. He also performed the duties of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy from January 2021 to March 2022.
A Presidential Rank Award recipient and member of the career Senior Executive Service, Mr. Hill previously served as the Principal Director for Space Policy from 2013-2021 and has held a diverse range of assignments in the Department of Defense (DoD) beyond the space and missile defense portfolios. He was DoD’s representative in negotiations with Afghanistan on the Security and Defense Cooperation Agreement that enabled a post-2014 presence of United States and NATO forces. Mr. Hill has held two prior Principal Director positions in DoD, overseeing defense policies and programs regarding Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Central Asia from 2010- 2012, and holding similar responsibilities regarding the East Asia region from 2006-2010.
In previous assignments as the Director for Northeast Asia and as the Senior Country Director for Japan, Mr. Hill led DoD’s management of U.S. alliance relationships with Japan and the Republic of Korea and oversaw security policies regarding the Korean Peninsula.
Mr. Hill’s career includes extensive experience across a wide range of international negotiations encompassing defense posture, status of forces, nuclear non-proliferation, defense industrial collaboration, international trade, and host nation support agreements. His early career highlights included roles in developing the longstanding U.S. policy on offsets in military exports and development and implementation of the Gulf War program under which coalition partners contributed $53 billion to defray U.S. costs.
As a member of the inaugural class of Mansfield Fellows, Mr. Hill served assignments on detail to the Japan Defense Agency, the Japan Federation of Economic Organizations (Keidanren), and Japan's Ministry of International Trade and Industry. Mr. Hill joined DoD through selection to the Presidential Management Internship Program, serving assignments with the Army Security Assistance Command, the Office of Management and Budget, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
Mr. Hill received his Master of Arts in International Affairs from American University, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at UCLA. He and his wife Lynn have three daughters, who are embarked on their own professional careers, and one grandson.
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space and Missile Defense, U.S. Department of Defense
Lars Hoffman
Lars Hoffman is Vice President, National Security Sales for Blue Origin.
As Vice President, National Security Sales, Lars is responsible for helping Blue Origin deliver critical capabilities to the United States Government to support a diverse and growing set of national security space requirements.
Before joining Blue Origin, Lars was Senior Vice President at Rocket Lab where he helped build Rocket Lab from a private startup to a publicly traded end-to-end space company. From 2014 to 2018, Lars was an executive at SpaceX, directly supporting the National Security Space community. Prior to joining industry, Lars completed a distinguished career in the United States Air Force, as a U-2 reconnaissance pilot, a test pilot, and in senior leadership roles at The Pentagon.
Lars holds advanced engineering degrees from the United States Air Force Academy, U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology, and U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. Lars also earned national security degrees from MIT, Air University, and National Defense University, and a Master of Business Administration degree from UCLA.
Lars Hoffman
Lars Hoffman is Vice President, National Security Sales for Blue Origin.
As Vice President, National Security Sales, Lars is responsible for helping Blue Origin deliver critical capabilities to the United States Government to support a diverse and growing set of national security space requirements.
Before joining Blue Origin, Lars was Senior Vice President at Rocket Lab where he helped build Rocket Lab from a private startup to a publicly traded end-to-end space company. From 2014 to 2018, Lars was an executive at SpaceX, directly supporting the National Security Space community. Prior to joining industry, Lars completed a distinguished career in the United States Air Force, as a U-2 reconnaissance pilot, a test pilot, and in senior leadership roles at The Pentagon.
Lars holds advanced engineering degrees from the United States Air Force Academy, U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology, and U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. Lars also earned national security degrees from MIT, Air University, and National Defense University, and a Master of Business Administration degree from UCLA.
Vice President, National Security Sales, Blue Origin
John Hood
Speaker bio is coming soon.
John Hood
Speaker bio is coming soon.
Director, Communications Systems Directorate, National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)
Amy F. Hopkins
Ms. Amy Hopkins currently serves as the Vice President and General Manager of Capella Space.
Ms. Hopkins has held a variety of positions in both Executive and Legislative branches of the U.S. Government. She served as a professional staff member of the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, as well as the Special Assistant to the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Most recently, Ms. Hopkins was the Director of the Virtual Warfare Center at The Boeing Company.
Ms. Hopkins, a native of Lewes, Delaware has also served on the staff of Senator Thomas R. Carper, and the late Senator William V. Roth Jr.
She began her career with the Defense Intelligence Agency. While at DIA, she held many positions and deployed in support of military operations in Kosovo. Major awards include the Joint Meritorious Civilian Service Award, Joint Civilian Service Commendation Award, Civilian Combat Support Medal.
Amy F. Hopkins
Ms. Amy Hopkins currently serves as the Vice President and General Manager of Capella Space.
Ms. Hopkins has held a variety of positions in both Executive and Legislative branches of the U.S. Government. She served as a professional staff member of the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, as well as the Special Assistant to the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Most recently, Ms. Hopkins was the Director of the Virtual Warfare Center at The Boeing Company.
Ms. Hopkins, a native of Lewes, Delaware has also served on the staff of Senator Thomas R. Carper, and the late Senator William V. Roth Jr.
She began her career with the Defense Intelligence Agency. While at DIA, she held many positions and deployed in support of military operations in Kosovo. Major awards include the Joint Meritorious Civilian Service Award, Joint Civilian Service Commendation Award, Civilian Combat Support Medal.
President and General Manager, Capella Space
General (RET.) John E. Hyten
General John Hyten (Ret.) served as the 11th Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, retiring in November 2021 after a distinguished 40-year career in the United States Air Force. In this role, he served as the nation’s second highest ranking military officer, responsible for supporting and overseeing joint military requirements for nearly 1.5 million service members and their families across the U.S. Armed Forces. Most recently, General Hyten (Ret.) joined the Space Foundation’s Board of Directors and C3 AI’s Advisory Board. In addition, he serves as the Executive Director of Blue Origin’s STEM-focused non-profit, Club for the Future, and is a Strategic Advisor for Blue Origin senior leadership. He has also been appointed to serve on the Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States, mandated by the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act, to review the strategic posture of the United States. He holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering and applied sciences from Harvard University, and an MBA from Auburn University.
General (RET.) John E. Hyten
General John Hyten (Ret.) served as the 11th Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, retiring in November 2021 after a distinguished 40-year career in the United States Air Force. In this role, he served as the nation’s second highest ranking military officer, responsible for supporting and overseeing joint military requirements for nearly 1.5 million service members and their families across the U.S. Armed Forces. Most recently, General Hyten (Ret.) joined the Space Foundation’s Board of Directors and C3 AI’s Advisory Board. In addition, he serves as the Executive Director of Blue Origin’s STEM-focused non-profit, Club for the Future, and is a Strategic Advisor for Blue Origin senior leadership. He has also been appointed to serve on the Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States, mandated by the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act, to review the strategic posture of the United States. He holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering and applied sciences from Harvard University, and an MBA from Auburn University.
USAF (Ret.), Executive Director of Club for the Future & Strategic Advisor, Blue Origin
Paul Irwin
Speaker bio is coming soon.
Paul Irwin
Speaker bio is coming soon.
Space Executive, Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI)
THE HONORABLE STEVEN J. ISAKOWITZ
The Honorable Steven J. Isakowitz is president and chief executive officer of The Aerospace Corporation, a leading architect for the nation’s national security and civil space programs. The Aerospace Corporation has more than 4,000 employees and annual revenues of $1.1 billion. He assumed this position on October 1, 2016.
As a recognized leader across the government, private, space, and technology sectors, Isakowitz has served in prominent roles at Virgin, the U.S. Department of Energy, NASA, and the White House Office of Management and Budget.
Isakowitz serves on various advisory boards at both the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and California State University Long Beach, and has served on the FAA’s Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee. He also co-authored the AIAA’s International Reference Guide to Space Launch Systems, which received the Summerfield Book Award in 2003.
During his tenure at Virgin, Isakowitz served as chief technology officer and later as president of the firm’s space ventures business, which included such responsibilities as the development of privately funded launch systems, advanced technologies, and other new space applications.
Prior to Virgin, Isakowitz served as chief financial officer of the U.S. Department of Energy, where he supported basic scientific research and advanced energy technologies in the national security and civil sectors, while managing a budget of nearly $30 billion.
Previously, he served as deputy associate administrator for the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate at NASA, where he helped guide the development of advanced technologies and promoted innovative approaches in the areas of space transportation and government-industry partnerships.
Prior to his NASA work, Isakowitz served as science and space programs branch chief at the White House Office of Management and Budget, where he oversaw $50 billion in federal science and technology programs, which included NASA, NOAA, and the National Science Foundation.
THE HONORABLE STEVEN J. ISAKOWITZ
The Honorable Steven J. Isakowitz is president and chief executive officer of The Aerospace Corporation, a leading architect for the nation’s national security and civil space programs. The Aerospace Corporation has more than 4,000 employees and annual revenues of $1.1 billion. He assumed this position on October 1, 2016.
As a recognized leader across the government, private, space, and technology sectors, Isakowitz has served in prominent roles at Virgin, the U.S. Department of Energy, NASA, and the White House Office of Management and Budget.
Isakowitz serves on various advisory boards at both the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and California State University Long Beach, and has served on the FAA’s Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee. He also co-authored the AIAA’s International Reference Guide to Space Launch Systems, which received the Summerfield Book Award in 2003.
During his tenure at Virgin, Isakowitz served as chief technology officer and later as president of the firm’s space ventures business, which included such responsibilities as the development of privately funded launch systems, advanced technologies, and other new space applications.
Prior to Virgin, Isakowitz served as chief financial officer of the U.S. Department of Energy, where he supported basic scientific research and advanced energy technologies in the national security and civil sectors, while managing a budget of nearly $30 billion.
Previously, he served as deputy associate administrator for the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate at NASA, where he helped guide the development of advanced technologies and promoted innovative approaches in the areas of space transportation and government-industry partnerships.
Prior to his NASA work, Isakowitz served as science and space programs branch chief at the White House Office of Management and Budget, where he oversaw $50 billion in federal science and technology programs, which included NASA, NOAA, and the National Science Foundation.
President and Chief Executive Officer, The Aerospace Corporation
Dr. S. Didi Kuo
Dr. Didi Kuo is a Defense Intelligence Senior Executive Service and the Chief, Architect for the Geospatial Intelligence Systems Acquisition Directorate (GEOINT), National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), Chantilly, Virginia.
Dr. Kuo graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science in Physics. His first assignment was with the Air Force Research Laboratory at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico. He worked on modeling and simulation of neutral particle beam satellites for the Strategic Defense Initiative. In 1992, Dr. Kuo was selected as the Air Force Maui Optical Station Laser and Control Systems Project Manager, responsible for the integration of the Air Force’s largest telescope for satellite surveillance into the site.
After completing his Ph.D. in Imaging Science at the Rochester Institute of Technology in 1997, Dr. Kuo was assigned to the NRO, where he worked on the development of advanced sensor technology as the payload manager for the Future Imaging Architecture.
Upon graduating Air Command and Staff College in 2001, Dr. Kuo was assigned to the Space and Missile Center where he worked on both the Space Based Laser and Space Tracking and Surveillance System. During this time, he provided support to the Missile Defense Agency in the development of their highest priority space program.
Dr. Kuo attended the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in 2005 and then assigned to the Directorate of Space Acquisition in the Office of the Undersecretary of the Air Force at the Pentagon. He was the Deputy for the Space Control Division where he directed a multi-billion dollar portfolio of counterspace and space situational awareness programs. In 2008, Dr. Kuo was assigned to the NRO as the Director of the Electro-Optical Futures Group. In 2010, Dr. Kuo was appointed the Deputy Director of the Electro-Optical Systems Program Office where he managed the acquisition of over $10 Billion in imagery satellites. In 2012, the Air Force appointed Dr. Kuo as a Senior Materiel Leader. In 2015, Dr. Kuo retired at the rank of Colonel from the United Stated Air Force.
Dr. Kuo has been a member of the NRO Cadre since 2015 and has been developing the future GEOINT architecture and advanced satellite concepts. Most recently he has been asked by the Department of Defense to see how NRO systems can be more closely intergrated into future warfighter strategies.
Dr. S. Didi Kuo
Dr. Didi Kuo is a Defense Intelligence Senior Executive Service and the Chief, Architect for the Geospatial Intelligence Systems Acquisition Directorate (GEOINT), National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), Chantilly, Virginia.
Dr. Kuo graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science in Physics. His first assignment was with the Air Force Research Laboratory at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico. He worked on modeling and simulation of neutral particle beam satellites for the Strategic Defense Initiative. In 1992, Dr. Kuo was selected as the Air Force Maui Optical Station Laser and Control Systems Project Manager, responsible for the integration of the Air Force’s largest telescope for satellite surveillance into the site.
After completing his Ph.D. in Imaging Science at the Rochester Institute of Technology in 1997, Dr. Kuo was assigned to the NRO, where he worked on the development of advanced sensor technology as the payload manager for the Future Imaging Architecture.
Upon graduating Air Command and Staff College in 2001, Dr. Kuo was assigned to the Space and Missile Center where he worked on both the Space Based Laser and Space Tracking and Surveillance System. During this time, he provided support to the Missile Defense Agency in the development of their highest priority space program.
Dr. Kuo attended the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in 2005 and then assigned to the Directorate of Space Acquisition in the Office of the Undersecretary of the Air Force at the Pentagon. He was the Deputy for the Space Control Division where he directed a multi-billion dollar portfolio of counterspace and space situational awareness programs. In 2008, Dr. Kuo was assigned to the NRO as the Director of the Electro-Optical Futures Group. In 2010, Dr. Kuo was appointed the Deputy Director of the Electro-Optical Systems Program Office where he managed the acquisition of over $10 Billion in imagery satellites. In 2012, the Air Force appointed Dr. Kuo as a Senior Materiel Leader. In 2015, Dr. Kuo retired at the rank of Colonel from the United Stated Air Force.
Dr. Kuo has been a member of the NRO Cadre since 2015 and has been developing the future GEOINT architecture and advanced satellite concepts. Most recently he has been asked by the Department of Defense to see how NRO systems can be more closely intergrated into future warfighter strategies.
Chief, Geospatial Intelligence Systems Acquisition Directorate, National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)
John Lombardi
Speaker bio is coming soon.
John Lombardi
Speaker bio is coming soon.
Senior Defense Intelligence Analyst, USSPACECOM
Todd Master
Todd R. Master is the Chief Operating Officer of Umbra, a technology company focused on delivering global omniscience via next-generation space systems that provide remote sensing data with unprecedented fidelity. Mr. Master has over 20 years of management and technical leadership experience in space systems with a focus on research and development. Prior to joining Umbra, his career spanned military, government, and industry in both launch vehicle and satellite development, including positions at Orbital ATK, International Launch Services, USAF Space and Missile Systems Center (now USSF Space Systems Command), DIA, NRO, and DARPA.
Todd Master
Todd R. Master is the Chief Operating Officer of Umbra, a technology company focused on delivering global omniscience via next-generation space systems that provide remote sensing data with unprecedented fidelity. Mr. Master has over 20 years of management and technical leadership experience in space systems with a focus on research and development. Prior to joining Umbra, his career spanned military, government, and industry in both launch vehicle and satellite development, including positions at Orbital ATK, International Launch Services, USAF Space and Missile Systems Center (now USSF Space Systems Command), DIA, NRO, and DARPA.
Chief Operating Officer, Umbra Space
Dr. Jamie Morin
Jamie M. Morin is vice president of Defense Systems Operations in the Defense Systems Group at The Aerospace Corporation. He leads Aerospace's technical support to the senior-most levels of the Department of Defense and Department of the Air Force. Morin also is executive director of the Center for Space Policy and Strategy, which provides objective analysis and comprehensive research to ensure well-informed, technically defensible, and forward-looking space policy across the civil, military, intelligence, and commercial space sectors. In that role, he has published research in outlets including Nature, Defense One, Defense News, and the Journal of Space Safety Engineering. He also speaks widely and orchestrates the Center's extensive series of publications, events, and multimedia products to shape the future of the U.S. space enterprise.
Prior to joining Aerospace, Morin served as director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (CAPE) for the Department of Defense, where he led the organization responsible for analyzing and evaluating the department's plans, programs, and budgets in relation to U.S. defense objectives, threats, estimated costs, and resource constraints.
Before his appointment as director of CAPE, Morin served for five years as the assistant secretary of the Air Force (Financial Management and Comptroller). He also served for a year as acting under secretary of the Air Force, where he led the Air Force Space Board and the Air Force Council.
Before moving to the Pentagon, Morin was lead analyst for defense, intelligence, and foreign affairs on the professional staff of the U.S. Senate Committee on the Budget.
In addition to his role at Aerospace, Morin is an adjunct professor of international relations at Georgetown University.
Education
Morin earned a bachelor's degree in foreign service from Georgetown University, a master's degree in public administration and public policy from the London School of Economics, and a Ph.D. in political science from Yale University. His executive education includes the Harvard Kennedy School's Global Leadership and Public Policy program, the Wharton School's Boards That Lead program, and the University of Virginia Batten School's Leadership for Racial Equity program.
Affiliations
Morin is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a Trustee of the HALO Trust (USA), a humanitarian charity that removes landmines around the world. In 2013, Morin was named a "Young Global Leader" by the World Economic Forum, and since 2017 he has served as a member of the Forum's Global Futures Council on Space Technology. He is an Associate Fellow of the American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics.
Dr. Jamie Morin
Jamie M. Morin is vice president of Defense Systems Operations in the Defense Systems Group at The Aerospace Corporation. He leads Aerospace's technical support to the senior-most levels of the Department of Defense and Department of the Air Force. Morin also is executive director of the Center for Space Policy and Strategy, which provides objective analysis and comprehensive research to ensure well-informed, technically defensible, and forward-looking space policy across the civil, military, intelligence, and commercial space sectors. In that role, he has published research in outlets including Nature, Defense One, Defense News, and the Journal of Space Safety Engineering. He also speaks widely and orchestrates the Center's extensive series of publications, events, and multimedia products to shape the future of the U.S. space enterprise.
Prior to joining Aerospace, Morin served as director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (CAPE) for the Department of Defense, where he led the organization responsible for analyzing and evaluating the department's plans, programs, and budgets in relation to U.S. defense objectives, threats, estimated costs, and resource constraints.
Before his appointment as director of CAPE, Morin served for five years as the assistant secretary of the Air Force (Financial Management and Comptroller). He also served for a year as acting under secretary of the Air Force, where he led the Air Force Space Board and the Air Force Council.
Before moving to the Pentagon, Morin was lead analyst for defense, intelligence, and foreign affairs on the professional staff of the U.S. Senate Committee on the Budget.
In addition to his role at Aerospace, Morin is an adjunct professor of international relations at Georgetown University.
Education
Morin earned a bachelor's degree in foreign service from Georgetown University, a master's degree in public administration and public policy from the London School of Economics, and a Ph.D. in political science from Yale University. His executive education includes the Harvard Kennedy School's Global Leadership and Public Policy program, the Wharton School's Boards That Lead program, and the University of Virginia Batten School's Leadership for Racial Equity program.
Affiliations
Morin is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a Trustee of the HALO Trust (USA), a humanitarian charity that removes landmines around the world. In 2013, Morin was named a "Young Global Leader" by the World Economic Forum, and since 2017 he has served as a member of the Forum's Global Futures Council on Space Technology. He is an Associate Fellow of the American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics.
Vice President, Defense Systems Operations, The Aerospace Corporation
Jonathan B. Smith
Mr. Jonathan B. Smith is the Senior Intelligence Analyst, Space Delta 18, National Space Intelligence Center (NSIC), 2nd Space Analysis Squadron, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. NSIC was established as the service intelligence center for the United States Space Force (USSF) on 24 June 2022. Mr. Smith currently directs the technical analysis and production of a squadron of civilian, military, and contractor scientists, engineers, and intelligence specialists on threats to U.S. space operations.
Jonathan has over 25 years in the intelligence community, leading a variety all-source scientific and technical intelligence missions. He holds a B.S. in Physics from Eastern Kentucky University, a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Kentucky, and a M.S. in Engineering Management from the University of Dayton.
J.R. Riordan
Speaker bio coming soon.
Chief Revenue Officer, BlackSky
John Serafini
John has over a decade of experience investing in and leading national security oriented technology companies. John is presently the CEO of HawkEye 360, the leading developer of space-based radio frequency (RF) collection, mapping, and analytic capabilities. He previously served as Senior Vice President of Allied Minds where he led the formation, financing, and management of HawkEye 360, along with other Allied Minds companies such as BridgeSat, Federated Wireless, and Percipient Networks (WatchGuard acquired). A former Airborne Ranger-qualified U.S. Army infantry officer, John is a graduate of the US Military Academy, Harvard Business School and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
John Serafini
John has over a decade of experience investing in and leading national security oriented technology companies. John is presently the CEO of HawkEye 360, the leading developer of space-based radio frequency (RF) collection, mapping, and analytic capabilities. He previously served as Senior Vice President of Allied Minds where he led the formation, financing, and management of HawkEye 360, along with other Allied Minds companies such as BridgeSat, Federated Wireless, and Percipient Networks (WatchGuard acquired). A former Airborne Ranger-qualified U.S. Army infantry officer, John is a graduate of the US Military Academy, Harvard Business School and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
Chief Executive Officer, Hawkeye 360
Chris Shank
Chris Shank joined Maxar in September 2019. As part of the Public Sector team, Chris manages product accounts and service delivery as well as business development across Maxar’s intelligence community and national security customer base.
Chris previously held various leadership roles in the military, U.S. government and commercial industry for over 30 years. Before joining Maxar, Chris was the Director of the Strategic Capabilities Office at the U.S. Department of Defense. In this role, he led the development of new and innovative ways to shape and counter emerging threats, bringing unexpected and game-changing capabilities to the Joint Force.
Chris has also held leadership roles at Van Scoyoc Associates, the Science, Space and Technology Committee in the House of Representatives, Honeywell Aerospace, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory and NASA. He served as an Officer in the U.S. Air Force for 11 years and holds a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Colorado and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Notre Dame.
Chris Shank
Chris Shank joined Maxar in September 2019. As part of the Public Sector team, Chris manages product accounts and service delivery as well as business development across Maxar’s intelligence community and national security customer base.
Chris previously held various leadership roles in the military, U.S. government and commercial industry for over 30 years. Before joining Maxar, Chris was the Director of the Strategic Capabilities Office at the U.S. Department of Defense. In this role, he led the development of new and innovative ways to shape and counter emerging threats, bringing unexpected and game-changing capabilities to the Joint Force.
Chris has also held leadership roles at Van Scoyoc Associates, the Science, Space and Technology Committee in the House of Representatives, Honeywell Aerospace, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory and NASA. He served as an Officer in the U.S. Air Force for 11 years and holds a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Colorado and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Notre Dame.
Vice President, Air & Space Programs, Maxar
Jonathan B. Smith
Mr. Jonathan B. Smith is the Senior Intelligence Analyst, Space Delta 18, National Space Intelligence Center (NSIC), 2nd Space Analysis Squadron, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. NSIC was established as the service intelligence center for the United States Space Force (USSF) on 24 June 2022. Mr. Smith currently directs the technical analysis and production of a squadron of civilian, military, and contractor scientists, engineers, and intelligence specialists on threats to U.S. space operations.
Jonathan has over 25 years in the intelligence community, leading a variety all-source scientific and technical intelligence missions. He holds a B.S. in Physics from Eastern Kentucky University, a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Kentucky, and a M.S. in Engineering Management from the University of Dayton.
Jonathan B. Smith
Mr. Jonathan B. Smith is the Senior Intelligence Analyst, Space Delta 18, National Space Intelligence Center (NSIC), 2nd Space Analysis Squadron, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. NSIC was established as the service intelligence center for the United States Space Force (USSF) on 24 June 2022. Mr. Smith currently directs the technical analysis and production of a squadron of civilian, military, and contractor scientists, engineers, and intelligence specialists on threats to U.S. space operations.
Jonathan has over 25 years in the intelligence community, leading a variety all-source scientific and technical intelligence missions. He holds a B.S. in Physics from Eastern Kentucky University, a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Kentucky, and a M.S. in Engineering Management from the University of Dayton.
Senior Intelligence Analyst, 2nd Space Analysis Squadron, National Space Intelligence Center (NSIC)
Maria Vastola
Speaker bio is coming soon.
Maria Vastola
Speaker bio is coming soon.
Professional Staff Member, House Committee on Armed Services
Whitney Verett
Speaker bio is coming soon.
Whitney Verett
Speaker bio is coming soon.
Professional Staff Member, House Committee on Armed Services
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