Space Foundation names new vice president and directors

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Nov. 5, 2004) — The Space Foundation announced today the naming of a new vice president and selection of four new directors chosen to fill newly created and expanded positions.

Jim Banke was promoted to vice president of Florida operations in addition to retaining responsibility as director of the Coalition for Space Exploration. Banke will support the Space Foundation’s mission and customers on Florida’s Space Coast and throughout the region. As director of the Coalition for Space Exploration, Banke is responsible for the Space Foundation’s support of a collaborative industry effort whose mission is to ensure the United States will remain a leader in space, science and technology through promotion of the Vision for Space Exploration.

Chris DeGrant has been named director of events and plans. She is the principal logistics and plans manager for Space Foundation major events, including the National Space Symposium held each spring in Colorado Springs, Colo., and the Strategic Space Symposium held each fall in Omaha, Neb. DeGrant’s experience includes managing high visibility and media events such as nationally televised competitions and the final championship for the Professional Bull Riders. She also was general manager for the Resistol Relief Fund, a nonprofit division of the Bull Riders, where she developed and ran many fund raising events.

Mary Ann Bobko joins the Space Foundation as director of marketing. She is responsible for marketing strategy, including targeted marketing programs, advertising and promotions, and overall brand management. Bobko brings broad marketing experience to the Space Foundation, gained during 17 years in the high-tech industry working for software startups to large international corporations. Her background includes developing and managing marketing strategy, building integrated marketing campaigns to drive new business, and creating innovative programs for partners and customers.

Niki Moore has been named director of education development. Her responsibilities include researching and developing relationships with business, foundations, government and corporations; writing grants; and securing additional funds to increase the Space Foundation’s education program resources. Prior to joining the Space Foundation, Moore was the contract and grants manager for the Colorado Department of Corrections, managing more than $8 million in contract funds and $6 million in state and federal grants. Moore has 20 years experience in fund raising, resource development, grant writing, marketing, public relations and program development, in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors.

Andy Roake has been named director of media relations. He is responsible for developing, managing and executing the Space Foundation’s media relations program. Roake recently retired from the U.S. Air Force as chief of media relations for Air Force Space Command at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. He brings more than 12 years of public affairs and media relations experience to communicating the Space Foundation’s policy, education and space awareness missions.

About the Space Foundation

Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., the Space Foundation is a national nonprofit organization that vigorously advances civil, commercial, and national security space endeavors and educational excellence. The Space Foundation has offices in Washington, D.C., and Cape Canaveral, Fla. The Space Foundation annually conducts, along with it partnering organizations, the National Space Symposium, scheduled April 4-7, 2005, at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs; and Strategic Space 2005, scheduled Oct. 4-6, 2005, in Omaha, Neb. For more information, visit www.spacefoundation.org.