
Speaker Spotlight

Thad Altman
Executive Director & CEO
The Astronauts Memorial Foundation
Thad Altman serves as the Executive Director/CEO of The Astronauts Memorial Foundation. He entered this role in 2011, and since has overseen all operations of The Astronauts Memorial Foundation and the Center for Space Education, as well as AMF’s Use Agreement and Space Act Agreement with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
Under Thad’s direction, The Astronauts Memorial Foundation has received Kennedy Space Center’s Gold Dollar Award, in honor of his Commitment to Safety, Teamwork and Innovation in Helping Build America’s Gateway to the Universe. Thad and the Foundation have also received NASA’s Group Achievement Award, for the design and build of the Apollo I Exhibit at the Apollo/Saturn V Center.
Alongside his role at AMF, Thad also serves as a Florida State Representative. He was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2016 and represents House District 32, which consists of parts of Brevard County including Indian Harbour Beach, Melbourne, Melbourne Village, Palm Shores, and Rockledge. He previously served in the Florida Senate from 2008-2016 and the Florida House of Representatives from 2003-2008.
Thad has lived in the Space Coast for more than fifty years. He resides in Rockledge with his wife Mary Pat, and is the proud father of three children; McKenzie, Hunter, and Sullivan. He recently has become a grandfather to a baby girl, Amelia.

Matt Bocchino
Director
Cecil Airport and Spaceport, Jacksonville Aviation Authority
Mr. Bocchino has worked for JAA for nearly 12 years, most recently serving as Senior Properties Administrator, Business Development. He has a strong background in managing operational and facility contracts and experience in working with the community to promote local economy and business growth. While with JAA, Mr. Bocchino also served as Development & Marketing Specialist for Cecil Spaceport. He also worked for the City of Fort Lauderdale.
Mr. Bocchino earned his bachelor’s degree in History and a master’s degree in Business Administration from Jacksonville University. He is an Accredited Member (A.A.E.) of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). He also holds a private pilot’s license.

Chad Brown
Division Chief, Future Systems Project Office, Exploration Ground Systems
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Chad E. Brown is the Division Chief for the Future Systems Projects Office in Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) Program at NASA’s John F. Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In this position, Brown is focused on supporting future Artemis campaign efforts and providing the strategic framework for how the unique skills developed in the EGS Program can be leveraged to make the enterprise more successful.
Most recently, Brown served as the Branch Chief for the Technical Process Management Branch in the EGS Systems Engineering and Integration Division. From 2015 to 2017, he served as the Advanced Planning and Payload Integration Manager, where he served as the Senior Program Technical Integration Manager for payloads manifested on the Space Launch System (SLS), such as the Artemis I secondary payloads, Europa Clipper, and Gateway’s International Habitation Module.
Prior to that, Brown served as the SLS Lead Flight Integration Engineer and SLS Liaison for the Launch Vehicle Branch of the Flights Systems and Operations Integration Division within the former Ground Systems Development and Operation Program (GSDO, now EGS) at the center.
Brown began his career at Kennedy in 2004 and contributed to major NASA programs, including Launch Services, Constellation, and GSDO. From 2007 to 2010, he served as the Ares V Project Manager and Ares I Upper Stage Mechanical Project Manager for the Constellation Ground Operations Project in support of the agency’s Constellation Program.
From 2004 to 2007 he was a Structural Engineer for the Launch Services Program (LSP). In this position, he was responsible for insight and oversight of LSP flight hardware with primary responsibility for large composite flight structures.

Gavin Brown
CEO
Dynamic Predictive Engineering
As Executive Director of the Michigan Aerospace Manufacturers Association (MAMA), Gavin Brown is committed to establishing Michigan as a leader in the commercialization of near-Earth space and as a source for highly qualified suppliers to the Defense, Commercial, General Aviation, and UAV aerospace manufacturing sectors.
Gavin is recognized as the driving force for promoting aerospace and defense companies active in Michigan. With more than 25 years of aerospace experience, Gavin founded MAMA in 2007.
MAMA is a membership association providing the global aerospace industry with state-of-the-art technology, multiple manufacturing disciplines and extensive manufacturing capabilities. MAMA is focused on growing Michigan’s Aerospace industry through synergy with the engineering and manufacturing competencies of the automotive industry.
Gavin has been instrumental in organizing and promoting the Michigan Launch Initiative (MLI), a public-private partnership that provides a collaborative platform for academia, industry, and governmental agencies to access near-earth space.
The MLI will provide vertical and horizontal rocket launch capability as well as a control center for post-launch operations. The MLI leverages Michigan’s unique advantages for polar orbit satellite launches: location, infrastructure, skilled workforce, economy and advanced manufacturing capability.

Edgar Campa-Palafox
Vice President, Business Development
Economic Development Commission of Florida's Space Coast
Edgar Campa-Palafox serves as Vice President, Business Development for the EconomicDevelopment Commission of Florida’s Space Coast. He joined the organization in August2020 as Director, Business Development. In his current role, he is responsible for developingand implementing a county-wide business development program, seeking to both recruitand help existing business to grow. Edgar serves as a key liaison with partners and clients tomarket and expand economic development opportunities for the Space Coast.
With nearly two decades of experience in the field, Edgar has worked with various economicdevelopment organizations across jurisdictional levels, including public-private partnerships, county, andmunicipal entities in the states of Arizona, Texas, and Florida. Throughout his career, Edgar has immersed himselfin virtually every facet of the economic development profession, including economic research, businessattraction, retention/expansion, community relations, incentive policy and supplier, industrial, andentrepreneurial development initiatives.
Prior to joining the EDC team, Edgar gained extensive experience in the industry through various roles. He servedas the Economic Development Coordinator with Alachua County in Gainesville, Florida; worked as a SeniorEconomic Development Specialist with City of El Paso in El Paso, Texas; and was a Business DevelopmentSpecialist with Tucson Regional Economic Opportunities in Tucson, Arizona.
Edgar is actively involved in several professional, civic, and community organizations. He serves as board memberof the National Space Club Florida Committee, and as member of the International Economic DevelopmentCouncil (IEDC) Sustainability Committee. Additionally, he serves as committee member of the City of MelbourneEconomic Enhancement District Advisory Board (MEED), and as an advisory board member of the FrenchAmerican Business Council of Orlando & Space Coast (FABCO).
Edgar earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a double major in Business Economicsand Entrepreneurship from the University of Arizona. He also completed courses in business and economics atthe Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, Spain.
Dedicated to lifelong learning, Edgar has earned several professional industry designations, including theCertified Economic Developer (CEcD) from IEDC, the Master Economic Development Practitioner (MEDP) fromthe Advanced Economic Development Leadership (AEDL) program —a collaboration among Clemson University,Texas Christian University, the University of Southern Mississippi, and the University of New Mexico— and aBusiness Incubation Management (BIM) certificate from the International Business Innovation Association (InBIA).

Frank A. DiBello
CEO
SOLV, LLC
In 2023, Frank DiBello established SOLV, LLC, a space industry advisory firm focused on finance and strategy development for commercial space and technology companies.
Formerly, for 15 years, he served as President and CEO of Space Florida, an innovative for-profit public corporation, established by the Florida Legislature to drive the development of a world-leading aerospace industry for the state, and to serve as the state’s spaceport authority.
DiBello was responsible for strategic direction and management of the organization and established Florida as the leading space state in the nation and the global leader in enabling space commerce. Space Florida financed over $ 3.5 billion of aerospace infrastructure in the state during this period.
Mr. DiBello holds more than 50 years of direct aerospace and defense industry-related experience. He was a Partner at KPMG responsible for the Firm’s aerospace industry practice and was founder of their space industry practice. Following this, he was a co-founder of the SpaceVest Family of Venture Capital Funds and Aerospace Capital Partners, an infrastructure investment fund focusing on aerospace, technology and telecommunications initiatives. In 2003 he was selected as President/CEO of Florida’s Aerospace Finance Corporation, established by the Florida Legislature to assist financing the needs of new and established companies applying aerospace technologies to space, aviation and defense markets.
DiBello’s honors include receiving the Department of Defense Distinguished Service Award for Public Service, the highest award presented by the Secretary of Defense to a civilian and in 2020. He was inducted into the Space and Satellite Hall of Fame by the Society of Satellite Professionals and most recently in 2024, was named Venture Capital Leader of the Year by the Florida Venture Forum.
He has served on a number of high-profile roles on advisory groups for NASA, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Transportation, and is a frequent industry advocate and speaker.
Mr. DiBello has taught at the Defense Systems Management College and International Space University. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Villanova University and completed graduate study work at American University and George Washington University.

Jonathan Geotsch
CEO
Anamo, Inc.
Anamo CDM, a patent-pending commercial-grade CDM Cybersecurity platform, has answered the call of CISA, the DHS, and other requests from the DoD Supply-Chain.
Harnessing the power of advanced ML and Generative AI, Anamo CDM is pushing toward the delivery of “Predictive Cybersecurity Threat Extrapolation.” How so? Anamo collects essential User, Group, Risk, Permission, Vulnerability, Software, History, and Forensic data and dynamically delivers that requested information in near Real-Time. Due to the platform service delivery, Anamo has captured broad interest from US- based enterprise businesses and many members/agencies across the US Aerospace and Defense supply chain. Subsequently, Anamo has enjoyed receiving invitations to visits at both the White House and the Pentagon.

Jimmy Moffitt
Vice President, Spaceport Operations
Space Florida
Jimmy Moffitt is the Vice President of Spaceport Operations at Space Florida, the state’s aerospace finance, development, and operational authority for the state. Space Florida along with its experience, financial tools, and unbeatable location attract commercial business to develop and operate facilities within Florida’s spaceport system.
Jimmy is charged with management of Space Florida’s licensed spaceports, assets, and property at Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Jimmy works closely with NASA and Space Launch Delta 45 leadership on the strategic planning & business development with commercial and government space entities ensuring growth and resiliency in the industry. Additionally, Jimmy manages the operations and maintenance of Space Florida facilities, with focus on compliance with NASA and DoD requirements for safe and successful Launch, Landing, and testing activities at the Launch and Landing Facility, Launch Complex 46, Launch Complex 20(N), & Camp Blanding Storage Facility.
Prior to Space Florida, Jimmy supported management of leases and development at the general aviation and International airports at Jacksonville Aviation Authority and was integral to the success of Cecil Spaceport’s Horizontal launch license and Spaceport development area at Cecil. Jimmy has always had a passion for aviation and management, which led him to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management & Safety, and a master’s degree in Technical Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU).

Doug Morato
Microsoft Cyber Security SME
Anamo, Inc.
As cyber security professional, my career focus has been to secure applications and reduce organizational risk and threat landscape, by providing consultation and subject matter expert feedback on securing applications design and implementation. My area of knowledge spans through all phases of the SDLC, with active hands-on knowledge of threat modeling, secure design, static code analysis, penetration testing and continuous monitoring and security (defensive) operations. I have been able to collaborate with internal and external customers, ranging from Fortune 10 companies, government/Defense contractors, Big 4 accounting firms, multi-nationals as well as small and medium sized business. I was afforded the opportunity to work in the Healthcare, Financial Services, Tech Services and Consulting industries. I have broad experience providing secure architecture recommendations aligned with the Information Security Policies and industry best practices, performing threat modeling, conducting vulnerability assessments, web application, mobile application and network penetration tests, secure/static coding analysis, application security assessments, automating and embedding security in SDLC, fostering Security in DevOps work streams.

Gerald Norris
Director, Procurement
NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center
Gerald Norris is the director of Procurement at NASA’s John F. Kennedy Space Center in Florida. He is responsible for leading and managing the overall operation of Kennedy procurement activities, including planning and implementing acquisition strategies, issuing solicitations, conducting negotiations, processing awards, and administering contracts for Kennedy programs and projects, as well as enterprisewide institutional portfolio contracting activity totaling over $40B.
He previously served as procurement officer and senior procurement official for Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, where he was responsible for providing a $4.7B acquisition management program for NASA.
Norris joined the NASA team in 2006 with the Stennis Office of Procurement, where he served in various progressive leadership capacities, including contracting officer in the Center Management Support Division, Program Management division chief, and deputy procurement officer.
Norris began his government career in the United States Air Force, where he served his country for over 21 years.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Park University in Parkville, Missouri.

Ashley Pilipiszyn
Founder/CEO
Besxar Industries, Inc.
Ashley is an applied scientist-turned-space industrialist, deep tech angel investor, and certified pilot. Her mission is to help unlock the market potential of in-space manufacturing while also advancing U.S. aerospace and defense capabilities with AI. She’s an expert authority on AI applications — as an early employee and the first Technical Director to the CTO, she led OpenAI’s early research and commercial product releases including MuseNet, Jukebox, Rubik’s Cube, GPT-3, and DALL-E. She also created OpenAI’s developer ecosystem program where she helped launch a variety of partner applications and mentor startups powered by GPT-3. Previously, she oversaw the design, development, and launch of DOE-funded “Grid Resilience & Intelligence Platform” (GRIP) at SLAC National Accelerator Lab. GRIP leveraged AI to anticipate, absorb, and recover from grid events such as wildfires, ice storms, or cyberattacks. Now as an entrepreneur, she aims to revolutionize semiconductor manufacturing to help enable the rapid growth of AI infrastructure for the U.S. government and commercial partners alike.

Charles Sills
President & CEO
American Defense Alliance
Charles F. Sills is a recognized authority on U.S. Government contracting, and an advocate for Small Business/Diversity Supplier access to Federal and Military acquisition opportunities, serving as the President & CEO of the American Defense Alliance – which hosts major Defense Requirements conferences across the country, connecting private sector innovators with the Pentagon, Military commands, and Congress to accelerate National Security solutions.
Concurrently, he serves as Chief Operating Officer of the Minority Business Development Agency’s Federal Procurement Center, under the U.S. Commerce Dept.; and manages the partnership under which MBDA affiliated companies attend and benefit from ADA conferences. He is a member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Small Business Council, and the Executive Committee of the Veterans Entrepreneurship Task Force (VET-Force). He is also a Member of the Board of the American-Eurasian Business Coalition, focusing on international infrastructure, energy and investment initiatives, and serving on multinational task forces such as the Danube Basin Environmental Restoration Program and the Japan-U.S. Joint Fund for Social & Economic Development.
As a former Naval Intelligence Officer, he held positions at the Defense Intelligence Agency, the U.S. Middle East Force, and NATO Supreme Allied Command/Atlantic; and subsequently worked in Lockheed Martin’s International Division managing strategic marketing and export licensing for defense systems as well as renewable energy technologies. His education includes an M.A. from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and an A.B. from Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public & International Affairs.

Samuel Visner
Director
National Cybersecurity Federally Funded Research and Development Center (NCF)
Samuel S. Visner is the Director of the National Cybersecurity Federally Funded Research and Development Center (NCF), which MITRE manages in support of the NIST National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE).
In this role, Visner oversees efforts to bring together experts from industry, government, and academia to demonstrate integrated cybersecurity solutions that are cost-effective, repeatable, and scalable. The FFRDC is the first of its kind dedicated to cybersecurity.
Visner joined MITRE from an executive position at ICF International, which advises business and government entities on issues related to health, homeland security, defense, and energy. He also held leadership positions at CSC (Computer Sciences Corporation) and Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC).
In addition, he served as Chief of Signals Intelligence Programs at the National Security Agency, where he was awarded the agency’s Exceptional Civilian Service Award in 2003. Visner has been a leader in public/private partnerships and collaborations, including the Intelligence and National Security Alliance, the Air Force Communications and Electronics Association, the Professional Services Council, and the National Academy of Science. Throughout his career, he has worked across multiple federal sponsors. He sits on the Army Science Board, and serves as an Adjunct Professor of cybersecurity at Georgetown University.
Visner holds a bachelor’s degree in international politics from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. He earned a master’s degree in telecommunications from George Washington University.

Walt Yates, U.S. Marine Col (Ret.)
Principal
Walt Yates & Associates, LLC
Walt Yates & Associates provides knowledge based services in modeling & simulation for training systems, acquisition trade-space analysis, and risk management. Seventeen years of practice in design and application of simulation-based training, program development, and procurement planning for cost effective technology transition to Department of Defense users. Specific areas of expertise include cost avoidance estimation for new technology and cybersecurity policy compliance for the Risk Management Framework (RMF) and Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).