Katherine "Katie" Arrington currently is the Chief Information Security Officer for the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition. In this position, she serves as the central hub and integrator within the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, OUSD(A&S), to align acquisition cyber strategy.
As the cyber lead and programmatic analytic advisor for strategic cyber programs, Ms. Arrington is responsible for conducting analysis within the major defense acquisition program portfolio and across the Department of Defense. This cross functional analysis will ensure transparency within the acquisition strategy, interoperability between enterprise networks, and compliance strategies for cyber initiatives. She also meets with key Cyber personnel (across both DoD and Federal Agencies) as well as legislators to ensure that changes made in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) are supportive in reaching the goals of decreased spending and increased compliance with current and future standards. The final focal point will be on protecting the Department's intellectual property/data and securing our weapon systems and critical infrastructure.
Before assuming her position in OUSD(A&S), Ms. Arrington had an extensive career as a legislator and senior cyber executive. Ms. Arrington was a candidate for South Carolina US House of Representative 2018 and a South Carolina State Representative for 2 terms. She has substantial experience and capabilities in cyber strategy, policy, enablement and implementation across a wide range of domains, including DoD, Federal, Healthcare and State. She acquired her experience in cyber over the past 15 years with Booz Allen Hamilton, Centuria Corporation and Dispersive Networks. This has given her the unique experience of working at a large business, small business and non-traditional contractor for the government. She attended Canisius College in Buffalo, NY.

Ernest Wong is the Technical Lead for Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) and Space Systems Resilience at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T). In addition to managing R&D, he provides technical policy advice to DHS leadership on issues relating to PNT cybersecurity, space systems, and critical infrastructure resilience.

Ernest has spent over 10 years managing R&D on critical infrastructure security issues and was the DHS contributor to national strategy documents such as the White House OSTP/NSTC National R&D Plan for PNT Resilience and the Quantum Sensors National Strategy (Bringing Quantum Sensors to Fruition). He has also helped advance the state of cybersecurity research on space systems through the development of cyber threat indicators for spacecraft, which was published through the SPARTA 3.0 update as Indicators of Behavior (IOBs). Ernest sees industry collaboration as vital to addressing critical infrastructure resiliency challenges and worked closely with industry partners to lead the development of the Resilient PNT Conformance Framework, which has since transitioned to IEEE P1952.

Ernest's focus at DHS is critical infrastructure resilience and its intersection with emerging technologies and threats, including PNT, space systems, cybersecurity, quantum, and 5G.

Before coming to DHS S&T, Ernest was an IT project manager delivering enterprise software solutions to the General Services Administration (GSA). Ernest holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Michigan and a Master of Public Policy from George Mason University.

Dr. Dianne Poster provides more than two decades of technical experience in research and development for measurements, standards, technology, and data at the United States (U.S.) Department of Commerce (DOC) National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Her portfolio covers innovative developments in radiation physics and chemistry, materials engineering, and optical, dimensional, and chemical metrology. Her current work supports the U.S. DOC National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Office of Space Commerce promoting U.S. space commerce through international technical standards development and innovation in space systems, data, and cybersecurity technologies. She leads DOC representation for the U.S. interagency supporting space activities, including developing principles for national strategies in cislunar science and technology, planetary defense, low Earth orbit research and development, and in-space servicing, assembly and manufacturing.

Previously, as the deputy associate director for technology and environmental policy at the White House Council on Environmental Quality, Dr. Poster administered the environmental federal regulatory portfolio and advised on policy and strategy issues related to protecting the environment.

Valerie M. Cofield serves as the Chief Strategy Officer of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

Ms. Cofield serves as the principal policy and strategic adviser to CISA leadership and senior management, integrating strategy across all the organization's mission areas and ensuring policy, strategy, and operational consistency throughout the agency.

Prior to CISA, Ms. Cofield served at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for 22 years in a variety of roles. She was a Deputy Assistant Director (DAD) for the Cyber Capabilities Branch within the FBI's Cyber Division where she led coordination and deployment of the division's technical tools and capabilities, and oversaw cyber-related training, recruiting, hiring, and budgeting for the division. She also served in a senior executive role as chief of staff of the Science and Technology Branch and as a DAD of the Digital Transformation Office (DTO), where she engaged with interagency partners and other key stakeholders on policy issues related to current and emerging technologies and their impact on law enforcement.

In 2019, Ms. Cofield was selected as the FBI's senior detail to the Cyberspace Solarium Commission. This Congressional Commission was authorized through the FY2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Its mission was to develop a national strategy for preventing cyberattacks of significant consequences. While on the Commission, Ms. Cofield was a Senior Director and Task Force Lead. The Commission completed its report in March of 2020 with over 75 recommendations, 25 of which were included in the FY21 NDAA and enacted into law.

Ms. Cofield holds a bachelor's degree in Economics with a minor in Accounting from UCLA.

CEO AND FOUNDER OF TANAGRA ENTERPRISES
She's shaped U.S. defense strategy from the Pentagon to Capitol Hill--and now she's rewriting the playbook for national security, intelligence, and space technology.

As the CEO and Founder of Tanagra Enterprises, Sarah Mineiro brings over two decades of experience navigating the most complex arenas of defense, intelligence, and legislative power. Her career spans private industry, the executive and legislative branches, and leadership roles that directly influenced the future of space and military strategy.

Before Tanagra, Sarah was the Senior Director of Space Strategy at Anduril Industries, a defense tech unicorn building AI-driven systems for modern warfare. She served as the Staff Director for the Strategic Forces Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee, driving legislation that established the U.S. Space Force and Space Command.

She's held roles at the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Policy, the Under Secretary of the Air Force for International Affairs, and began her career as an intelligence analyst for the National Air and Space Intelligence Center.

Sarah is also an investor, a non-resident fellow with CSIS, and has served on the Defense Business Board and Defense Innovation Board. She has received the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Office of the Secretary of Defense Exceptional Civilian Service Award, and several other awards. She is an active investor and board member for companies that ignite her creativity and commitment.

Tanagra exists because standing still was never an option.

Sean Papso serves as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Invictus. With over 15 years of executive leadership, he drives strategic expansion activities and operational excellence across the defense and intelligence sectors. Sean oversees daily operations, market analysis, financial planning, and corporate program management. Previously serving as the Executive Vice President for Corporate Strategy & Growth, Sean secured more than $3B in contracts for Invictus. His expertise in federal procurement strategies, as well as the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), ensures compliant, competitive solutions that position Invictus as a leader in complex federal environments.

Sean began his career as an active-duty aviation officer in the U.S. Navy, later transitioning to the private sector with Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) from 2010 to 2015. As Program Manager for the Reconnaissance Operations Management Enterprise (ROME), he earned the CSC Award for Excellence in 2013 for delivering innovative solutions in support of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). Subsequently, as Director of IC Business Development, he expanded CSC's IC footprint by more than 200% including the addition of new agencies to the company portfolio.

From 2015 to 2018, Sean served as Senior Principal and later Director of National Solutions Business Development at Leidos (formerly Lockheed Martin IS&GS). There, he led major strategic pursuits, securing over $2B in contracts. His efforts earned the Leidos Annual Achievement Award in Capture Excellence for securing the corporation's largest single-award contract in 2017. As Co-Chair of the Leidos Space Working Group, he fostered cross-organizational collaboration and led initial due diligence efforts for M&A targets to enhance offerings for government space customers.

At Invictus, Sean has transformed business operations by consolidating functional support into a centralized Corporate Strategy Office and implementing an enhanced Quality Management System. He increased annual revenue from $50 million to more than $250 million. As Program Manager for Invictus' Department of Defense (DoD) Mentor-Protégé Program, his efforts and tangible successes earned the 2022 Nunn-Perry Award from the DoD Office of Small Business Programs as a mentor organization.

Sean's thought leadership in the defense and intelligence sectors is reflected in a diverse portfolio of publications, media engagements, and strategic policy contributions. From 2024 into 2025, he contributed to the development of early executive orders under the second term of President Donald Trump, shaping national space policy and cybersecurity frameworks to enhance U.S. strategic capabilities. He regularly participates in public policy research institute events focused on federal acquisition reform and space operations. His contributions to industry have also been acknowledged with accolades including the 2025 AFCEA International 40 Under 40 Award for IT and cyber innovation.

Sean holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Aerospace Engineering with Merit Honors from the United States Naval Academy (2008) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with Beta Gamma Sigma Honors from the LeBow College of Business at Drexel University (2015). He is currently enrolled in the Advanced Finance Program at The Wharton School, with expected completion in early 2026. Sean is a Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM) and certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

He is affiliated with the National Security Space Association (NSSA), the Potomac Officers Club, AFCEA International, the U.S. Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF), Business Executives for National Security (BENS), the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD), the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation, and the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA).

Sean is also an active member of the Defense and Aerospace Council for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (USCC), an Industry Council member of the Institute for Critical Infrastructure Technology (ICIT), a member of the Board of Governors for the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation, a member of the Board of Directors for the Colorado Space Coalition, and a member of the Intelligence & National Security Alliance (INSA).

Victoria Samson is the Chief Director, Space Security and Stability for Secure World Foundation and has over twenty-five years of experience in military space and security issues. At SWF, she is the editor of their annual global counterspace capability threat assessment and organizes annual conferences on space security at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.

Before joining SWF, Ms. Samson served as a Senior Analyst for the Center for Defense Information (CDI), where she leveraged her expertise in missile defense, nuclear reductions, and space security issues to conduct in-depth analysis and media commentary. Prior to her time at CDI, Ms. Samson was the Senior Policy Associate at the Coalition to Reduce Nuclear Dangers, a consortium of arms control groups in the Washington, D.C. area, where she worked on issues related to ballistic missile defense and nuclear weapons reduction. Before that, she was a researcher at Riverside Research Institute, where she worked on war-gaming scenarios for the Missile Defense Agency's Directorate of Intelligence.

Known throughout the space and security arena as a thought leader on policy and budgetary issues, Ms. Samson is often interviewed by multinational media outlets. She is also a prolific author of numerous op-eds, analytical pieces, journal articles, and updates on missile defense and space security matters. Ms. Samson is the chair of the Security Task Force for the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) and a member of the Space Security Working Group of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM)'s Committee on International Security and Arms Control (CISAC).

Ms. Samson holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in political science with a specialization in international relations from UCLA and a Master of Arts (M.A.) in international relations from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.

Lauryn Williams is the deputy director and senior fellow in the Strategic Technologies Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Until January 2025, she was chief of staff to the assistant secretary of defense for industrial base policy within the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, where she spearheaded the release of the National Defense Industrial Strategy Implementation Plan. From 2022 to 2024, Lauryn was director for strategy in the White House Office of the National Cyber Director and led the strategic initiative on space system cybersecurity, which leveraged extensive government agency, industry, and international collaboration. This work resulted in the first-ever minimum cybersecurity requirements for federal space systems. Prior to the White House, Lauryn served as a policy advisor in the Pentagon space policy office and led efforts to leverage commercial space and develop norms of responsible behavior. She has also served in the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration, where she led international export control projects, and worked at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Lauryn received her master's degree in public and international affairs from Princeton University and her bachelor's degree in political science, with honors in international security studies, from Stanford University.

Mr. Shepard is the Chief Engineer of Cyber Programs at Sierra Nevada Company (SNC). Mr. Shepard has a bachelor of science in electrical engineering and 15 years of experience in product development, information system design and cybersecurity for both commercial and government industrial sectors. Mr. Shepard holds two US patents for machine to machine cyber security and advanced networking methodologies, In his current role, Mr. Shepard is responsible for technical design and development of SNC's cybersecurity product portfolio, including products targeting cybersecurity for space assets

Dr. Lisa Costa
Former Chief Technology and Innovation Officer, U.S. Space Force | Independent Board Director | National Security Futurist

Dr. Lisa Costa is one of the nation's foremost experts at the intersection of emerging technologies and national security, with decades of leadership across space architectures, cyber operations, and AI-enabled defense innovation. As the first Chief Technology and Innovation Officer for the U.S. Space Force and former CIO/J6 at U.S. Special Operations Command, she has led billions in tech investments to modernize mission capabilities and safeguard critical infrastructure. Dr. Costa currently serves on public and private boards, advises venture-backed tech firms, and is a recognized thought leader in innovating the defense and commercial technical base. Her insights continue to shape the future of secure, resilient, and integrated intelligence operations.

John is the President of Defense Solutions and the Chief Growth Officer at Antaris. He is responsible for the company's go-to-market strategy and for guiding Antaris's engineering efforts to develop and implement new products and capabilities. He has served as the Principal Investigator on three USSF projects focused on developing TrueTwin simulations to support various missions for the USSF and the SDA. All programs exceeded delivery specifications and were completed ahead of schedule. Prior to joining Antaris, John was the COO of SMALLab Learning, where he oversaw the implementation of 3D interactive learning spaces in K-12 schools worldwide. He also served as the VP of Market Development at TARGUSinfo (acquired by Neustar in 2011), leading efforts to launch new data and analytics products for the telecommunications, e-commerce, and U.S. government sectors. John previously held leadership roles at Emultek, where he managed projects delivering simulation and training systems for platforms including the Apache AH-64D attack helicopter, Patriot Missile System, B-1B, and the Boeing 737. Additionally, he held leadership positions at Cygnus Solutions and Red Hat, where he helped drive the creation of the open-source software ecosystem.

Capt. David M. Vermillion is the Commercial Consolidated Satellite Systems Expert Deputy Division Chief at Space Delta 8, Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado. He connects warfighters to centrally managed commercial SATCOM while providing leaders with situational awareness.

Captain Vermillion commissioned into the Air Force through ROTC from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in May 2020 and completed his transfer to the Space Force in February 2022. He completed Officer Undergraduate Space Training in October 2021 and concluded his initial training pipeline in July 2022. He has overseen shift operations for the crew section dedicated to operating the Defense Satellite Communication System (DSCS) and Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) satellite constellations, including his unit's first satellite disposal operation, and taught both the technical details of operating those systems and how to effectively use them for a variety of missions.

Throughout his active-duty time, he undertook multiple special projects, including six appearances at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and a keynote presentation at FIRST Robotics Denver Regional to discuss the Space Force. He also coordinated machine learning research and development efforts to improve satellite anomaly detection processes culminating in two publications. Prior to his current position, the Captain was a Staff Instructor at the 8th Combat Training Squadron, Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado.

Mr. Seth Whitworth is the Acting Associate Deputy Chief
of Space Operations for Cyber and Data (SF/S6), Headquarters United States Space Force (HQSF), the Pentagon, Arlington, VA. In this role, he is charged with leveraging cutting-edge technologies to drive digital transformation across the USSF, overseeing the fulfillment of information technology requirements, managing USSF data assets, providing analytical support to all staff elements, and streamlining Cyber Operations, Cybersecurity, Communications, Information Technology (3CIT), and data management functions within the organization.

Mr. Whitworth entered the federal civilian service in October of 2022. Prior to this assignment, he was the Deputy Director of Information Technology, Data, and Innovation focused on enabling leaders to make rapid and risk-informed data-driven decisions. Furthermore, Mr. Whitworth serves as a Captain in the United States Air Force Reserves as an Officer Training School Instructor, helping to shape Warrior-Minded Leaders of Character for the Air and Space Forces. His military assignments include Orbital Warfare Officer assigned to the 310th Space Wing, Colorado Springs, CO operating the nation's premier on-orbit Space Domain Awareness constellations.

Before entering federal service, Mr. Whitworth led an IT Management and Consulting company focused on assisting Education and State and Local Governments with digital transformation and process improvements. In a time of diminishing budgets, Mr. Whitworth transformed previously struggling organizations into highly functional Information Technology leaders within the industry.

Daniel Gizinski was named President of Comtech's Satellite & Space Communications Segment in November of 2024. Previously, Daniel served as Chief Strategy Officer and President of the Comtech Satellite Network Technologies ("CSNTI") division. Daniel also held prior appointments as the Company's Chief Strategy Officer from 2022-2024 and President of CSNTI in 2022. During his tenure at Comtech, he has held various senior management positions, including serving as Vice President of Product and Strategy for Comtech Systems, Inc. Earlier in his career, Gizinski held program management and leadership roles at General Electric, Sierra Nevada Corporation, and L3Harris Technologies. Gizinski holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Virginia and a master's degree from Duke University.

Thorsten Stremlau is a Distinguished Engineer and Systems Principal Architect in NVIDIA. He is responsible for technical strategies for components, devices, software and cloud services. In this role, Thorsten identifies and drives integration of current and future technologies, integrating them into the product development processes, and specifically drives innovation into the security capabilities of NVIDIA's portfolio.

Thorsten's career has been dedicated to identifying solutions and strategic implementations for customers in all aspects of IT. As an engineer for nearly 25 years, his broad experience enabled him to assist thousands of our customers to digitally transform their environments using advanced technology.

Thorsten holds a Bachelor in Industrial Manufacturing/Finance. Thorsten lives in North Carolina with his family.

Norm is a seasoned technology executive with over 30 years of cybersecurity and IT services experience.

He has held senior executive roles at Bigbear.ai, Verizon, Terremark, VeriSign, Sophos, and Symantec, as well as founding and building several successful startup companies. He is an expert in software design and development, cyber security, and massive online infrastructures such as cloud computing and software as a service. He has bought and sold several companies, resulting in significant merger and acquisition experience. His education is in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and he has held our nations highest level of security clearance while working for various intelligence agencies. He has also been published in over 100 newspapers and magazines, appeared on over a dozen television news programs, been interviewed on local and national radio, and has delivered presentations at numerous international conferences. He has also taught classes on a diverse set of topics, and published research papers and blog articles related to his areas of expertise.

Brandon Bailey is a principal engineer for the Cybersecurity and Advanced Platforms Subdivision (CAPS) at The Aerospace Corporation, at The Aerospace Corporation. In this role, Bailey has focused on developing a cyber range to support penetration testing training and in-the-lab evaluation of customers' implementations, performing vulnerability assessments and penetration testing activities for multiple customers as well as performing cybersecurity research on ground systems and spacecraft systems to better position the federal government with respect to protection of our critical space infrastructure. Bailey has also led the development of the space-focused tactic, technique, and procedures (TTPs) framework called Space Attack Research and Tactic Analysis (SPARTA). SPARTA is intended to provide unclassified information to space professionals about how spacecraft may be attacked. Bailey is a former civil servant at NASA, where he led various cybersecurity efforts and was awarded NASA's Exceptional Service Medal for his landmark cybersecurity work in 2019. He has extensive experience in the test and evaluation of systems and technology using high-fidelity digital twins with specialization in cybersecurity.

James "Aaron" Bishop, a member of the Senior Executive Service, is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for the Department of the Air Force, comprised of the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Space Force. As CISO, he is responsible for advising the Chief Information Officer and senior officials on cybersecurity policy, cybersecurity programs and cyber force development in the department. He leads a Directorate comprised of military, civilian and contractor personnel responsible for developing cybersecurity policy and strategy for over 5,000 Air Force information technology systems. He oversees risk management and cybersecurity accountability for information systems, weapon systems and operational technology supporting military cyberspace operations. His portfolio includes policy and governance of the defense industrial base, cyber supply chain risk management, compliance and cybersecurity capabilities. He has oversight for the Freedom of Information Act, Privacy Act laws and cryptographic modernization supporting cyber operations for the department.

Mr. Bishop recently joined the Department of the Air Force to drive cybersecurity innovation. He is a highly experienced National Security Services and Information Security Executive with in-depth knowledge of government contracting, business execution, national security, military supply chain, criminal investigation and cybersecurity. As the Chief Executive Officer and founder of Eigenspace and Quantum Security Alliance, Mr. Bishop evangelized disruptive and transformational research and approaches to the cyber industry while building coalitions with academia, industry partners and U.S. government agencies. As an industry expert, he was nominated to the Presidential National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee.

Prior to his current position, Mr. Bishop held positions in industry as a key leader with the Science Applications International Corporation as Vice President of Enterprise Business Transformation and Chief Architect, and later, the Chief Information Security Officer. Prior to SAIC, Mr. Bishop was the General Manager of Microsoft Corporation's National Security Group. He was responsible for providing consultation and support services to National Intelligence, Military Intelligence, U.S. Special Operations, the Department of Justice, Department of Energy and the Department of Homeland Security. Prior to Microsoft, Mr. Bishop was the Chief Technologist at Keane Federal Systems and Chief Technology Officer of ANSTEC, Inc. Mr. Bishop is a veteran having served honorably in the United States Navy.

Mr. Bishop earned a Bachelor of Science in General Studies from Northwestern State University and a Master of Science in Cybersecurity in Management and Policy from the University of Maryland Global Campus.

https://csps.aerospace.org/experts/lori-gordon

Lori W. Gordon is Systems Director in the Space Enterprise Evolution Directorate at The Aerospace Corporation. In her role, she leads enterprise integration initiatives focused on international competition and collaboration, commercial ventures, and legislative and regulatory frameworks in support of space infrastructure and economic growth, security, and resilience, all in the national interest. At Aerospace since 2018. Gordon is also a partner with Aerospace's Center for Space Policy and Strategy (CSPS) and leads Aerospace's engagement with myriad collaborators, including the Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Space ISAC) and the National Security Institute (NSI). With more than 20 years of professional experience, Gordon has contributed to the development of national-level strategies, capabilities, and programs across homeland, intelligence, and civil agencies.

Gordon began her career focusing on energy efficiency and renewable energy policy supporting the Department of Energy before expanding her domain expertise across other critical infrastructure sectors, including information and communications technology and the defense industrial base. At The MITRE Corporation from 2005 to 2014 and at a Washington, D.C.-based strategy consultancy from 2014 to 2018, she led critical infrastructure security portfolios working with the government to reduce risk and accelerate adoption of emerging technologies.

Gordon continues to collaborate on policy and technical publications with the Atlantic Council, the National Security Institute, the Cutter Consortium, and other think tanks on cislunar ecosystems; space traffic coordination; in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM); space safety and sustainability; supply chain; and cybersecurity.

Prof. Gregory Falco is an aerospace security expert that designs and develops next-generation defense capabilities. He is an Assistant Professor at Cornell University's Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and the Systems Engineering Program. Falco is the Director of the Aerospace ADVERSARY Lab and is the founding chair of the IEEE international technical Standard for Space System Cybersecurity. A Fulbright Scholar, Falco is the recipient of DARPA's Young Faculty Award, named as a DARPA RISER and has been listed in Forbes 30 Under 30. Falco received his PhD at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Felipe Fernandez is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Fortinet Federal, Inc (FFI). With more than 20 years of networking and cybersecurity experience, Felipe leads a team of security architects and engineers to provide mission-critical cybersecurity solutions for Federal Civilian, Department of Defense, and Intelligence Community applications. In addition to his role as a team leader, Felipe also oversees the U.S. Federal product strategy and certification process for the Department of Defense Information Network Approved Products List (DoDIN APL) and the National Security Agency's Commercial Solutions for Classified (NSA CSfC) program. Prior to joining Fortinet, Felipe served for 12 years with U.S. Marine Corps as a Cyber Security Engineer.

Mr. Murray is an assistant director at Southwest Research Institute and is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). He has over 15 years of experience leading the development and testing of embedded systems. He has performed penetration tests and risk assessments, developed secure systems, and performed cybersecurity related research. He has supported projects across multiple industries including commercial automotive, industrial control, space, defense, aerospace, and transportation. Mr. Murray has led many projects including penetration testing on aerospace, transportation, and automotive systems.

LTG (Ret) Ross Coffman is the founder of Coffman and Associates LLC, a consulting and advisory firm specializing in strategic and operational planning to improve leadership effectiveness, drive cultural change, enhance business operations, and increase organizational productivity. The firm has demonstrated proven success across government, corporate, academic, and non-profit sectors.
General Coffman serves as the President of Forward Edge AI, a Board Member of The Federal Savings Bank, and a Board Advisor to multiple successful companies. He is also a member of the Washington Speaker Bureau and a Senior Advisor for Ernst and Young.
General Coffman retired from the United States Army after more than 35 years of distinguished military service as an Armor Officer. He commanded units in nearly every echelon and served in multiple deployments to Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Eastern Europe, Bosnia, and Haiti. He also served in the Army Force Generation, responsible for training large units for combat. In his final assignment in the military, he served as the Deputy Commanding General of U.S. Army Futures Command in Austin, Texas.
General Coffman is a decorated leader, recognized for both his individual contributions and those of the heroic units he served with. He is enshrined by Centre College as a Distinguished Alumnus, and is the recipient of the Harvey Leadership Award, MacArthur Leadership Award, Draper Leadership Award, Significant Sigma Chi Award, and is an Eagle Scout.
General Coffman holds a Bachelor's Degree from Centre College, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Embry-Riddle University, and completed a National Security Fellowship at Harvard's Kennedy School.

Mark Holmes is the Editorial Director of Via Satellite, the Program Chair for the Global Connected Aircraft Summit and CyberSat. He is also Director of Strategic Content for the SATELLITE show. Mark has been at Access Intelligence (AI) over seventeen years, working on a variety of titles in telecoms, broadband, digital TV, aviation and satellite. Mark has been with AI's Aerospace Group for over nine years.

Mark has played a key role in building the 'Global Connected Aircraft Summit' event, which launched eight years ago and has been a huge success story for AI.

Before joining Access Intelligence, Mark was deputy editor of leading Euromoney Institutional Investor title Global Telecoms Business. In this position, Mark interviewed the CEOs of many leading telcos world-wide including, BT, Verizon, France Telecom, Sprint, SBC etc. In the last 20 years, Mark has interviewed hundreds of C-Suite executives in the telecoms, satellite, broadcast, aviation, broadband and cable space.

Frank Backes | CEO
Frank Backes is the Chief Executive Officer at Capella Space. Previously, Mr. Backes served as Senior Vice President for Kratos Space Federal and Commercial Cyber and has spent 30+ years in the satellite launch, command, control, and communications industries. Mr. Backes is a technology pioneer in the systematic and continuous application of cyber security solutions for space systems. Mr. Backes is the former Chief Executive Officer for Braxton Technologies LLC and Braxton Science and Technology Group, LLC, leading manufacturers of launch, command and control software for intelligence, military and commercial applications based in Colorado Springs, CO. He is a space industry thought leader recognized for innovating solutions that expand organizational capability, product portfolios and market presence.

Mr. Backes is a noted industry speaker for innovative technologies and company brands delivering professional-level presentations with extensive tradeshow and large industry event experience. He was recognized with the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2009 for achievements in the aerospace industry. Mr. Backes is the founder and president of the Space ISAC and serves on the board of directors for Modern Technology Solutions Inc. (MTSI), and formerly, the advisory board for the University of Colorado Boulder Aerospace Engineering Sciences Department, and the chairman of the Colorado Space Business Roundtable. He received a BSEE in Semiconductor Physics from the University of California at San Diego along with minors in communications/marketing and computer hardware.

Caleb Royer joined DARPA as a program manager for the Information Innovation Office and Adaptive Capabilities Office in March 2025. His research interests include distributed systems, networks, space systems, security, and edge computing.

Prior to his position at DARPA, Royer was head of Space Technology at Scientific Systems Company Inc. (SSCI) and led technology strategy, research and development, partnerships, and technical staff for a broad base of space systems, networked systems, command and control, intelligence, and edge processing software for a variety of national security customers.

Before SSCI, Royer worked at Applied Defense Solutions, acquired by L3Harris, as well as Riverside Research, Aurora Flight Sciences, and other private sector companies.

Royer received his Master's of Science (M.S.) in Aerospace Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and his Bachelor's of Science (B.S.) in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. His academic work focused on classical AI applied to autonomy, control theory, and multi-disciplinary design optimization. He received his Master's in Aerospace Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Alexis leads AI Adoption & Deployment and the U.S. National Labs Partnership for OpenAI for Government. She was Google's Emerging Technology Evangelist driving AI Adoption in the Public Sector, and the Chief Innovation Officer of USAID, where she launched 10 Grand Challenges and Prizes, and catalyzed over $2B in innovative technologies. As the CIO of the Air Force Research Lab, she introduced the first large scale LLM to DOD and ran the AI Adoption Research Platform, training more than 30,000 service men and women and public leaders in AI. She helped found the US Global Development Lab and was the Country Director for UNOPS in West Bank/Gaza. She served in various roles in the UN in over 20 countries. She has brought technologies to war-zones, the Ebola crisis, and global disasters including the Tsunami, Major Earthquakes, Fires, Famines, and Floods. Alexis has been in technology application and adoption since the 90's. Her first job was at the Internet Trade Association where she introduced "The Internet" to Corporate America. The entirety of her career has been helping people, communities, companies and nations navigate technology, especially AI. Alexis has her MBA from Kellogg Northwestern, Masters in Interactive and Direct Marketing from NYU, and an Honorary Doctorate from Shepard University.

Zanir is the founder and CEO of Ferociter, where they specialize in Machine Learning and AI projects across National Security, Crypto and more. He was previously a software engineer at Northrop Grumman, where he worked on communication systems, IRAD's, and cyber anomaly detection. Zanir has a Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University.

I am a Cyber Capability Development Consultant focusing on Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM) Capability Maturity Models (CMM).

I serve on the front lines with the organizations we protect to help mitigate the risk of AI-enabled threats, emerging APTs, nation-state threats cascading into civilian targets, and exposure management solutions for sector-specific topics like large enterprise digital landscapes, Operational Technology (OT), Internet of Things (IoT) as well as New Space (NS).

My customers benefit from 31 years of battle-tested cyber operations experience.

When I am not supporting my customers, you will find me exploring inner space, Extended Reality (XR), or outer space, Space Cybersecurity Operations & Resilience (SCOR), as a volunteer instructor for the ethicallyHackingspace(es)® and meta.Humanity (mH)® nonprofit eco-systems.

My long-time passion for space was magnified after I served on the front lines to protect space operations as a Senior Manager for Cybersecurity Operations at SES Satellites Luxembourg. In this global satellite operator, I focused on extending the cyber capabilities service portfolio, improving service levels, maturing delivery processes, and enhancing the efficiency and capabilities of the Global Cybersecurity Operations team.

Since I departed from SES, Luxembourg, I have continued the good fight by developing the global h4ck32n4u75 (Hackernauts)® community focused on "Securing the Final Frontier." We also serve as the launch pad for cybersecurity professionals who want to "Break Into Orbit."

My passion for inner space and Extended Reality (XR) was a natural evolution due to the convergence of space and XR.

Phil Mar is the CTO of Global Space Networks at Viasat. Phil has a BSEE and MSEE specialized in secure communications. He has been with Viasat for more than 25 years, leading variety of satellite and wireless communications systems, and network security systems. Phil is an expert on both systems architecture and security design. His responsibilities include managing new security technology development and cyber strategy for the whole Viasat Corporation, as well as overseeing overall information assurance and cybersecurity for many Satellite Communication Systems.

Mark Peller is the senior vice president of Vulcan Development and Advanced Programs at United Launch Alliance (ULA). In this role, he is responsible for the development and evolution of Vulcan, ULA's proven new launch system. Peller led the development of Vulcan since the inception of the program, and with the successful transition to initial flight operations complete, is now focused on upgrades to Vulcan to support the evolving needs of ULA's national security, commercial and civil customers. In support of this focus on upgrades, Peller also leads the Advanced Programs team that is responsible for developing the new technologies and system capabilities to feed future upgrade plans for Vulcan.

Peller began his career with Rockwell International in 1990 as a propulsion engineer supporting the Space Shuttle program. He joined The Boeing Company in 1996 when it acquired the aerospace and defense businesses of Rockwell. Peller moved to the Delta program in 1997 and held various technical and program management positions throughout the development and initial fielding of the Delta IV launch system.

Peller continued his work on the Delta program at ULA after the company was formed in 2006. In 2009, he was appointed the product line chief engineer for Delta, where he had overall technical responsibility for the Delta II and Delta IV launch systems. During this period, he oversaw 24 successful Delta launches, including the first launch of the Delta IV Heavy configuration from the West Coast. In 2013 Peller transitioned into the role of the director of the ULA Hardware Value Stream responsible for managing the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) contracts with the U.S. Air Force and leading the product teams providing sustaining engineering support for supply chain, production and launch operations for the Atlas and Delta product lines.

Peller holds a Bachelor of Science degree in applied mechanics from the University of California, San Diego, a Master of Science degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Southern California and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of California, Irvine. He is a licensed mechanical engineer in the state of California.

Erin has over a decade of experience building meaningful tech collaborations and has formed hundreds of formal partnerships between government, industry, and academia to solve problems for warfighters and national security. Currently, Erin is the VP of Operations for Space ISAC.

Erin was the Managing Director of the Center for Technology, Research and Commercialization (C-TRAC) and brought three USAF-funded programs to bear at the Catalyst Campus for Technology & Innovation (www.catalystcampus.org) from 2016-2018. Her expertise in brokering unique partnerships using non-FAR type agreements led to the standup of the Air Force's first cyber focused design studio, AFCyberWorx, at the United States Air Force Academy, and the first space accelerator, Catalyst Accelerator, at Catalyst Campus in Colorado Springs - in partnership with Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX.

In 2020 Erin is a recipient of the Woman of Influence award. In 2018 Erin was recognized by the Mayor of Colorado Springs as Mayor's Young Leader (MYL) of the Year Award for Technology. She is also the recipient of the Southern Colorado Women's Chamber of Commerce Award for Young Female Leader in 2018.

In her previous roles, she developed and managed intellectual property portfolios, technology transfer strategies, export control/ITAR, secure facilities, and rapid prototyping collaborations.

Erin serves on the advisory board of CyberSatGov.

Brigadier General Aida T. Borras enlisted in the Army in 1985. During her enlisted career, she served as an intelligence Soldier in the Combined Field Army (Republic of Korea-U.S.), the 96th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne), the 1st Special Operations Command (Airborne), the Special Forces Command (Airborne) and participated in combat operations during Operation Just Cause.

In 1992, she was selected for the Army's Green to Gold Program and graduated two years later from The George Washington University. She was a distinguished military graduate from the Georgetown University ROTC Program and received her commission as a second lieutenant in the Military Intelligence Corps in 1994. Following completion of the Military Intelligence Officer Basic Course, she was assigned to Detachment O, Foreign Intelligence Activity; the Joint Analysis Center; and the Intelligence & Security Command. Borras transitioned to the Army Reserve in the year 2000. She joined the 3431st Military Intelligence Group as a senior intelligence officer providing intelligence support to information operations. In 2001, she was assessed into the AGR Program as an information operations officer.

Command assignments include: Platoon Leader, Delta Company, 629th Military Intelligence Battalion (CEWI), Maryland National Guard; Company Commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, INSCOM Support Battalion (Provisional); Battalion Commander, Army Reserve Element at the 1st Information Operations Command (Land); Battalion Commander, North Central Army Reserve Intelligence Support Center; Brigade Commander, Army Reserve Operational Activity; Commanding General, Military Intelligence Readiness Command; and Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa.

Staff assignments include: Intelligence Watch Officer, Joint Analysis Center; Joint Information Operations Planner on the Multinational Force - Iraq staff during Operation Iraqi Freedom; Director, Army Reserve G- 39 (Cyber and Information Operations Directorate) on the Office of the Chief, Army Reserve; and Director, Commander's Action Group for the Commanding General, United States Army Reserve Command. In April 2022, BG Borras assumed her current duties as the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, Department of the Army G-2.

BG Borras holds a master's degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College, a master's in education from Strayer University, and a baccalaureate degree in international affairs from The George Washington University. She is a graduate of the Jumpmaster Course, the Information Operations Qualification Course, the Combined Arms Services Staff School, the Command and General Staff College, the Defense Strategy Course, the Advanced Joint Professional Military Education Course, the Army War College, the Defense Strategic Debriefing Course, the Army War College Senior Leader Seminar, and a National Security Management fellowship at Syracuse University.

BG Borras' awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit (3 oak leaf clusters), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (4 oak leaf clusters), the Army Commendation Medal (3 oak leaf clusters), the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Army Achievement Medal (1 silver oak leaf), the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Korea Service Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Bronze Hour Glass, the Overseas Service Medal, the Senior Parachutists Badge and the Knowlton Award.