Board of Directors 2024-2025

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Biographies

Meghan Allen

Meghan Allen is the Senior Vice President, Washington Operations. At the Space Foundation, Meghan is a transformational leader who drives strategies and activities to advance the mission of the organization. Meghan is well known for being a highly accomplished and forward thinking government affairs executive whose experience in strategic planning, organizational leadership, budget anaylsis and corporate relations serves the organization well. She leads a team of individuals in regularly engaging with stakeholders across the Aerospace and Defense sectors, aligning the Space Foundation goals of connecting people, creating opportunities and inspiring generations.

Prior to her role at Space Foundation, Meghan was the Vice President of Government Relations, Sierra Space working as the primary representative for aerospace and defense legislative issues in its Washington, D.C. office.

With more than 20 years in the aerospace industry, Allen has applied her knowledge, insight, and strategic planning skills to produce comprehensive communications and action/engagement plans, and build networks, coalitions and contacts to effectively influence positive outcomes. In her time as a government relations and legislative affairs specialist, Allen has worked with the Administration, Congressional Leaders and Federal Agencies to ensure appropriate budgets and regulatory regimes as we look to create platforms in space to benefit life on earth.

Meghan also spent over a decade working at United Space Alliance (USA). United Space Alliance were the operators of the Space Shuttle Program as well as the International Space Station. At USA, Meghan was a member of the company’s leadership team working very closely with senior executives of the owners, The Boeing Company and Lockheed Martin Corporation.

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Sharon Dunbar

Sharon Dunbar is vice president of Cross-Company Business Initiatives for General Dynamics Mission Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics. In this capacity, she supports General Dynamics Mission Systems and other General Dynamics business units through joint initiatives, strategy, and interfacing with senior Department of Defense customers.

Prior to her current position, Sharon was vice president and general manager of the Federal Systems line of business for General Dynamics Mission Systems. The Federal Systems team was responsible for delivering communication, surveillance, and public safety solutions for the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security. Sharon previously served as the company’s vice president of Human Resources.

Before joining General Dynamics in 2014, Sharon served 32 years in the U.S. Air Force. Her assignments spanned command, homeland security, contracting, and government relations. She retired in 2014 as a Major General and Commander of the Air Force District of Washington with responsibilities for aerospace expeditionary operations involving 60,000 personnel assigned worldwide and oversight of national capital region operations to include homeland security, special air missions, and national special security events.

Sharon earned a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering and business management from the U.S. Air Force Academy and graduated with distinction from the National War College with a Master’s Degree in National Security Studies. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from California State University and completed her doctoral studies in Public Policy at The George Washington University along with executive programs at Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the Defense Acquisition University. Sharon serves on the board of directors for several non-profit organizations.

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Josh Hartman

Joshua Hartman is the President of GEOST Inc and Chief Growth and Strategy Officer of LightRidge Solutions, the holding company that owns GEOST and two other companies in the space and airborne markets. In this role he responsible for ensuring successful corporate growth and overseeing operations. Separately. He is a champion of disrupting the space and intelligence communities by discovering novel technical and operational concepts as well as commercial approaches that solve national security problems. He has worked very hard to make commercial companies a successful part of our global innovation ecosystem.

Previously, Mr. Hartman was a partner at a Space-focused Venture Capital fund called The Flying Object. Separately he also was a Managing Partner and CEO at a corporate strategy firm focused creating company growth through organic and acquisitive activities in the Defense and Intelligence markets. He currently sits on several corporate boards, is featured frequently in defense-related publications, is regularly invited to speak at national and international forums and has testified in front of the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives.

While in government, Mr. Hartman, serving as the Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics (USD(AT&L)) and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space and Intelligence (DASD (SI)), was responsible for supporting the USD(AT&L) with a range of functional expertise related to Department of Defense (DOD) and intelligence community systems. Prior to his Pentagon time, he supported the U.S. Congress as professional staff on the House Armed Services Committee developing policy on U.S. national security issues, and later on the House Appropriations Committee shaping and guiding the DOD budget and national security policy and investment strategy. In recognition of his service, Mr. Hartman has received numerous military awards, was selected by Space News as one of the top 10 individuals in 2006 “making a difference” in space around the world, and was awarded the Secretary of Defense Outstanding Public Service Award.

He began his career as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. Mr. Hartman holds a B.S. in Physics from the U.S. Air Force Academy, and an M.S. with honors in Strategic Intelligence, with a concentration in Middle Eastern/Iranian affairs from the National Intelligence University. He also completed work in the Graduate Program of Business Administration at California State University, Long Beach. He continues to serve as a member of the Air Force Reserves with most of his previous duty at the National Reconnaissance Office and currently serving at the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) bridging the gap between commercial investments and government needs.

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Megan O. Marsh

Megan O. Marsh is a Chief Solution Architect supporting SAIC’s Defense and Civilian Sector.

Marsh has more than two decades of experience supporting the Aerospace and Defense markets. Marsh thrives on cultivating relationships connecting industry executives to the forefront innovative technology.

Marsh is the National Co-Director for SAIC’s Women’s Employee Resource Group providing a forum for women and men to champion the growth, development, and engagement of women. This role fuels her passion for driving the company towards even stronger diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Marsh is currently serving as a board member of the National Space Club & Foundation, a non-profit association devoted to excellence in space activity.

Marsh has an Executive Masters in Science from George Mason’s School of Management and a Bachelor of Science from James Madison University where she majored in Integrated Science & Technology with a dual concentration in Manufacturing and Biotechnology.

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Lisa Monaco, PhD

Dr. Lisa Monaco is Vice President and Deputy General Manager for Jacobs supporting the Jacobs Tidewater Operations Group (JTOG) in Hampton, VA. In this role, she provides executive contract oversight and direction on the Center Maintenance, Operations and Engineering contract with personnel at both NASA Langley Research Center and NASA Wallops Flight Facility. Support to the Navy Surface Combat Systems Center is provided at Wallops Flight Facility as well. At both NASA locations, Jacobs is a technical solutions provider working to help fulfill NASA’s critical missions.

Previously, Dr. Monaco supported a Jacobs contract at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center where she helped manage their technical workforce, implemented a technology innovation program, and established the Technical Fellows program. Prior roles also included Director of Science and Technology, Project Scientist, and Principal Investigator.

Dr. Monaco has been involved in the aerospace community for over 25 years. She has been active in her communities through Leadership Programs and in promoting STEM engagement. Dr. Monaco currently serves as a board member for the National Space Club and Foundation, Washington DC, the Virginia Aerospace Business Association (VASBA), the Christopher Newport University Department of Physics, Computer Science and Engineering Board of Advisors, the Virginia Institute for Spaceflight Autonomy (VISA) and the Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance (HRMFFA). She also devotes her time and energy to serving as the global co-chair of the Jacobs Women’s Network, an employee led team focused on ensuring all Jacobs women can thrive. She has co-authored over 30 technical papers and is an AIAA Associate Fellow.

Dr. Monaco received her B.S. from Seton Hill University, and both an M.S. in Chemistry and Ph.D. in Materials Science from the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

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Kevin “Morty” Mortensen

Mr. Mortensen joined BAE Systems, Inc., July 2017 and is currently the Vice President, Business Development, Strategy and Growth for Air and Space Force Solutions. In this role, Mr. Mortensen is responsible for all Business Development Activities for a portfolio value of over $5.5B. Prior to assuming this position, he was Vice President for International Marketing with the Swedish Space Corporation.

Mr. Mortensen is a retired U.S. Air Force Officer, having served 29+ years in a variety of national security space-related and leadership roles, including Director of Schriever Wargame 2012 Operational Assessment where he directed 285 interagency/coalition players from 25+ organizations executing the Commander of Air Force Space Command’s objectives on resilience, performance and affordability of future space architectures; Commander of the 3d Space Operations Squadron where he led 120+ military/civilian/contractor team conducting 24/7 ops for 12 Department of Defense Communication satellites worth $3.9B; and Chief of Space and Cyberspace Legislative Affairs Program where he liaison between Congress and the Air Force for annual authorization of all Air Force Space, Cyberspace and Intercontinental Ballistic Missile programs. He was also Aide-de-Camp to two Commanders of AF Space Command.

Mr. Mortensen currently serves on the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) National Board of Directors. He is also the Vice Chair of the NDIA Space Division and is the immediate Past President of the NDIA Rocky Mountain Chapter. Mr. Mortensen also serves the Vice Chair of the Colorado Springs Military Affairs Committee’s Board of Directors and is a member of the Colorado Springs Chamber/EDC Board of Directors.

Mr. Mortensen holds a B.S. degree in Organizational Management from Colorado Christian University, a M.S. degree in Management from Lesley College, and a post graduate certificate in Organizational Management from George Washington University.

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Tami Plofchan

Tami Plofchan is a Director for Government Affairs for the Lockheed Martin Corporation. She is responsible for developing strategies and executing government engagement campaigns in support of Lockheed Martin’s aerospace and defense portfolios before the U.S Congress. A primary responsibility includes advocating for the company’s NASA civil human deep space exploration and planetary robot missions, and NOAA’s weather satellites and instruments.

Tami came to Lockheed Martin from the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), where she was a Director of Legislative Affairs for three and one-half years engaged with the U.S. Congress on aerospace related authorization and appropriation bills on behalf of association’s almost 340 member companies. While at AIA, she was a senior team member executing AIA’s The American Rocketry Challenge (TARC) engagement with U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representative offices. TARC is the world’s largest student rocket contest with nearly 5,000 middle school and high school students nationwide competing each year.

Previously, Tami served in various roles as a congressional staffer in the U.S. House of Representatives with three southern California Members of Congress. She currently serves as Vice Chair for the Aerospace Industries Association’s Space Legislative Committee.

She holds a Master of Arts in Government Affairs from Johns Hopkins University and Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from the University of California, San Diego.

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Robbie Sabathier

Robbie Sabathier is the vice president of Government Operations and Strategic Communications for United Launch Alliance (ULA) headquartered in Centennial, Colorado. In this role, she is responsible for leading ULA’s interaction with key decision makers and stakeholders in Washington, D.C., and shaping critical policies and decisions related to ULA’s business. She oversees strategic communications including external and internal communications, as well as brand and event management.

Sabathier brings over 20 years of broad-based commercial and civil launch experience from her work with the European commercial launch company Arianespace, and space shuttle contractor United Space Alliance. In addition, she co-founded a startup telecommunication company specializing in designing, deploying and operating low-cost, high-speed internet networks to serve rural communities.

Sabathier is active in the aerospace industry engaging in community and university outreach to promote STEM education and to encourage women in aerospace. She serves as a board member for the National Space Club and Foundations, as well as the Washington Space Business Roundtable. Sabathier served four years on the FAA’s Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee as the Deputy Chair of the safety working group.

Sabathier holds a bachelor’s degree in international business from San Diego State University and a Juris Doctorate from American University Washington College of Law.

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Matice Wright-Springer

Matice Wright-Springer is a senior vice president and partner in Booz Allen Hamilton's aerospace account. She leads the Nuclear Solutions sub-account with a focus on engineering solutions, digital integration, next-generation data solutions, and digital transformation efforts for the United States Air Force. Matice collaborates across the enterprise to enhance productivity and accelerate solutions that positively impact a variety of military operational environments. Matice works at the convergence of mission, technology, and innovation to ensure that warfighters have a competitive advantage across multiple domains.

Matice began her career in 1988, serving as the nation’s first African-American, female naval flight officer. She logged thousands of flight hours in both the EC-130 and the E-6 aircraft. After serving in the Navy, she was presidentially appointed to serve as a White House fellow at the Department of Treasury. She returned to government service a few years later as a member of the Senior Executive Service at the Department of Defense.

Matice’s private sector experience includes work as a defense analyst on large information technology programs with General Dynamics, a foreign military sales helicopter manager with Raytheon Technologies, a senior strategist with L3Harris, and as a technical director with ManTech International Corporation.

Matice earned a B.S. in physical science and general engineering from the United States Naval Academy. She holds an M.P.A. from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and an M.B.A. with a finance concentration from Johns Hopkins University’s Carey Business School.

She currently serves on the United States Naval Academy’s Alumni Association’s Board of Trustees, is a former member of the Naval Academy’s Distinguished Graduates selection panel and is also a former member of the Naval Academy’s Board of Visitors. Matice is an active member of Chief, a private network of women executive leaders.

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Joe Vealencis

Joseph J. Vealencis is a Principal at Potomac Advocates, a premier defense, intelligence, space, science and technology research and consulting firm based in Washington, D.C.

Joe has more than 23 years of government and leadership experience. Prior to joining Potomac Advocates, he served as the Chief of Staff at Ball Aerospace, a leading aerospace, science, and defense company headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado with revenues over $2 billion/year. Joe served as strategic advisor to the President and the Executive Team in their management of the company’s daily operations and execution of its strategic plan. He ensured robust internal and external coordination, message planning, coordinated reporting activities to Ball Corporation and its Board of Directors, and led mergers and acquisitions discussions within the business unit.

A 1998 graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Joe’s leadership experience includes multiple Active Duty operational assignments, commanding ships in New England during/post the terrorist attacks of 9/11 conducting port security and law enforcement operations, and off the coast of Iraq protecting U.S. Marines and guarding critical Iraqi oil infrastructure. In 2005 he began an assignment as a Coast Guard Fellow on Capitol Hill, transitioning to full-time congressional staff shortly thereafter while finishing his Master of Science degree part-time.

From 2005 to 2010, Joe served in various positions with the House Committee on Homeland Security, including Staff Lead for the Transportation Security Subcommittee and acting Deputy Staff Director for the Committee. During this period, Joe oversaw the activities of multiple Department of Homeland Security entities, including the U.S. Secret Service, Transportation Security Administration, and later the U.S. Coast Guard. He authored multiple legislative provisions that were enacted into laws like the SAFE Port Act and the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act. He was instrumental in advancing the Committee’s access to the U.S. Intelligence Community, which he later joined in 2010.

While in the Intelligence Community, Joe worked in multiple legislative, public affairs, and leadership roles. He provided strategic counsel and engagement strategies for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence’s (ODNI) Office of Legislative Affairs. He led the National Counterterrorism Center’s Office of Strategic Communications from 2013-2015, coordinating its congressional and public affairs operations, as well as its domestic and foreign engagement programs. He went on to serve as the Director of the Office of Congressional and Public Affairs at the once secretive National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) where he led a team of active duty and civilian staff in their efforts to strengthen Legislative and Executive Branch communications and partnerships, and educate the public on the missions of the NRO.

Joe is former member of the Senior National Intelligence Service and is a veteran of the United States Coast Guard. He has received numerous personal, professional, and military awards throughout his career. In his free time, Joe sits on the Board of Directors for the National Space Club and Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to encouraging youth to pursue careers in STEM education.

Joe holds a Bachelor of Science from the U.S Coast Guard Academy and a Master of Science from the National Defense Intelligence College.

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