Air Vice Marshall Johnny Stringer

Air Vice-Marshal Johnny Stringer (49) was born in Sale and educated at Watford Boys' Grammar School and New College, Oxford. Johnny was sponsored by the RAF through both 6th Form and University, and after officer and pilot training, joined the Jaguar Force at RAF Coltishall in 1993. A Qualified Weapon Instructor, he flew operationally over the Former Yugoslavia and helped enforce the Northern Iraq No Fly Zone. His staff experience at Sqn Ldr and Wg Cdr encompassed tours in the Equipment Capability area, HQ 1 Group, and as Military Assistant to Director General Typhoon.
From 2007 to 2009, Johnny commanded 29 Squadron, the Typhoon Operational Conversion Unit at RAF Coningsby; leaving on promotion, he spent 2 years as DACOS Jt Effects in the J3 Division of the UK Permanent Joint Headquarters at Northwood. He returned to New College as a visiting Trenchard Fellow on the Oxford Changing Character of War programme in Autumn 2011.
Between October 2012 and September 2014, Johnny commanded RAF Coningsby and its Typhoon Wing, supporting national and overseas Typhoon operations, and displayed the Spitfire and Hurricane with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. He was posted as ACOS Ops to HQ Air Command in August 2015 before commanding No.83 Expeditionary Air Group as the UK Air Component Commander between October 2016 - October 17, in charge of all national air operations in the fight against Daesh (Op SHADER) and across the region. He is a graduate of the UK Advanced and Higher Command and Staff Courses, the Royal College of Defence Studies and holds Masters degrees from Oxford and Kings College London. Johnny is married to Lisa and has two sons. His interests include history, literature, food and drink, and cycling.
 

Captain David Moody

A career Royal Navy Officer David has had the privilege of serving on-board HMS BRAVE and HMS MONTROSE in his professional ‘Weapons Engineer’ capacity. More broadly he has served with NATO as a communications systems engineer for North Western Europe, as Defence Crisis Management Centre lead engineer and a weapons trials manager for the introduction into service of the Type45 destroyer. He has deployed to Afghanistan where he directed the improvement of country-wide mobile phone telecommunications for 17 million subscribers. David was the first Commanding Officer of the Maritime C5ISR Support Unit (MCSU) and the first Royal Naval officer to serve as Commander of Joint Forces Communications and Information Systems (Middle East).
Latterly David has served at Joint Forces Command (JFC) as the Military Satellite Communications and Strategic Networks Capability Manager where he was recently promoted to the rank of Captain Royal Navy and now serves as the JFC Capability Branch Deputy Head for Space.
 

Captain Dez Hill

Captain Hill joined the Marine Corps in 2009 and served as a cyber network operator before commissioning as a C4 systems officer in 2012. He has since served as a radio platoon commander and battalion communications officer in the 4th Marine Logistics Group and as section officer-in-charge at the Marine Corps Cyber Operations Group. He is currently the G-6 projects officer at the Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, where he is primarily concerned with coalition C4 interoperability and posturing the northern flank of NATO and the European Arctic in support of EUCOM operational planning.

Colonel (Ret'd) Nichoel E. Brooks

Nichoel Brooks is a Specialist Leader with Deloitte Consulting LLP. A Nation Strategy and Operations Leader for Government and Public Sector. Recently retired Colonel, US Army after 32 years as an Intelligence Officer. Highly accomplished results-oriented and visionary professional with a vast array of experience in leading national and international organizations, teams, and operations. A highly proactive individual, proven strategic leader, effective cross-cultural communicator, and an advocate for entrepreneurial concepts.

Before joining Deloitte, Consulting LLP Colonel (R) Nichoel E. Brooks entered the Military Intelligence Corps after earning her commission through the Officer Candidate Program, where she graduated as the Distinguished Military Graduate

Her previous command positions and senior staff positions include Director of Intelligence and Security for Army Futures Command, Chief of Commander’s Action Group for Commanding General INSCOM; Deputy Commander, INSCOM; Commander, National Ground Intelligence Center; Commander, 310th Military Intelligence Battalion; Intelligence Executive Officer to the Director, Defense Intelligence Agency; Chief of Commanding General’s Initiative Group, MNF-I.

A proven combat leader, Nichoel has 60 months of experience in Iraq and Afghanistan. Her roles include
Director of Intelligence (J2), Special Operations Joint Task Force – Afghanistan; Special Advisor to Commanding General, Multi-National Force–Iraq (MNF-I); Analytical Control Element Chief, Multi-National Corps-Iraq, III Corps; Executive Officer for Deputy Chief of Staff CJ-2, MNF-I.

Nichoel Brooks earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and History from Oregon State University. She holds a Master's in Information Systems and Technology from the University of Texas. Her military education includes the Counterintelligence Officer Course, Cavalry Leader Course, Combined Arms and Services Staff School, General Staff College, Army War College – Fellowship at the Office of Director National Intelligence, Master’s in Strategic Planning and Strategy Development from the Joint Advanced Warfighting School.

Her awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, three Legion of Merit medals, four Bronze Star Medals, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, five Army Meritorious Service Medals, Joint Service Commendation Medal

Colonel Andre Gustavo

Colonel Gustavo works at Brazilian Space Systems Commission – CCISE (Head of Space Systems Division). Prior to this role, he worked on the development of several projects such as SABER-M60 radar, Fire Support Simulator, Defense Certification Authority, Mobile Communication Systems. He commanded the 7th Army Area Telematics Center. Has experience in jungle communications and experience in the Brazilian Amazonia. Graduated in telecommunications engineering at the Military Institute of Engineering (IME) and PhD in the area of Intelligent Systems (Software Defined Radio) at the University of Brasilia (UnB).

Colonel Cameron Stoltz

Colonel Cam Stoltz enrolled in the Canadian Forces in 1985. 1n 1989, following an initial two years at the Royal Roads Military College, he graduated from the Royal Canadian Military College in Kingston, Ontario with a degree in Electrical Engineering.

Commissioned into the Communications and Electronics Branch, his first posting was to the Aerospace Maintenance Development Unit in Trenton. In 1992 he returned to RMC, obtaining a Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering. Transferred to Ottawa in 1994, he spent the following years providing engineering support to Air Traffic Control and satellite communications systems. Promoted to Major in 1998, he joined the Canadian Military Satellite Communications project as a Senior Engineer and would complete a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Ottawa before departing Ottawa. 

Transferred to the Canadian Forces Joint Signal Regiment (CFJSR) in 2000, Colonel Stoltz would serve as Regimental Administration Officer, as well as Officer Commanding for both 3 and 4 Squadron. In April 2003, Colonel Stoltz took command of the Operation APOLLO National Command Control and Information Systems (NCCIS) Squadron in Camp Mirage. Upon return, he returned to Trenton and took command of 8 Air Communications and Control Squadron, a position he held until commencing the Canadian Forces Command and Staff Course in 2005.

In 2006, Colonel Stoltz was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel and posted to Winnipeg, where he served as 1 Canadian Air Division / Canadian NORAD Region A6 and Headquarters Commanding Officer. Colonel Stoltz returned to Kingston and assumed command of the Canadian Forces Joint Signal Regiment in 2009. In 2012, following second language training, Colonel Stoltz returned to Ottawa as Director Strategic Communication Services. He was promoted to his current rank in 2013, and assumed the position of Director Air Support in 2015. In 2017, Colonel Stoltz was posted to his current position as Director Space Requirements.
 

Colonel Laurent Jannin

Laurent Jannin works for the French Ministry of Defence, at DGA (Directorate for acquisition).

He is currently Head of SYRACUSE III and SYRACUSE IV (former “COMSAT NG”) Programs. This includes acquisition and maintenance for space and ground segments. At the same time, he is head of ATHENA/COMCEPT operations which includes the Ka-band satellite, in cooperation with Italy, and its ground segment.

Prior to that, he worked successively for the Helios II military satellite program, for the energy ministry, for the “Cour des comptes” (French public accounting office), and for the CERES Elint satellite program.

He graduated from Ecole Polytechnique in 1998 and Ecole National Supérieure de l’Aéronautique et de l’Espace in 2000.
 

Colonel Mihai Burlacu

Col Mihai Burlacu was commissioned with the ROU 48th Signal Regiment in 1985.
He was assigned in various command positions and after the university graduation was appointed with the ROU CIS Command.
He undertook various assignments in CIS Operations and Capability Planning within the J6 ROU General Staff and afterwards between 1998-2001 and 2003-2007 he served as the ROU C3 Representative to NATO Hq Brussels.
In 2008 he took over CIS Planning Branch/CIS Directorate and later was appointed the commander of the ROU 48th CIS Centre.
Between 2016-2017 he worked for EUAM as Senior IT Advisor in Ukraine.
He assumed the current position in October 2017.
He is married and has one son.
 

Colonel Ryan J. Gulden

Colonel Ryan J. Gulden is the Capability Integrator, Satellite Communications (SATCOM), Portfolio Architect, Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC), Los Angeles Air Force Base, CA. He directs acquisition planning, programming, architectures, roadmaps, capability deliveries and operational support for a $40-billion portfolio to include the Milstar constellation, the Defense Satellite Communications System, the Wideband Global SATCOM Program, the Advanced Extremely High Frequency Program, and associated Air Force communication terminals, developmental programs, and mission control systems such as the Evolved Strategic SATCOM, Protected Anti-jam Tactical SATCOM and Enhanced Polar SATCOM Replacement.

Colonel Gulden received his commission in 1996 through the Reserve Officer Training Corps at The Pennsylvania State University where he earned his Bachelor’s of Science in Electrical Engineering. He has served in a variety of assignments in intelligence, satellite operations, and space acquisition at the National Air Intelligence Center, the Space and Missile Systems Center, the Air Staff, and the National Reconnaissance Office. He also was deployed to Jerusalem where he served in the Office of the United States Security Coordinator for Israel-Palestinian Authority. Prior to his current assignment, he served as the Deputy Director, Military Satellite Communication (MILSATCOM) Systems Directorate at the Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles AFB, CA.
 

Colonel Stig Nilsson

Colonel Stig Eivind "Whip" Nilsson Service 2017- 2014-2017 2011-2014 MoD, Head of Space program MoD, Department of defence policy and long term planning Program manager NAWSARH, new SAR helicopter 2010-2011 Chief Air Plans, ISAF Joint Command – Kabul/Afghanistan 2007-2010 Chief Air Systems division, Inspectorate of Air Operations 2007 Commander 138 Air Wing (Air base) Ørland 2005-2007 2003-2004 Deputy Inspector Air Operations EPAF Test director F16 M3 Operational Test & Evaluation (OT&E) 2002-2003 Commander F16 detachement Operation Enduring Freedom – Manas/Kirgisistan 2000-2003 1997-2000 1986-1997 Squadron commander 338 squadron F16 Head of Air Systems Office Pilot 334 squadron, XO 336 squadron Education 2013-2015 2008 Executive Master of Management Defence college (Sjefskurset) 2004-2005 Staff college 2 1996 Staff college 1 1988-1990 Air Force Academy 1984-1985 Undergraduate pilot training @ Euro Nato Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT)

Colonel Young-Ell Kim

Kim Young-Ell
Chief, Defense Communication Command, Republic of Korea Armed Forces.
He was born in 1969(Seoul, Korea). Col Kim's Major academic background is as follows.
* Graduated from Seoul Youngil high school
* Graduated from Kangwoon University (Bachelor, Major in Electronic communication engineering)
* Graduated from Daejon University (Master, Major in Computer Engineering)
He started his military career in 1993 and has the following major careers:
* Battalion commander of the 1st division(2011~2013)
* Satellite system officer of the Army Headquarters(2014~2015)
* Chief, 2nd brigade of the defense communication command(2016~2018)
Currently, as the Chief of division, he is making a great contribution to the development of Korea's telecommunication and military satellite systems.
 

Commander Phil Coope

Phil joined the Royal Navy as a Weapon Engineer in 1993 following a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Liverpool University. During his career he has conducted UK maritime and multinational operations in Hong Kong, Mediterranean, Caribbean/Central America, Bosnia & Herzegovina and the Northern Arabian Gulf. Whilst he has primarily served on T22 and T23 Frigates, he had the honour of being part of the team that introduced HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH into Service in 2017 (as the Mission System Design Acceptance Authority). Outside of operations and ship building, Phil’s 25-year career has focussed on the fields of Capability and Acquisition and Education. He was instrumental in the development of the Royal Navy’s Local Area Air Defence Capability (Medium Range Radar (RT997) and Sea Ceptor) and worked with McKinsey Consultancy in response to the MoD’s Spending Round challenge in 2013. Keen to broaden beyond engineering, Phil was both Student and Directing Staff at the UK’s Joint Services Command and Staff College. Promoted to Commander in 2013, Phil is building on his previous experience within Navy Command Headquarters in his current role as Joint Forces Command’s Capability Manager for Strategic Satellite and Terrestrial Networks and the Programme Manager for Skynet 6. Married to Victoria, they enjoy the outdoor life in the Gloucestershire countryside. A fan of many sports and (trying) to keep fit, Phil is also the Chairman of Royal Navy Rowing and has penchant for Karaoke…
 

Dr Mark Dale

Mark Dale is a Director of Business Development at Kratos SATCOM Products and Federal Satellite Solutions, where he helps define next generation satellite communications solutions in support of the U.S. Government.

His recent activities have included support for the Pilot Phase 1 and 2 efforts sponsored by the Advanced Concepts Division of the Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC-MCX). Together with team members internal and external to Kratos, he has worked to define mechanisms to enable satellite terminals to flexibly access commercial and USG SATCOM capacity and roam between a diverse pool of satellites, teleports, and managed systems.

Dr. Dale has been working in the satellite industry for over 20 years, with responsibilities that have spanned systems engineering, product management and business development. Prior to working for Kratos, he worked at Comtech EF Data, Viasat, and Broadcom. He holds a MSEE from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and a Ph.D. from the University of Southern California.
 

Dr Michael O'Callaghan

Mike took up leadership of the Dstl Space Science and Technology Programme in April 2017. He has worked for Dstl since 2007, after receiving his Masters in Chemistry from the University of Nottingham, and PhD for work on solid-state Lithium-Ion conductors. Having begun his career at Dstl researching materials for Defence applications, he spent two years providing technical advice and support to Dstl Programme Directors covering a wide range of research and technology areas. He then spent 18 months as part of the “C4ISR Concepts and Solutions” project working on research to address MOD’s Information and Intelligence systems issues, followed by two years leading Dstl’s Technical Directorate, reporting directly to Dstl’s Chief Technical Officer. Prior to taking up his current role, Mike spent two years leading a research programme seeking to understand how MOD could transform its command, control, information and intelligence enterprise to address the challenges and opportunities of operating in the information age.

Justin Keller

Lieutenant Commander Ralph Groube

Lieutenant Commander Groube joined the Royal New Zealand Navy in February 1989 as a Seaman Rating in the Radar Specialisation. In 1992 LTCDR Groube changed trade to Radio Operator, and completed postings onboard Her Majesty’s New Zealand Ships WELLINGTON, CANTERBURY and ENDEAVOUR, including operational deployments to the Persian Gulf and Bougainville.

In 1998 LTCDR Groube commissioned as a Warfare Officer, and following completion of Navigation and Officer of the Watch training was posted to HMNZS ENDEAVOUR as the Ships Communications Officer, and later as the Operations Officer. In 2002 LTCDR Groube was posted to the RNZN College as the Communications Training Officer before taking command of the inshore patrol vessel HMNZS MOA, and then HMNZS KAHU. After KAHU he was posted to HMNZ Ships TE KAHA and RESOLUTION, assuming the duties of Navigating Officer of RESOLUTION in 2005.

In late 2005 he was promoted to LTCDR and posted to Headquarters Joint Forces New Zealand as JSO2 Maritime CIS Plans where he oversaw the provision of communications support to deployed naval fleet units. In 2009 LTCDR Groube posted to Capability Branch to work on maritime C4 requirements before deploying as a United Nations Military Observer with UNTSO in 2012, working in the Golan Heights for 12 months. Following his tour with UNTSO, LTCDR Groube was posted as the Assistant Director Strategic Commitments – Global in the Strategic Commitments and Engagement Branch within HQNZDF. LTCDR Groube took up is current position as the Deputy Director Maritime CIS in August 2018.
LTCDR Groube has completed the Royal Australian Navy CIS Specialist Officers Course, the Joint Information Warfare Course at the Joint Forces Staff College in Norfolk Virginia, the US Navy’s Information and Communication Manager Course, the New Zealand Defence Force Command and Staff Course, and holds a Master of Strategic Studies from Victoria University of Wellington.
 

Lieutenant David Buehler

1st Lieutenant David Buehler is an acquisition officer in the United States Air Force. He is currently serving as the deputy program manager for the SpaceCraft Object Tracking and Characterization (SCOTCH) program in the Air Force Research Lab Space Vehicles Directorate at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico. He commissioned as a distinguished graduate through Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps at the University of New Mexico where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Systems Engineering with a focus in space systems from the Air Force Institute of Technology.

Major General Sergio Luiz Tratz

Commands held
Commander of the HQ Company / 5th Army Division;
Commander of the Reserve Officer Training Center / São Paulo (CPOR/SP);
Commander of the Curitiba Military School (Colégio Militar de Curitiba);
Commander of the 14th Motorized Infantry Brigade.
Main Positions Career
G3 / Head of Operations – 13th Motorized Infantry Brigade;
G3 / Head of Operations – 5th Army Division;
G3 / Head of Operations – Brazilian Peacekeeping Force Battalion – 11th Contingent;
Adviser – Brazilian Army Commander Cabinet;
Chief of the Army Budget Planning Cell – Army Headquarter;
Chief of Staff – 5th Military Region.
 

Mikhail Grinberg

Moderated by: Mr Mikhail Grinberg

Mr Allen Antrobus

Allen joined Airbus as UK’s Key Account Manager for Military Space in August 2017. He is responsible for supporting the development of Airbus Defence and Space’s long term space strategy within the UK and NATO.

Allen was an officer in the Royal Air Force for over 20 years. He initially trained as an Intercept Controller and undertook both UK and overseas tours before being selected to undertake an exchange with the US Marine Corps. Following this tour, Allen then represented the Royal Air Force in a variety of tours with the British Army, primarily involved in the delivery of Air Power in support of land operations. In 2007, Allen commanded the Solid State Phased Array Radar in North Yorkshire which is central to the US Space Surveillance Network. His MA Thesis, whilst at the Defence Academy, was on Space Security and this ensured he was selected to be the Chief of the Air Staff’s Senior Advisor for Space in 2012. Here he drafted policy for Ministers on Space Situational Awareness and transformed the working relationships with other nations, government departments (specifically the UK Space Agency), commercial companies and academia.

For the UK Space Agency, Allen was responsible for leading the UK’s input into the EU Space Surveillance and Tracking Initiative and undertook the role of deputy-chair for the international Steering Board comprising of representatives from the European Commission, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK. In addition, Allen led the UK’s technical committee which comprised of UK military, commercial, scientific and academic participants. In his role as a Reservist Officer, Allen was responsible for the long term capability development for the Royal Air Force’s space-based requirements which included Global Navigation Satellite Systems, SatCom and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance. This involved initiating and overseeing research projects, drafting capability plans and securing funding to develop and deliver new military programmes.

Allen spent 3 years working as both an independent consultant to the UK’s Space Agency and as a reservist with the Royal Air Force, where he remains active with 600 (City of London) Squadron.
 

Mr Andy Lincoln

Andy Lincoln is the Chief Technology Officer for Viasat’s Government Products Portfolio. In this role, Andy is responsible for establishing and communicating the technical vision for a diverse range of products including our government satellite communications systems, tactical networks, situational awareness, encryption, cyber/network security, and protected communications products. Andy’s technical interests range from waveforms to protocols and networks and from ASICs to modems, radios, terminals, and gateways.
Andy joined Viasat in 1997 and has over 30 years’ experience in communications systems, including terrestrial wireless, satellite communications and terrestrial networking for defense, commercial, and consumer applications. Andy is part of Viasat’s Government Systems technical leadership team working to bring resilient, cyber-secure, protected, and affordable communications to Defense users through leverage of Viasat’s commercial high capacity satellite systems.
Andy holds Bachelor’s and Masters’ degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan and University of California San Diego, respectively, focusing on communications theory and system design.
 

Mr Antonio Calderon

Mr. Antonio Calderon of Spain, has served NATO for over a decade, and currently holds the position of Chief NSII within the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency).
In his current post, he is accountable for the strategy, planning and execution of all lifecycle management activities enabling NATO NSII Services world-wide.
 

He is Executive for NSII Portfolio of programmes, projects and services (EUR 2Billion+), covering service areas such as SATCOM, Wireless & Maritime communications, NATO Static Networks as well as Deployable Communications related to Operations and Exercises.

He leads a team of 350+ talented professionals geographically distributed over 15 locations world-wide, a multicultural diverse team including NATO civilians, military and contractors.
His interest for Telecommunications stems back to the 1970s, following the gift of a magic set of ‘walkie-talkies’. This early fascination with Telecommunications has steered the course of Antonio’s education and career. From the University of Seville he was awarded an MSc Degree in Telecommunications Engineering, with honours.
 

Mr Barry Austin

Barry Austin joined the Ministry of Defence in 1984, with the expectation that it would be a short-term appointment until something better came along.
Having started work in the Central Accounting and Finance Teams, he was subsequently promoted to Executive Officer (Information Technology) and posted to the IT development team responsible for designing and implementing MOD’s New Management Strategy (NMS) – which oversaw the introduction of the TLB approach to managing Defence. Subsequent postings in IT Project Management took him to Worcester and then RAF Henlow where he became the Data and Integration Manager for the RAF’s enterprise Logistics Information system.
Having gone through the Defence Finance Accountancy Training Scheme, he felt it was time to return to his core financial roots and was posted to HMNB Clyde as the Finance and Business Manager for the Facilities and Naval Base Design Authority Directorate. This then led to a return to the Air Environment where he became the Financial Planning manager for the Equipment Support Programme within the Defence Logistics Organisations.
Having heard the plaintiff cries of IT once again, he returned to the world of Logistics Information Systems. Initially as the Business and Transformation Manager within the Logistics Applications Project Team and after successfully completing the MOD Assessment Centre he became the Assistant Head of the newly created Logistics Networked Enabled Capability (Log NEC) Team. Having navigated the team through Main Gate approval for the Future Logistics Information Services (FLIS) partnership, he was promoted to Deputy Head of Log NEC with responsibility for Programme and Performance Management.
Having commuted between Somerset and Abbey Wood for several years, he seized on the opportunity to become the Deputy Team Leader for the Networks Delivery Team within the Information Systems and Services (ISS) organisation. In 2017 he became the acting Team Leader on temporary promotion to the Senior Civil Service and was subsequently appointed as the SKYNET 6 Acquisition Programme Manager in August 2018. In January 2019, the MOD decided to join together the SKYNET 5 In-Service Delivery Programme and the SKYNET 6 Acquisition Programme to create a unified SATCOM Programme within ISS, which he now leads.
In his spare time, he likes to read history, travel and avoid anything too strenuous. In addition, he continues to wonder whether the Civil Service will provide a meaningful and long term career.
 

Mr Billy Bingham

Mr Brad Grady

Mr. Grady has been involved in the Satellite Communications industry since 2005, joining NSR in 2010. He is NSR’s Energy market subject matter expert, and a core member of NSR’s mobility research practice for both civil and government markets. He regularly provides his insights and analysis to NSR’s single-client consulting practice and is also a regular contributor to leading industry publications and forums.

Before joining NSR, Mr. Grady served as the Sustainable Development Projects Coordinator Intern with the Global VSAT Forum where he worked regularly with the GVF Secretariat and the Regulatory Working Group on many of the forum’s initiatives. Working with the Regulatory Working Group, Mr. Grady helped develop and implement various RWG initiatives aimed at protecting satellite spectrum, increasing awareness of satellite services, and working to promote regulatory reforms across the globe.

Mr. Grady holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Maryland, College Park where his research focused on renewable/alternative energies, Information Communication Technologies and the Satellite Communications Industry. He works in NSR’s Washington DC office.

Satcom Post Author Page: http://satcompost.com/author/bgrady/
 

Mr Chris Long

Mr. Long’s 23 year career in space has been spent with Northrop Grumman and the heritage companies (Orbital ATK, Orbital Sciences Corporation, General Dynamics and Motorola Government Electronics), holding various engineering and management positions. Mr. Long’s current role is Vice President and General Manager of Satellite Systems Division. In this role he oversees profit and loss responsibility for Defense Intelligence Agency and NASA Science and Environmental programs with sales in excess of $500M dollars annually. Prior to this role Mr. Long spent seven years as Vice President of the National Security Systems business unit for Orbital ATK, and two years as the Vice President and General Manager of Gilbert Operations where he oversaw the operations of roughly 350 employees and associated design and factory infrastructure.

Prior to this assignment Mr. Long spent three years as the Director of Advanced Systems. In this capacity Mr. Long was responsible for operations, as well profit and loss associated with Advanced Satellite Programs as well as a Technology Services business consisting of 100 people supporting Office of Space Launch for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO).

Prior to his role as Director of Advanced Systems Mr. Long served as Director of Business Development for Space Systems General Dynamics to include responsibility of all orders and management of new business funds. Mr. Long is a member of the Leadership Innovation and Entrepreneur Program (LEIP) in Palo Alto California for the last seven years. Mr. Long has published multiple technical papers related to space communications systems. He is a member of the Eta Kappa Nu, AFCEA, NDIA, Old Crows and IEEE. Mr. Long holds a MBA High Technology from W.P. Carey Business School Arizona State University with both a MS and BS in Electrical Engineering from New Mexico State University.
 

Mr Dan Gager

Dan is the Vice President of Business development at COMSAT Inc. and has over 18 years of SATCOM experience. Dan brings a wealth of satellite program management and technical experience to COMSAT from his work as an active duty Army satellite communications officer, a DoD Civilian, and as a network operator.
Before starting at COMSAT, Dan was Executive Vice President at satellite hardware manufacturer NAL Research; Director of Government Business Development at Iridium Satellite; and as a satellite program manager at the Defense Information Systems Agency(DISA) where he served as the Chief of the DoD’s Enhanced Mobile Satellite Services Division; Program Manager of the U.S. Government’s Future COMSATCOM Services Acquisition (FCSA); Gateway Satellite Systems Expert GIG Operations; and as DISA’s liaison to the CJ6, Multi National Forces, Baghdad Iraq. On active duty Dan served as the assistant operations officer, 1st Satellite Control Battalion, and Commander of the Defense Satellite Communications Certification Facility, Schriever Air Force Base Colorado. Dan currently serves as a Lieutenant Colonel in the DC National Guard where he is a plans and operations officer for National Guard Legislative Affairs.
Dan holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Cameron University and is a graduate of the Command and General Staff College. Dan’s other affiliations include the Army Signal Regiment, Society of Satellite Professionals International, Armed Forces Communications and Electronic Association, Association of the United States Army, Army Reserve Officers Association, and Phi Delta Theta fraternity.
 

Mr David Petit

David is responsible for Milsatcom programmes within the Space Systems Division of Airbus Defence and Space. He is also acting in business development activities to cooperate with militaries and governments in designing the future space solutions for secure resilient and sovereign communications.
Prior to joining Airbus Defence and Space in January 2017, David worked for Airbus Helicopters in Germany for 10 years and had before over 10 years of experience gained in the space comms industry as a LEO constellations system engineer and in strategy consulting.
David holds a Telecoms & Aerospace Systems Engineering degree and an MBA from the HEC School of Management in Paris.
 

Mr Don Brown

As Telesat’s General Manager, Government Services, Don Brown directs the company’s global government strategy for its GEO satellite fleet and Telesat’s new Low Earth Orbit (LEO) program, including the recently announced Blackjack contract with DARPA.

Prior to Telesat, Mr. Brown held senior positions at Intelsat General and PanAmSat developing commercial space opportunities for government missions. He was also the co-founder of USA TODAY Sky Radio, the first provider of inflight live broadcast satellite services.

Mr. Brown is a Princeton graduate and a frequent speaker on commercial satellite operations and national security.
 

Mr Donald Walker

Donald Walker joined Avanti in 2017 as the Director of Sales for Government and Defence. He is responsible for live services in support of UK MoD, the development and growth of services with US DoD and for growing Avanti’s business in Europe and across Africa and the Middle East. 
In his early career Donald served 18 years as an officer in the UK Royal Navy. In this time he served in a number of roles at sea, including all of the UK’s aircraft carriers, undertook staff tours in the Ministry of Defence, served ashore in Iraq civilianizing Basrah Airport and helped set up the EU’s counter piracy operation off the Horn of Africa (Op ATALANTA).  In his final job in the MOD, Donald was responsible for the logistic support of all the UK’s deployed operations, at the height of the Arab Spring.  As a civilian contractor he has supported US, UK, NATO and EU operations across Iraq, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Mali, Libya, DRC, Niger and Somalia.
Prior to joining Avanti, Donald worked with Fujitsu supporting the sale and delivery of deployable C4ISR and Classified systems to the MoD and wider UK Government.
 

Mr Franck Chatain

Franck Chatain, Product Line Manager, Thales Secure Communications and Information Systems.

With more than 20 years of experience in both telecommunications and space business, Franck Chatain has joined the Network & Infrastructure Systems Business Line of Thales in November 2017 after spending 14 years as Marketing & Sales manager for the Microwave and Imaging sub-systems / Space segment of Thales Avionics division.

Prior to joining Thales group, Franck spent 3 years at Alcatel Optronics, where he was managing the business line of Optoelectronic components for telecommunications. 
Doctorate in Optics, Opto-electronics and Physics and graduated in Radio-electricity Engineering from INP Grenoble, France, Franck also has a Master of Science degree in Telecommunications.
 

Mr Gerard Donelan

Gerard Donelan is the Vice President of Defense and Security at SES Networks, a provider of global managed data services.

Gerard has been with SES since 2003 and has more than 30 years’ experience in the field of telecommunications and satellite communications, specialising on government use of commercial services. Gerard continues to use his knowledge, experience and contacts within NATO and European Governments and he is involved on NATO and EU working groups for satellite communications.

He spent 14 years in the British military followed by 11 years in a number of positions working for NATO, based in Norfolk, Virginia in the United States on the International Staff of the Supreme Allied Commander. These positions encompassed both NATO SATCOM and CRYPTO. Gerard was involved in both land and maritime communications and he received several commendations for the work he undertook for NATO during this time.

Mr Hirohisa Mori

Mr. Hirohisa Mori is Director of National Space Policy Secretariat, Cabinet Office of Japan. This is the second time for him to work at this office since 2008-2010. Prior to current position, he had worked at Ministry of Defense as a government official since his graduation of Bachelor of Law, Tokyo University in 1992. His responsibility covers policy, legal and international affairs related to Self Defense Forces. He served as First Secretary at Embassy of Japan in Canada, and as Visiting Research Fellow at Institute for National Strategic Studies, National Defense University in USA.

Mr Hughes Boulnois

Hughes is responsible for leading and developing the EDRS business and strategy for the Business Line Communication, Intelligence and Security of Airbus Defence and Space.
Hughes leads and is accountable for all profit and loss activities concerning the European Data Relay System and Services. This encompasses all space and ground infrastructure deliveries and operations, as well as the Market Development activities of the Laser Data Relay capability to provide a global coverage and a global service offer to all customers.
Before this role, Hughes was Director; Head of Strategy for Secure Land Communications at Airbus Defence & Space He was in charge for all strategic initiatives related to Professional / Land Mobile Radio systems such as Tetra, Tetrapol, P25 or LTE, as well as the US activities focusing on 9-1-1 call taking systems. As lead strategist, he supported all M&A activities toward the Corporate and was accountable to drive and manage strategic relationships / partners. Previously, he was Director of New Business Defence, responsible & accountable for export Defence Business Development activities at Cassidian in several key domains such as Unmanned Aerial Systems, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) solutions, Combat Aircraft training or Air Defence C2 systems.
He joined EADS in 2004 as a consultant leading and supporting several projects and programmes in various domains, such as joint forces training simulators or advanced intelligence systems.
Prior joining EADS, Hughes worked as a consultant for Thales and Dassault Aviation for designing advanced training simulators such as the Rafale F2 training simulator. Graduated with a Master of Science in Computer Sciences with honours, he is also a fellow member of the Institut des Hautes Etudes de Defense Nationale (IHEDN – National Defence Academy) in defence strategy and policy.

 

Mr Jean-Pierre Diris

Head of telecommunication and navigation projects since 2017. Management of projects in governmental and civilian/commercial space telecommunications (system/satellite/payload development and R&D), and satellite navigation projects (45 staff).
During 13 years, program manager for SYRACUSE 4 (military satcom system) with French Defense, for ATHENA FIDUS (dual satcom system) in cooperation with Italy, for AGORA (civilian French digital divide).
During 7 years, system technical responsible in climate change micro satellite (PARASOL), in space telecommunications (technological satellite STENTOR), in navigation per satellite (GNSS- GALILEO).
During 7 years, system engineer in science projects (cosmology and stratospheric ballooning).
 

Mr Joseph Vanderpoorten

Mr. Joseph Vanderpoorten is the Chief for the MILSATCOM Advanced Concept Division, MILSATCOM Directorate, Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, CA. He oversees study contracts, and acquisition planning for the next generation of MILSATCOM protected and commercial wideband systems. Mr. Vanderpoorten, has 30 years of Air Force systems acquisition and space acquisition experience and 6 years of industry management and business development experience. He has held program management, systems engineering, and test & evaluation positions with MILSATCOM Terminals (AFSATCOM, DSCS, Milstar I/II, FAB-T), Remotely Piloted Vehicles (YBGM-34C), terrestrial communications (TRI-TAC), ground/network programs (SBIRS High Ground, TSAT Mission Operations Segment, Milstar I Site Activation, NPOESS Ground), MILSATCOM Capability Insertion Programs (AEHF/WGS) and COMSATCOM Programs (SMC Pathfinders, Pilot, and support for Wideband Communications Services (WCS) Assessment of Alternatives), program architecture/integration for WGS-11

Mr Justin Keller

Mr Kent Rominger

Kent Rominger is the vice president and capture lead for Northrop Grumman’s OmegA launch system. He joined Northrop Grumman in 2006 and has held multiple leadership roles, including vice president of Strategic Programs, vice president of Strategy and Business Development and vice president of Propulsion Systems’ Test and Research Operations. Prior to his time at Northrop Grumman, Rominger was a NASA astronaut; he flew on five space shuttle missions and logged more than 1,600 hours in space. Rominger also spent 26 years in the U.S. Navy, serving as an F-14 Tomcat pilot and as a Navy test pilot.

Mr Kfir Benjamin

Kfir Benjamin is a business executive with over 16 years of international experience in multiple technological disciplines. Kfir has lived and worked in different international locations undertaking various technological and business positions to conduct world-wide multi-cultural business in North-America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Previously, he worked in several senior business development and sales positions at Roche, Surf Communication Solutions (US), Microwave Networks (US, UK), and Helios communication (UK, China, Israel). During his military service, Kfir served as Captain in the IDF UAV unit.

Mr Koen Willems

Koen Willems has 20 years’ experience working in different technology industries. Before joining Newtec he was Product Marketing Manager for Europe at the electronics giant TOSHIBA. Currently Koen holds the position of Head of International Government Satcom with focus on the global government, defense and humanitarian satcom markets at Newtec. In this role Mr. Willems is in charge of developing the government and defense market worldwide for Newtec and managing large programs.

Koen has a Master's degree in English & Scandinavian Languages (University Ghent, Belgium, 1997) and a Master's degree in Marketing Strategy and Management (Vlekho Business School in Brussels, 1998). More recently Koen also received the degree for ‘High Studies in Security and Defence’ at the Belgian Royal Higher Institute for Defence as well as the SERA degree (European Session for Armament Officials) for the Defence armament economy course focusing on European challenges at the French National Institute of Higher Defense in Paris.

You may know Koen as a Newtec technology evangelist through his regular appearance in editorials in satellite focused publications, white papers and speaking slots at conferences around the world.
 

Mr Len Schiavone

Len Schiavone is a Principal Engineering Fellow at Raytheon and Technology Director for the Integrated Communication Systems (ICS) business. Mr. Schiavone joined Raytheon in 2007 and is responsible for guiding the development of technology in the areas of satellite communications systems, tactical communications systems, cryptographic solutions and combat identification systems. Prior to assuming this role at Raytheon, Mr. Schiavone was at the MITRE Corporation where he worked on a wide range of military communication programs.

Mr Luke Brown

In 2019, Luke Brown took up the duties of the Assistant Secretary Space and Communications branch of the Australian Department of Defence Joint Capabilities Group. In this role he is responsible for managing the coordination and consolidation of space and communications capabilities.
Luke originally joined the Royal Australian Air Force in January 1982. As an Aeronautical Engineer he worked on mostly transport aircraft. In the early 1990s Luke also worked as part of the RAAF team in development of the Airworthiness framework.
From 1996 Luke has been working in various acquisition engineering and project management roles in Aerospace, Guided Weapons and organisational reform. After transitioning to the public service in 1999 he has worked on secondment with the UK MoD and the KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft in team Madrid.
Most recently Luke was the Chief Engineer of the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group.
Luke has a Bachelor of Engineering (Aeronautical) from RMIT, a Master of Science (Aerospace Systems Engineering) from Loughborough University, UK, and a Master of Business - Executive (Complex Project Management) from QUT. Luke is also a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers Australia.
 

Mr Michael Rudd

Mike Rudd joined the UK Space Agency in 2016 and is charged with growing the Telecoms sector of Space as the Head of Telecommunications Strategy as part of the Agency’s ambition to capture 10% of the global market by 2030.

His role involves Working with Government, ESA, academia and industry to bring new and innovative satellite Telecoms technologies and services to the market creating and delivering the Agency’s strategy on Telecoms infrastructure, supporting work on the Civil Space Strategy and Supporting UK industry to grow and develop their businesses, investing through ESA’s ARTES programme and other means.

Prior to joining the Agency, Mike spent some 30 years commissioning, supporting and managing the delivery of telecommunications for Defence.
 

Mr Michel Leenaarts

Michel Leenaarts is a programme management expert for international armament cooperation programmes. He has been responsible for the selection and acquisition of a new fleet of tanker-transport aircraft for five nations under the umbrella of NATO, the selection and acquisition of the new Chinook helicopter fleet for the Netherlands, The Netherlands interest in the replacement of the NATO AWACS fleet as well as many other armaments cooperation programmes.

Michel Leenaarts received a Master degree of Science in Aerospace Engineering at Delft University, an Executive Master degree of Security and Defence at the Netherlands Defence Academy and a Bachelor Degree of Engineering in Aircraft Design at Haarlem University of Technology. He recently graduated for the Senior Course at the NATO Defence College in Rome.

As The Netherland’s MILSATCOM Programme Manager, Michel brings together the SATCOM interests of the armed forces with the cooperation amongst the international partners. His ambition is characterized by the drive to find synergies between different stakeholders in a complex and changing environment and “make it happen”. Innovative, people focused, entrepreneurial and result driven.
 

Mr Mike Nichols

Mike Nichols is the Chief of the Commercial Satellite Communications (COMSATCOM) Solutions Branch, Commercial Satellite Communications Office (CSCO), Air Force Space Command (AFSPC). He oversees a portfolio of commercial satellite acquisitions and services with a lifecycle value of 4.6 billion dollars. The COMSATCOM Solutions Branch facilitates the delivery of operationally responsive, customer-focused, and cost-effective commercial satellite communications to the Department of Defense (DoD) and other Government Agencies by providing focused acquisition and lifecycle support to complex customer acquisitions on established or tailored COMSATCOM contracts.

Mr Nick Shave

Nick is a member of the leadership team within Inmarsat’s Global Government business unit, supporting the missions of all 5-Eyes nations, most NATO countries, and many other government customers around the world with market-leading satellite services. He is responsible for the Inmarsat Global Government business unit strategy, engagement with senior Government customers, and delivery of government strategic programmes outside the USA.

In July 2019, Nick was appointed Vice Chair of UKspace (the trade association representing the UK space industry). In this role he engages across government, industry and academia at senior levels to promote the UK space sector. This includes driving forward the Space Growth Partnership which is working towards securing 10% of the global space sector market for the UK by 2030. Nick is also Industry Chair of the UK National Cyber Security Centre Space Information Exchange (SPIE).

Nick joined Inmarsat in 2016. Previously, he held a number of management positions in the Logica (now CGI) Space and Defence Business including Director level roles on the UK MOD Skynet 5 MILSATCOM programme and the EU Galileo satellite navigation programme. He has performed senior satellite systems engineering roles in partnership with Airbus in the UK and Thales Alenia Space in France.

Prior to his time at Logica, Nick performed the role of Senior Scientific Officer at the UK Defence Research Agency. In this role, he was instrumental in the definition of the Skynet 5 secure satellite control system through the MOD applied research programme.

Nick is educated to MBA level and also holds a Masters in Satellite Communications from University College London. He has published a number of papers at international conferences on defence and security applications of satellite systems. He is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society.
 

Mr Nik Smith

Mr Patrick Biewer

Patrick Biewer is the Chief Executive Officer of GovSat since 2015, a new satellite operator created out of the Public-Private Venture between the Luxembourg Government and SES. He reports directly to GovSat’s Board of Directors and is in charge of all the business activities as well as building customer relationships with International institutions such as the European Union (EU), the United Nations (UN) or the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). 
Prior to this position, Patrick held a number of executive positions within SES since he joined in 1993, including Managing Director of SES Broadband Services (SBBS). 
He is a Luxembourg national and was educated in France and in the UK. He holds a Master Degree in Telecommunications and an MBA from the Open University. 
 

Mr Peter B. de Selding

Peter B. de Selding is co-founder and chief editor for Space Intel Report, a website — www.spaceintelreport.com, twitter @pbdes — dedicated to business-related aspects of the space business. He created Space Intel Report in 2017 after having spent a number of years as Paris bureau chief and European correspondent for Space News. 

Mr Peter Hadinger

Mr Peter Hoene

Brigadier General Peter F. Hoene, USAF (Retired) was named President and CEO of SES Government Solutions on January 19, 2015. In his previous role, he served as the Corporate Vice President for Development for SES Government Solutions, headquartered in Reston, Va. As Corporate Vice President for Development, he worked with United States warfighters and other government users to help determine their requirements and offer communications support, hosted payload opportunities, and network solutions. He then communicated those requirements to the SES parent organization to take advantage of existing on-orbit SES fleet capacity, or to influence future satellite designs.

Pete retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2010 as Brigadier General, following 30 years of service. He is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, as well as a distinguished graduate of both the Air Command and Staff College and the National War College. He holds two masters degrees and served in a wide variety of Space, Command and Control, and research, development, acquisition, test, staff and command assignments.

In his last active duty position, Hoene served as the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Program Executive Officer for Command and Control, where he managed a portfolio of Joint and Coalition Command and Control and Information Sharing programs. Prior to his DISA assignment, he was Commander, 350th Electronic Systems Wing (C2&ISR Wing), Electronic Systems Center, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., where he managed a portfolio of 49 command and control (C2), ISR, Space and Cyber programs valued at more than $9 billion.

Mr Richard Franklin

Richard is responsible for the Airbus Defence and Space lead business, Secure Communications, responsible for delivering connectivity build, operations and services. With satellite communications as its backbone, and defence customers at its core, solutions are increasingly focused on the integration of all critical communications for clients that demand the highest availability and security.
Prior to joining Airbus in November 2015, Richard was the Commercial and Strategy Director and G4S, and prior to that held positions at both QinetiQ and Cable and Wireless.
Richard is a keen cyclist, and winter sports enthusiast.
 

Mr Simon Hoey

Simon Hoey joined Intelsat in 2016 to increase the engagement with international defence and government organizations. He is focused on NATO and Europe as well as EMEA, working to extend relationships with US FMS exporters and develop relationships for major government programs regarding end-user satellite communications requirements.

Simon has previously worked at Harris and Airbus Defence and Space, providing solutions to European and US DoD deployed forces with a range of milsatcom and commercial satcom solutions. He began his career at Marconi Space Systems working on satellite payloads and has worked for other hardware manufacturers and systems integrators.

Simon has a BSc in Physics with Electronics, is a Chartered Engineer and earned an MBA from the University of Westminster.

Intelsat S.A. (NYSE: I) operates the world’s first Globalized Network, delivering high-quality, cost-effective video and broadband services anywhere in the world. Intelsat’s Globalized Network combines the world’s largest satellite backbone with terrestrial infrastructure, managed services and an open, interoperable architecture to enable customers to drive revenue and reach through a new generation of network services. Thousands of organizations serving billions of people worldwide rely on Intelsat to provide ubiquitous broadband connectivity, multi-format video broadcasting, secure satellite communications and seamless mobility services. The end result is an entirely new world, one that allows us to envision the impossible, connect without boundaries and transform the ways in which we live.
 

Mr Wayne Sullens

Mr Willy Guilleux

With more than 25 years of experience in both telecommunications and space business, Willy Guilleux joined the Global Government Services Business Line of Eutelsat in 2016 after spending 7 years as Head of the Western Europe Sales and Business Development for the Communications, Intelligence and Security Business Line of Airbus Defence and Space.

Prior to joining Airbus Defence and Space, Willy spent 9 years at Arianespace, the European space launch services provider, where he was Marketing Director in charge of marketing, business development and market analysis within the Commercial Directorate of Arianespace.

Willy also worked for 6 years within Lucent Technologies in its Wireless Access Systems Business Unit. He held numerous commercial and field operations positions in the EMEA and Asia-Pacific regions, where he also led Technical Sales Support teams for delivering offers to telecommunication operators in these regions.

Graduated in Telecommunications Engineering from Telecom Bretagne in Brest, France, and post-graduated in Radio Telecommunications from ETSIT in Barcelona, Spain, Willy also has a Master of Science degree in EEA (Electronics - Electricity - Automatism) from Rennes I University, France, as well as a Certification in Business Financing from HEC Business School in Jouy-en-Josas, France.
 

Ms Andrea Loper

Ms. Loper presently serves as the principal acquisition program manager for the Space Vehicles Directorate at Air Force Research Laboratory in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She recently led a $340M Contract Award effort for the Integrated Experiments and Evaluation Division, launched the initial AFRL collaborative Commercially Augmented Mission Operations (CAMO) Campus and Commercial Consortium, and supported the AFRL Space Accelerator program. Ms. Loper possess over 10 years of program management experience across the space enterprise. From 2009 – 2013, she served as the program integrator and segments lead for the U.S. DoD Enhanced Polar Protected SatComm System and returned to SATCOM in the Wideband Program Office in 2016. She joined the U.S. Government as a Presidential Management Fellow 2008 at the Space and Missile System Center in Los Angeles from a 6-year position in Germany, where she managed operations in Kuwait, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq as a support services contractor.
 

Ms Deanna Ryals

Ms. Deanna L. Ryals is the Chief Partnership Officer, Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC), Air Force Space Command (AFSPC), Los Angeles, AFB CA. In this role, she is responsible for driving partnerships with Allies, Inter-Agencies and Commercial partners to fill capability and architectural gaps across the entire military space enterprise.
Previously, Ms. Ryals was the Chief, International Programs Division (MCI) in the MILSATCOM Systems Directorate (MC) at SMC. Ms. Ryals continues to perform these duties as SMC CPO. Major contributions include developing partnerships with nine allies across the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) and Advanced Extermely High Frequency (AEHF) satellite programs, executing $3B in international partner contributions, and spearheading the first ever Allied hosting of a US DoD National Security Space (NSS) payload for the Enhanced Polar SATCOM-Recapitalization program, bringing protected MILSATCOM to Allied warfighters in the polar region.

In 1988, she entered federal government service working for the Army Corps of Engineers. For more than 25 years, she has supported the Department of Defense (DoD) in both civil service and industry.

From 1988 to 2001, Ms. Ryals supported numerous Army and Office of Secretary of Defense (OSD) organizations by providing acquisition and financial management support. In 2001, she joined the Secretary of the Air Force (SAF) Space Acquisition Directorate (AQS) monitoring the $10B MILSATCOM terminals acquisition portfolio. In 2007, she took over as the single SAF/AQ focal point for all MILSATCOM international activities, championing the development of MOUs with Australia culminating in a $6.2B partnership and five Allies culminating in a $10.5B partnership (the largest AF International Armaments Cooperative Program for a space capability) expanding the WGS constellation with two Allied funded satellites. In 2012, Ms. Ryals became the PM for Acquisition Strategy Development under the Air Force Program Executive Officer for Space Launch (AFPEO/SL) in Chantilly, Virginia. In this role, Ms. Ryals was instrumental in securing DoD Acquisition Executive approval of a new acquisition strategy for future DoD NSS launches that introduced a competitive environment for all certified U.S. launch service providers. Ms. Ryals rejoined MILSATCOM in January 2013, as the Chief of International Programs.
 

Ms Demaryl Singleton

Ms. Demaryl D. Singleton is the Program Manager (PM) of the DoD Teleport.

Program Office (TPO), within the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). DoD Teleport is a $3.1B program and one of two Acquisition Category I (ACAT I) programs at DISA. Through a multigenerational, evolutionary development approach, TPO integrates and implements satellite terminals and the ground station baseband equipment to enable secured voice, data, and video communications to deployed warfighters enhancing situational awareness and information superiority. As the PM, Ms. Singleton leads the program and is responsible for the design, development, system engineering, acquisition testing, integration, implementation and life cycle management of the Teleport System to satisfy Joint Requirements Oversight Council validated operational requirements.

Ms. Singleton was appointed as PM in November 2015. Ms. Singleton previously served as the Deputy Program Manager for the DoD Teleport Program
 

Ms Kay Sears

Kay Sears is the Vice President and General Manager of the Military Space line of business for Lockheed Martin Space. In this capacity, Ms. Sears has general management responsibility for critical national security space programs including Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF), Defense Meteorological Space Program (DMSP), Global Positioning System (GPS), Mobile User Objective System (MUOS), Space Based Infrared Systems (SBIRS), Space Protection and other Department of Defense space programs.
Previously, Ms. Sears was the Vice President of Strategy and Business Development where she was responsible for growing the Space business with a comprehensive strategy to develop new markets and expand core mission areas. She also led strategic planning, advanced technology concepts and new business acquisition efforts for each of the Space lines of business.
Prior to joining Lockheed Martin, Ms. Sears served as president of Intelsat General. In this role, she was responsible for implementing the company’s strategic and operational plans and for the overall mission of providing a range of sustainable, cost-effective and secure communication solutions to government and commercial customers.
Before joining Intelsat, Ms. Sears helped launch government services business units at both G2 Satellite Solutions and Verestar. With nearly three decades of experience, she is a respected leader in the space and satellite communications industry and has extensive experience in rapid-response solutions for both military and civil agencies of the U.S. government.
In 2009, Ms. Sears was appointed to the President’s National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee to provide information, technical expertise, advice and guidance regarding issues that may affect national security telecommunications capabilities.
Ms. Sears has a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing and economics from the University of Richmond and an MBA in Information Systems from George Washington University.

Ms Nicole Robinson

Nicole Robinson serves as the Senior Vice President of Global Government for SES Networks. In this position, she is responsible for the company’s global business portfolio of government customers in the areas of defense, security, humanitarian, federal, civilian and institutional organizations.
In addition to these roles, Ms. Robinson serves as Chairman of the Board of Redu Space Services and Director of the LuxGovSat Board of Directors.
In the 10 years since Ms. Robinson joined SES, she has served in a variety of Executive roles leading teams in the area of government product development, business development, government affairs and marketing. Prior to joining SES, she served as the leader of the Strategic Communications function for the U.S. Joint Forces Command’s Standing Joint Force Headquarters (SJFHQ) with General Dynamics as well as the U.S. Army Center of Military History.

Ms. Robinson is known in the satellite industry for serving in a variety of leadership positions including two terms as Chair of the Hosted Payload Alliance as well as Vice Chair, Board level positions for the Washington Space Business Roundtable, Techcom and others. She was the recipient of the 2012 Future Leaders Award by the Society of Satellite Professionals International and is a member of “The FEW,” an invitation-only assembly of senior executive women.
Ms. Robinson is certified in Federal Financial Management by the Federal Training Center, completed her bachelor’s degree in Communications at Radford University, earned an MBA from Liberty University, and is a graduate of the Senior Executives in National and International Security Program at Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government.
 

Rear Admiral (Ret'd) Giovanni Battista Durando

Giovanni joined the IT Navy in 1974, when he was admitted at the NAVAL ACADEMY – Italian Officer Naval School in Livorno. He has obtained his Doctorate and Master Degree in Electronic Engineering, from PISA UNIVERSITY. He retired as Rear Admiral from the IT Navy in 2013 after his full career (including technical, operational and procurement assignments).

He then joined NATO Information and Communication Agency - NCIA - where since 1 January 2016 he is the SATCOM Area Owner. In this role, he is responsible for both the SATCOM Service delivery to NATO Commands and for the developing the new projects for the next 15 years. In this challenging role he is, in particular, responsible for the implementation of the new Satellite Communication Transmissions Services Capability Package (CP 130), that worth about 1.5 B€.
 

Wing Commander David Black