OFFICERS
President — Thomas (Tom) C. Walker
Director, Colorado Springs
Lockheed Martin Government Affairs
Dr. Tom Walker is the Colorado Springs Corporate Lead for Lockheed Martin Government Affairs. In this capacity, Dr. Walker supports all Lockheed Martin business activities in the Rocky Mountain region. His responsibilities include the development and continuation of customer and business relations with US Space Command (USSPACECOM), North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), US Northern Command (NORTHCOM), Space Operations Command (SpOC), Space Readiness and Training Command (STARCOM), US Army Space and Missile Defense Command (Colorado Springs), and Lockheed Martin business elements. Dr. Walker joined Lockheed Martin in October 2015.
Dr. Walker served over 30 years in the US Air Force (USAF), both active duty and civil service. He retired as a Colonel with over 20 years of operational, technical, staff, and executive experience. Entering the USAF in 1983, Dr. Walker served in various assignments, including the Chief of Staff’s Action Group, Headquarters (HQ) USAF; Operations Officer, 2nd Space Launch Squadron; and then as Commander, 30th Operations Support Squadron, Vandenberg AFB, Calif. He attended Air War College Maxwell AFB, AL as a student and, upon graduation, was selected as a professor in the Department of Future Conflicts. Following an assignment as Executive Officer to the Vice Commander of Air Force Space Command (AFSPC), he was selected as Director of AFSPC Commander’s Action Group, Commander of Thule Air Base, Greenland; Deputy Director of AFSPC Studies and Analysis; and AFSPC Director of Staff.
Before joining Lockheed Martin, Dr. Walker was the Chief of the Global Warning and Defense Division within the Directorate of Requirements, HQ AFSPC. In this role, he was responsible for documenting all capability requirements for the Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS); Early Warning Radars (EWR) and Upgraded EWRs (UEWR); the US NUDET Detection System (USNDS); Integrated Tactical Warning & Attack Assessment (ITW/AA) Command and Control System; and the Command’s space and terrestrial Environmental Monitoring programs to include the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) and the Weather Satellite Follow-on (WSF).
Dr. Walker graduated from Texas A&M University with a BS in Industrial Engineering, a Master’s degree in Engineering Administration from George Washington University, and Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Public Administration from the University of Southern California.
EMAIL
719-466-7919
Vice President — Roger “RV” Vincent
Corporate Lead Executive – Colorado
Northrop Grumman Corporation
Roger Vincent is the Corporate Lead Executive – Colorado for Northrop Grumman Corporation, a leader in global security. In this role, Roger focuses on the NG relationship with United States Space Command, United States Northern Command, United States Space Force Space Operations Command, Space Training and Readiness Command, and Department of Defense Facilities on the Front Range. Roger retired from the USAF in 2016, where he played a key role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of warfighting technologies for our nation’s air, space, and cyberspace forces.
EMAIL
719-313-2718
Secretary — Karri Palmetier
Attorney at Law
Karri brings over two decades of experience in government contracting, aerospace, and defense industries. She started as a U.S. Air Force judge advocate supporting major defense programs, operational contracting, and international/joint war operations. Karri gained breadth at a major law firm working on various matters. She worked for United Launch Alliance, enabling the company’s operations through major government and commercial contracts, business system compliance, subcontract administration, and many others. Now, she uses her unique and diverse background to advise companies on all aspects of government contracting. Palmetier Law is a woman-owned small business and certified service-disabled veteran-owned small business.
EMAIL
303-697-8914
Treasurer — Kathy Vinson, SPHR, MBA
Director at Obsidian HR
As Director for Obsidian HR, Kathy Vinson serves as a trusted HR advisor to our clients by providing strategic and tactical HR guidance as to regulatory compliance, risk mitigation, and employee relations.
Before joining Obsidian HR, Kathy was Vice President – Operations for the Space Foundation in Colorado Springs, Colorado, responsible for the direction and leadership of all operational areas, including customer service, IT, web services, HR, and facilities and infrastructure. During Kathy’s 10+ years at the Foundation, it was repeatedly designated as one of the “Best Nonprofits to Work For” by The Nonprofit Times and Best Companies Group.
Kathy received the 2019 Tourism Leadership Award presented by the Colorado Springs visitor and tourism organization, VisitCOS, recognizing her leadership of the annual Space Symposium and her contributions to the resilience and growth of the Pikes Peak region.
Earlier in her career, Kathy was among a team of six individuals who launched Verio, an internet service and web hosting provider, raising more than $1 billion in funding and helping to grow the company to a 750 million dollar enterprise. Verio was acquired by NTT (Japan) for 6.1 billion dollars — the largest U.S. technology acquisition by a foreign company. She continued with the NTT executive team until 2007, responsible for risk mitigation, HR, organizational design, and integration of merged/acquired entities.
EMAIL
719-339-8007
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Reggie Ash
Vice President
Caliola Engineering, LLC
As Vice President of Caliola Engineering, Reggie oversees daily operations supporting the innovation ecosystem, product development, and growth of Caliola, including leading and implementing strategic, operational, and tactical goals and initiatives.
Reggie is a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, having served over 24 years as a cyber officer. He commanded Communications Squadrons at Travis AFB, California, and Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. He also served at the U.S. State Department as the Senior Military Advisor for European and Eurasian Affairs. Nearly one-third of Reggie’s military career was in Colorado Springs, including his final assignment as the Commander of the 21st Mission Support Group at Peterson AFB.
Since retiring from the U.S. Air Force, Reggie has served on multiple boards, including the Board of Advisors for the National Cybersecurity Center, and as an Alternate Member of the Colorado Springs Utilities Policy Advisory Committee. He is currently on the Board of Directors of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the National Defense Industrial Association, and the Board of Directors of the Colorado Springs Military Affairs Council.
Reggie earned an MS in National Resource Strategy from the Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy, an MS in Strategic Leadership from the U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology, and an MS in International Relations from Troy State University. He earned a BS in Computer Science from Iowa State University.
EMAIL
719-323-0361
Fred W. Gaudlip
Sr. Director, Space Domain Awareness Solutions
Kratos RT Logic
Fred has supported America’s space programs for more than 30 years and is currently responsible for developing and executing programs which push the leading edge of technology for Kratos|RT Logic customers. Prior to joining Kratos|RT Logic, he led all aspects of business development for a business segment dedicated to new technology creation. As a military officer, Fred led multiple space operations organizations. He also earned a B.S. in Human Factors Engineering from the US Air Force Academy, an M.A. in International Relations from Creighton University, and an M.A. in Military Arts and Sciences from the School of Advanced Airpower Studies, Air University.
EMAIL
Work 719-472-3318 x1778
Scott “Scooter” Gilson
Gilson Consulting Group, LLC
As President of Gilson Consulting Group, Scott provides Executive Support and Consulting Services for business operations, business development, and representative services to assist companies seeking work with the Federal Government. He is a retired Colonel (USAF) with 26 years of military leadership experience, where he acquired extensive experience in the ICBM and Space operations arenas, having led an organization of more than 600 employees. He has commanded at the Squadron and Operations Group levels and retired as the Air Force Space Command Inspector General in 2011. He previously served in Executive, Regional, and Program leadership roles for Industry partners, where he successfully captured business opportunities exceeding $1 Billion in corporate revenue, enabling the firms he served to grow substantially. Scott holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Systems from Robert Morris University, a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management from Central Michigan University, and a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies from Air University. Scott is Vice President of our Workforce Development programs and is a long-serving member of our Chapter’s Board of Directors. He and his wife, Cathy, reside in Monument, CO.
EMAIL
(719) 684-6632
Tracey Hayes
General Manager
Aerospace Division for Sev1Tech
Ms. Tracey Hayes is the General Manager of the Aerospace Division for Sev1Tech, developing business strategies and solutions for the US Space Force, US Air Force, and NASA. Ms. Hayes served as a space and missile operator in the US Air Force for over 26 years, retiring in May 2017. She possesses significant program management, strategic planning, and major weapon systems upgrades and development experience. Ms. Hayes also has a proven ability to lead personnel through vast mission and organizational changes. Her US Air Force career includes extensive experience on the Joint Staff J3, serving as a foreign exchange officer in Canada’s Department of National Defense and command positions including vice wing commander and wing commander.
EMAIL
(719) 400-8369
David Hollenbach
President and CEO
DSoft Technology, Engineering & Analysis, Inc.
Mr. Hollenbach is the President and CEO at DSoft Technology, a Colorado SDVOSB. He has worked on a variety of systems engineering and information technology projects. His domain experience ranges from working on military, civil, and commercial sector space-related projects as an engineer/analyst and operator to commercial and government application development projects as a systems engineer and project manager. David graduated with military and academic distinction from the US Air Force Academy in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Mechanics. He later received his Master of Science in Systems Engineering (emphasis on Reliability and Maintainability, Operations Research, mechanical engineering, and systems integration) from the Air Force Institute of Technology. During his military career, he worked in systems engineering of space launch and information systems, systems analysis, program management, government contracting, space operations (Shuttle, DSP-SBIRS, GPS, MILSATCOM, and space lift), and on the Moorman “Access to Space Study.” He was also an operations analyst and strategic planner, supporting multiple joints and Air Force Space and cyber-centric wargames and exercises. Upon separation from the Air Force, David joined Booz-Allen & Hamilton, Inc., where he worked on various projects as an engineer and assignment lead on commercial communications satellite systems development, military and civil space system development, operations analysis, and IT-related development projects. He culminated his career at Booz-Allen, acting as proposal area leads for the NASA CSOC project, helping the corporate team win the multi-billion dollar project. In 1998, he co-authored Applied Modeling and Simulation: An Integrated Approach to Development and Operation, published by McGraw-Hill as part of the Space Technology Series of textbooks.
EMAIL
(719) 598-7107 x105
Joe Kahoe
Business Development Director
UICGS and Bowhead Family of Companies, Colorado Springs
Joe Kahoe, Col USAF (ret) is a member of the Board of Directors and Vice President for Awards and Recognition, Rocky Mountain Chapter of the National Defense Industrial Association. Joe currently serves as the Business Development Director for UICGS and Bowhead Family of Companies in Colorado Springs. As a 1973 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Joe served 30 years in the Air Force, where he flew the F-16 and F-106. He held increasingly responsible positions at 1st Air Force / CONUS NORAD Region Headquarters (Assistant Director of Operations/A-3), the National Guard Bureau (Pentagon) as Chief of Combat Forces, and at Air Combat Command, as a Team Chief on the ACC Inspector General Team. Joe deployed to the Combined Air Operations Center in Saudi Arabia, where he served a tour as Chief of Combat Operations and directed air combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Since retiring from the Air Force in 2003, Joe has served in numerous positions performing Business Development, Capture, and Proposal Development. He is a lifetime member of AFA, MOAA, and the USAF Academy Associates of Graduates (AOG). He belongs to AFCEA, Pikes Peak Round Table, and is a USAFA Class of ’73 officer. He serves on the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce, Aerospace Defense Team and Military Affairs Council. Since 2004, Joe has led (or co-led) the annual IMAGE golf tournament, which raises funds for STEM scholarships and related STEM activities for our local chapters of NDIA, AFCEA, and AFA. Joe has been an RMC NDIA BOD member since 2004 and served as Treasurer and head of the Finance Committee in past tours.
EMAIL
(719) 210-5568
Kelly Shelton
Senior Community Investment Specialist
BAE Systems
In her current role as a Senior Community Investment Specialist, she supports BAE’s Electronic System’s Community Investment team by leading STEM Tech Power grant partner efforts from the grants process to employee volunteer engagement opportunities. She also supports all BAE Electronic Systems sites in their local philanthropy and volunteers engagement efforts. Before joining BAE Electronic Systems’ community investment team, Kelly served as the Development Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations (CFR) for the Air Force Academy Foundation, where she led CFR strategy and relations, including stewardship, retention, and acquisition of corporate and foundation partners. Kelly is a Certified Fundraising Executive with 13 years of nonprofit, fundraising, and relationship management experience. Before the Air Force Academy Foundation, she served as the Senior Manager of Engagement and Outreach at Space Foundation. She spent nearly ten years building a robust development department and growing strategic corporate and individual philanthropic relationships in the space and defense industry. She is passionate about supporting her community and is involved with various organizations. Kelly is currently serving as the Vice President of Membership for the National Defense and Industrial Association’s (NDIA) Rocky Mountain Chapter. In 2015, she was recognized as the Emerging Fundraising Professional of the Year by AFP Southern Colorado and named a Colorado Springs Business Journal Rising Star in 2017. In her free time, you can find Kelly enjoying cooking, traveling, and exploring colorful Colorado with her two kids (Daphne (8) and Derrick (4)), husband (Stephen), and Goldendoodle (Nala) in tow.
EMAIL
(214) 552-6235
Robert ‘Kent’ Traylor, Colonel, USAF (ret)
Multi-Domain Integrated Solutions, LLC
EMAIL
719-242-3837
Joel Nelson
Senior Director, Space Warfighting Missions
L3Harris Technologies
Leader in the Aerospace industry with experience in the USAF as an Acquisition Officer and Space Operator. Currently leading strategy and business development across the space warfighting sector and building teams to develop mission solutions for customers. Directing internal R&D, developing rapid prototypes, and delivering full-spectrum enterprise solutions needed to gain and maintain space superiority. Expertise: Strategy, Executive Coaching, Leadership Development, Team Building, Program Management, System Integration, ISR Systems, Space Superiority Mission, Space Operations.
EMAIL
719-429-7463
Mike Manor
Senior Director, Government Relations
Space and National Security
Sierra Nevada Corporation
Mike provides strategic focus and guidance for Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) programs that support National Security Space requirements and subject matter expertise for all projects involving space.
Mike is a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel whose career spans more than 27 years; he commanded a space operations squadron and an air operations center and held various other positions at the squadron, directorate, numbered air force, major command, and Joint Staff levels. Before his retirement, he was the Director of the Commander’s Action Group for the U.S. Space Force, Chief of Space Operations, and Commander of U.S. Space Command, helping create the U.S. Space Force and re-establishing the U.S. Space Command. Mike received the prestigious General Jerome F. O’Malley Distinguished Space Leadership Award.
EMAIL
719-619-5045
Rob Henderson
Vice President of Operations
The Space Foundation
Mr. Rob Henderson is the Vice President of Operations at The Space Foundation. Rob plays a pivotal role within the organization that ties multiple departments of Space Foundation together. He is responsible for overall logistical support to all headquarters personnel and functions and operational support to ensure the success of the two organizational divisions. The VP of Operations also plays a critical role in leadership within the organization’s emergency management plans. Before joining Space Foundation, Rob served as an Air Force officer for 27 years, retiring in 2022.
Bill O’Brien
Senior Capture Manager
American Systems Corporation
Mr. William O’Brien is a Senior Capture Manager with American Systems Corporation, an NDIA member company, with responsibility for developing and winning new business, primarily focused on the I-25 Corridor from Wyoming to New Mexico. Before his position with American Systems Corporation, Mr. O’Brien was Vice President, Business Development for Northrop Grumman IT, SAIC as Vice President, reporting directly to the CEO and as a Senior Business Development Director for Artic Slope Regional Company. Mr. O’Brien holds an Associate Degree in Administration of Criminal Justice and served as a Police Office from 1979 to 1999. Retiring as a Sergeant with numerous commendations from local, State, and Federal Law Enforcement Agencies, Mr. O’Brien coordinated efforts with multiple federal agencies involved in counterintelligence and counternarcotics. Mr. O’Brien is an Ambassador for the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council. Mr. O’Brien is also a member of the Military Affairs Council for the Colorado Spring Chamber & EDC.
EMAIL
719-474-9990
DIRECTOR EMERITUS
Norm Anderson
CEO
Veteran Engineering and Technology, LLC
Veteran Engineering and Technology, LLC is a leading IT system, systems engineering, and technical management firm specializing in cost-effective, high-quality, and industry-leading support services for various government and commercial clients. VET was incorporated in 2003 as a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and built upon a commitment to excellence, duty, and honor. The company is headquartered in scenic Colorado Springs near four major military installations, including Fort Carson, Peterson AFB, Schriever AFB, and the Air Force Academy. VET’s mission is to be the most responsive SDVOSB west of the Mississippi, providing leading-edge solutions to our customers.
Henry Baird
President
Baird & Associates, LLC
Mr. Baird is the President of Baird & Associates, LLC, located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Baird & Associates, LLC is a consulting company specializing in advice for space system requirements, launch vehicle development, and launch and flight testing of advanced aircraft.
Mr. Baird served in the United States Air Force for 28 years. While in the Air Force, he had assignments in the United Kingdom and across the United States. His assignments have included duty as an F-111A/D/E weapon system officer; test navigator on the B-2 strategic bomber; DoD liaison to the U.S. State Department, Delta II Program Manager, and Deputy Director for Launch Programs at the Space and Missile Systems Center. He has also held leadership positions as the Secretary of the Air Force Space Acquisition Directorate and Headquarters Air Force Space Command. Mr. Baird’s Air Force responsibilities have included managing research and development and production of all heritage launch vehicles including the Delta II, Atlas II, and Titan II and IV, developing concepts and defining requirements for future space and missile systems, testing the first of its kind strategic bomber, the B-2, and advocating funding for current and future Air Force space systems.
EMAIL
719-650-4390
Maj Gen Wesley Clark USAF (Ret)
Wesley “Wes” Clark has a long-term association with NDIA, having served on the Boards of both the Los Angeles and Colorado Springs Chapters, and as a member of the NDIA Space Division. Following his retirement from the Air Force as Vice Commander of AF Space Command, and as one of the founders of AFSPC, he worked for the Grumman Corp in Southern California and later formed his own company, Parsec. Upon returning to Colorado Springs, he became the lead executive (“Mayor”) for SAIC operations in Colorado Springs and retired after 8 years in that position. He formerly served as a Board member on the Peak Military Care Network and formerly served as Chairman of the MAC. He is also a recipient of both the NDIA Rocky Mountain Chapter’s Hartinger Award and NDIA’s Gold Medal.
Richard “Doc” Klodnicki, Ph.D., PMP
CEO, President
Aereti, Inc.
AERETI provides consulting services for business leadership, management, and strategic planning, focusing on business growth. AERETI also supports executives in their unique organizational roles and interactions with a board of directors. As CEO, Doc provides the strategy and leads the development of the people and capabilities of AERETI to provide the services, and products companies need to successfully grow their business.
EMAIL
719-271-4406
Kevin “Morty” Mortensen
Vice President, Space, and Cyberspace Initiatives
BAE Systems, Inc.
Kevin “Morty” Mortensen is the Vice President, Space and Cyberspace Initiatives at BAE Systems, Inc. In this role, he consults and collaborates with customers across the US Space Force and US Air Force enterprise on their required capabilities to meet emerging threats and future mission needs. Mr. Mortensen is a retired U.S. Air Force Officer, having served 29+ years in various national security space-related and leadership roles. Mr. Mortensen serves on the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) National Board of Directors. He is also the Chair of the NDIA Space Division and Director Emeritus with the NDIA Rocky Mountain Chapter. Mr. Mortensen also serves as Chair of the Colorado Springs Military Affairs Council and serves on the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corporation’s Board of Directors. In addition, Mr. Mortensen is a Member of the National Space Club and Foundation’s Board of Directors.
EMAIL
(719) 232-2531
Steve Stadler
President
Space Vision, LLC
CMSGT CHARLES P. “CHUCK” ZIMKAS, JR., USAF (RET)
Former President
Space Foundation
Chuck Zimkas retired as President of the Space Foundation after completing a distinguished 27-year career with the organization. He played a key role in the continued success of the annual Space Symposium, the Space Foundation’s relocation to its current world headquarters, and the creation of the Space Foundation Discovery Center. The Space Foundation established the Chuck and Ursula Zimkas Space Library at its world headquarters in 2013 to recognize their long-time service and volunteer contributions.
Before his civilian career, Zimkas served more than 26 years in the United States Air Force, during which he was selected as one of the Twelve Outstanding Airmen of the Year – 1978. He was the senior enlisted advisor for the North American Aerospace Defense Command and the first Air Force Space Command, senior enlisted advisor. After his military retirement, Air Force Space Command dedicated its Enlisted Heritage Room in his honor.
Always very active in national, regional, and community activities, Zimkas is an Emeritus member of the Air Force Association (AFA) National Board of Directors and is an Ira Eaker and Jimmy Doolittle Fellow of the AFA. He is Director Emeritus of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) Rocky Mountain Chapter Board of Directors. Zimkas was honored as the 2013 recipient of the NDIA General James V. Hartinger Award.
OTHER VOLUNTEERS
Jeff Benesh
Vice President of Operations
SysCom, Inc
During his enlistment in the USAF, Mr. Benesh completed his BGS degree with an emphasis in Mathematics via the Bootstrap Program through the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Upon graduation, he attended Officer Training School where he was commissioned. His officer assignments included ICBM Combat Crew, Space Operations, HQ AFSPC, and SAF/AQ where he retired as the Program Element Monitor for the Air Force Satellite Control Network and Spacelift Range. After retiring from the USAF, Jeff stood up the Integral Systems, Inc. presence in Colorado Springs supporting the Satellite Control Network Contract, MILSATCOM Command and Control System-Consolidated, and the Rapid Attack, Identification, Detection, and Reporting System along with various classified programs. Jeff led the efforts to bring Summit Technical Solutions into the ICBM and Space market through new contracts. Currently, Jeff is employed by SysCom which is a Small Disadvantaged 8(a), HUBZone Business headquartered in Colorado Springs where Jeff is leading their emergence into Systems Engineering, IT, and Professional Services. Jeff’s USAF experience provided the foundation for his success in the areas of Business Operations, Business Development, Program Management, Strategic Development, and managing a P&L Center. Jeff has actively supported the NDIA for over 10 years as a chapter member and as a Director.
EMAIL
(719) 640-8990
Jeff Kelly
Market Lead
TEKsystems Government Services
Jeff has been with TEKsystems for the past 9 years and has been supporting their Federal Government Services for the past 5 years. He is currently the Market Lead for the State of Colorado responsible for driving TEKsystems internal strategy to drive growth and partnerships within their Federal portfolio. Jeff has held the membership committee lead for the NDIA for the past 4 years.
EMAIL
719-866-6917
Marty Rush
Program Manager
Cobham Advanced Electronic Solutions
Marty retired from the Air Force December 1st, 2018 after spending more than 22 years on active duty. He enlisted as a radio and television broadcaster in St. Louis, Missouri in 1996, and worked the first half of his career overseas for the American Forces Network. Marty had more than a dozen assignments over his career including two tours to Korea, two to Japan, the Azores, Italy, and even helped close down Kelly Field in San Antonio, Texas. He eventually worked his way into the senior enlisted ranks and transitioned into Public Affairs serving in both Air Mobility Command and his last assignment as Chief Enlisted Manager of Air Force Space Command Public Affairs. Marty is also one of four Commissioners on the City of Colorado Springs Civil Service Commission, an entity that provides budgetary, HR, and policy oversight for the city’s police and fire departments.
EMAIL
573-434-4312
Tom Taylor
Retired
Tom retired after serving for 12 years as a Defense contractor. During this time, he was a Senior Associate at Booz Allen Hamilton where he led the Intelligence, Counterintelligence, and Law Enforcement markets for the Rocky Mountain Region. He then led business development for Cosmic Advanced Engineered Solutions. Prior to his contracting work, Tom served in the Air Force for 20 years. His career consisted of working as a Chemical Research Officer at the Air Force Rocket Propulsion Laboratory, Program Lead for the first cadre of Air Force satellite control officers at the First Satellite Control Squadron at Falcon AFB, Space Integration Command Manager at Air Force Space Command, Chief of Operations of a national space program, Planning/Programming Officer at the Defense Intelligence Agency, and Deputy Chief of Intelligence Policy, Plans, and Programs at United States Space Command. He serves NDIA-RMC as Vice President for Workforce Development where he promotes Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) for kids. Tom holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Louisiana Tech and a Master of Arts degree in Space Systems Management from Webster University. He is active with Kiwanis where he has served as President of the Kiwanis Club of Colorado Springs and is President-Elect for the Rocky Mountain District of Kiwanis Foundation.
EMAIL
719-425-6303
Laura Turner
Public Affairs Specialist at the 302nd Airlift Wing on Peterson Air Force Base, Co
Laura has 13 years of experience in Public Affairs and is currently employed as a Public Affairs Specialist at the 302nd Airlift Wing on Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. After serving six years in the Air Force as a Photojournalist and Community Relations Specialist, Laura separated from the military and attended the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, receiving her Associates in the Science of Photography degree in 2015. After enrolling in the Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design to begin working toward a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Graphic Design, 2016, Laura once again joined the Air Force as a Reservist in Public Affairs and currently serves one weekend a month at the 310th Space Wing, Schriever AFB, Colo. After working as both a full-time federal employee and part-time Reserve member at the 310 SW for three years, Laura transitioned into her current position at the 302 AW in May, 2019, where she runs the Community Relations and Command Information programs.
EMAIL
907-854-2022
PAST PRESIDENTS
2021-2022
Philip Kwong
Past NDIARMC President
Principal Account Executive, National Security, and US Space Force
Amazon Web Services
Phil was previously the Deputy then Program Manager for the Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System (JWICS) and the Chief and Founder of the Defense Intelligence VSAT Network (DIVN), the Defense Intelligence Agency’s Global Satellite Communication Program. He served over 20 years in the Army in various capacities, including: as an Armored Cavalry Tank Platoon Leader during OPERATIONS DESERT SHIELD/STORM, a Tactical and Strategic Military Intelligence Officer, Army Staff during 9/11, and numerous overseas assignments, including Iraq, Korea, and Afghanistan. He is a member of NDIA, AFCEA, AUSA, and MOAA and is active in youth development in our community, including Cubmaster with Cub Scouts, Assistant Scoutmaster, and TKD instructor.
2018-2020
Kevin “Morty” Mortensen
Past NDIARMC President
Vice President, Space, and Cyberspace Initiatives
BAE Systems, Inc.
Kevin “Morty” Mortensen is the Vice President, Space and Cyberspace Initiatives at BAE Systems, Inc. In this role, he consults and collaborates with customers across the US Space Force and US Air Force enterprise on their required capabilities to meet emerging threats and future mission needs. Mr. Mortensen is a retired U.S. Air Force Officer, having served 29+ years in various national security space-related and leadership roles. Mr. Mortensen serves on the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) National Board of Directors. He is also the Chair of the NDIA Space Division and Director Emeritus with the NDIA Rocky Mountain Chapter. Mr. Mortensen also serves as Chair of the Colorado Springs Military Affairs Council and serves on the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corporation’s Board of Directors. In addition, Mr. Mortensen is a Member of the National Space Club and Foundation’s Board of Directors.
EMAIL
(719) 232-2531
2016-2018
Dr. Richard “Doc” Klodniki, Ph.D., PMP
Past NDIARMC President
Vice President
Doc is a 1985 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy. Since retiring from the Air Force in 2005 after 20 years as a Space and Missile Operations officer, Doc has served in numerous technical and leadership positions, including Chief Scientist, Program Manager, Program Director, and Director of Business Development. Doc has command experience in Space, Missile Operations, and Missile Defense and earned his Doctorate from the University of Denver through the AFIT Civilian Institutions Program. He also served in operational test and evaluation (T&E) leadership positions and was a certified instructor and professor at the USAF Academy. He is a lifetime member of AFA, MOAA, and the USAF Academy Associates of Graduates (AOG) and participates in the Cadet Leadership and Character Development programs. He belongs to AFCEA, the Association of AF Missileers (AAFM), and the International Test and Evaluation Association (ITEA) and is a Project Management Institute (PMI) certified Program Management Professional (PMP). He serves on the Colorado Springs Regional Business Alliance, Aerospace Defense Team, and the Military Affairs Council.
EMAIL
719-271-4406
2015-2016
James “Jim” Painter
Past NDIARMC President
Manager, Space & Intelligence Systems
Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems
2014-2015
Debbie McCarthy
Past NDIARMC President
Vice President of Air Force Programs
Lockheed Martin
2011-2014
Henry Baird
Past NDIARMC President
President
Baird & Associates, LLC
Mr. Baird is the President of Baird & Associates, LLC, located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Baird & Associates, LLC is a consulting company specializing in advice for space system requirements, launch vehicle development, and launch and flight testing of advanced aircraft.
Mr. Baird served in the United States Air Force for 28 years. While in the Air Force, he had assignments in the United Kingdom and across the United States. His assignments have included duty as an F-111A/D/E weapon system officer; test navigator on the B-2 strategic bomber; DoD liaison to the U.S. State Department, Delta II Program Manager, and Deputy Director for Launch Programs at the Space and Missile Systems Center. He has also held leadership positions as the Secretary of the Air Force Space Acquisition Directorate and Headquarters Air Force Space Command. Mr. Baird’s Air Force responsibilities have included managing research and development and production of all heritage launch vehicles, including the Delta II, Atlas II, and Titan II and IV, developing concepts and defining requirements for future space and missile systems, testing the first of its kind strategic bomber, the B-2, and advocating funding for current and future Air Force space systems.
EMAIL
719-650-4390
2009-2011
T.I. Weintraub
Past NDIARMC President
ATLAS Space Operations
2008-2009
Lamberth Blalock
Past NDIARMC President
Operations Research, Inc.
2005-2007
Robert G. Peterson
Past NDIARMC President
President
RG Peterson Consulting
Bob Peterson served as President of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of NDIA from October 2005 to September 2007. This followed his stint as President of the Greater Los Angeles Chapter of NDIA during his Lockheed Martin assignment in Los Angeles from 1999 to 2004. Mr. Peterson served as Vice President of Space Programs, Lockheed Martin Corporate Business Development, from January 2004 until his retirement in February 2009. Before joining Lockheed in 2003, he served as a meteorologist, missileer, and space requirements officer in the Air Force for 26 years. He retired in the grade of Colonel on January 1, 1993. Following his retirement from Lockheed Martin, he established RG Peterson Consulting, LLC. He continues active in many groups, including NDIA, AFA, Pikes Peak Round Table, Colorado Thirty Group, The Home Front Cares, and the Colorado Consortium of Earth and Space Studies.
2003-2005
Joan Sell
Past NDIARMC President
National Secretary Emeritus
Air Force Association
2001-2003
Larry Hungerford
Past NDIARMC President
Terma North America, Inc.
1999-2001
Larry Fortner
Past NDIARMC President
Consultant
1997-1999
Gayle White
Past NDIARMC President
Colorado Aerospace Consultants, LLC
Gayle White is the President of Colorado Aerospace Consultants, LLC. He has been an operations and business development director in the aerospace contractor community for the past 31 years following a 20-year Air Force career. Gayle’s years in the industry include Director-level positions at CSC and The Boeing Company, with roles in business development for IT, space, and missile defense programs. Operations positions include Global Positioning System (GPS) technical assistant and Maui Space Surveillance Site manager. His military experience includes configuration control of NORAD’s Integrated Tactical Warning and Attack Assessment (ITW/AA) System, management of Cheyenne Mountain computer operations, command of one of Air Force Space Command’s missile warning and space surveillance sites, ICBM logistics systems software development and NATO forces database management. Gayle was President of the NDIA Rocky Mountain Chapter (1997-99), Chairman of the NDIA Space Division (2000-2002), and Executive Secretary of the Space Division (2010-2018).
1995-1997
Ted Kerr
Past NDIARMC President
1995-1997
Phil Heacock
Past NDIARMC President
Harris