Speaker Program
July 15, 2026 · Tucson Convention Center
Bringing together the nation's foremost aerospace, defense, and innovation leaders.
Event Agenda
July 15, 2026 · Tucson Convention Center
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
Registration, Continental Breakfast & Exhibitor Showcase
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Master of Ceremonies: Dan Geraci, Critical Infrastructure Technologies
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Opening Keynote – Jim Bridenstine, CEO of Quantum Space, former NASA Administrator, Member of Congress and U.S. Navy Pilot
9:35 AM – 10:20 AM
Session 1 – Concurrent Sessions: "Demand Signal: Where Missions and Funding are Going"
- Frontline (Defense): "Wartime Demand & the New Defense Budget" — Rick Stone, Thad Thome, Matthew Fetrow, Alex Rodriguez
- Flightline (AAM): "Mapping Arizona to the Global AAM Movement" — Michelle Duquette, Scott Shtofman
- Orbitline (Space): "Orbital and Cislunar Demand Surge" — Kelli Kedis Ogborn, Adrian Mangiuca, COL Raj Agrawal - U.S. Space Force
10:20 AM – 10:50 AM
Networking Break & Exhibitor Showcase
10:50 AM – 11:35 AM
Session 2 – Concurrent Sessions: "Reindustrialization: From Demand to Capacity, Building the Industrial Base"
- Frontline (Defense): "Reindustrialization at Speed: Arizona as a National Production Node" — Drew Trojanowski, Russell Varone, Adrian Verduzco, Todd Tuthill
- Flightline (AAM): "Preparing for the Future: Airports, Communities and Ecosystems" — Toni Drummond, Clint Harper, Bruce Goetz, Sarah Demory
- Orbitline (Space): "Scaling Space Capacity" — Shawn Linam, Christopher Edwards, Adrian Radocea, Alex Duran, Vincent Pribble
11:35 AM – 12:50 PM
Lunch, Networking Break & Exhibitor Showcase
12:50 PM – 1:35 PM
Session 3 – Convergence Panel: "Technology Convergence: From Earth to Orbit and Across Domains"
Gen. Robin Rand (ret) · Kevin Suits · Rear Adm Timothy Gallaudet (ret) · Greg Wilson
1:40 PM – 2:25 PM
Session 4 – Concurrent Sessions: "Build the Platform: Testbeds, Ranges & Cross-Border Infrastructure"
- Frontline (Defense): "Test Ranges, Training & Multi-Domain Environments" — Dustin Blanchard, COL David Taylor, Timothy Jobe, COL Charles Seaberry
- Flightline (AAM): "The Next Flight Revolution: Autonomous, Sustainable and Connected Aviation Technologies" — Marisa Walker, Mark Gaspers, Phil Robinson, Jason Lindauer, Karan Singh
- Orbitline (Space): "Planetary Proving Grounds" — Eric Miller, Lisa Morris, Jonny Wilson, Kjell Stakkestad, Skip Williams
2:25 PM – 2:55 PM
Networking Break & Exhibitor Showcase
2:55 PM – 3:40 PM
Session 5 – Concurrent Sessions: "State-Level Competition: Turning Demand, Capability and Platform into Industrial Scale"
- Frontline (Defense): "Scaling Through DoW: OTAs, Programs & Industrial Policy" — Tom Kunkel, Lt Col Hans Jagow, Maj Eric Jones, Frank Oliver, Eric Lam
- Flightline (AAM): "Arizona's Role in Preparing for the Low Altitude Airspace Economy" — Nick Langolf, Mike Canada, Devin Patterson, Shane Conley, Yuric Hannart
- Orbitline (Space): "Building the Space Industrial Base" — Kelli Kedis Ogborn, Brett Mecum, Gwen Griffin, Gabe Sherman
3:45 PM – 4:30 PM
Convergence Panel: "Arizona's Aerospace Future: From Insight to Action"
John C. Otto · Michelle Duquette · Laurie Leshin · Sandra Watson
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Closing Remarks
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Reception & Exhibitor Showcase
Subject to Change
A – D
COL Raj Agrawal
Military Deputy for Space, U.S. Space Force
Inaugural commander of Mission Delta 2, overseeing $4.6B in Space Domain Awareness operations across 17 locations. PhD in Business Administration and graduate of the USAF Weapons School.
Cade Bradley
Chief Technologist, Electro-Optics, Raytheon
Senior Technical Fellow with 20+ years at RTX leading EO technology development and cross-business capability improvements. Earned his electrical engineering degree from Northern Arizona University.
Mike Canada
Department Chair & Associate Professor, Embry-Riddle
UAS Program Coordinator with 1,500+ UAS pilot-in-command combat flight hours. Forward deployed with USSOCOM in Iraq and Afghanistan supporting counterterrorism and ISR missions.
Shane Conley
OEM Technical Training & Development, Zipline
Workforce development leader at Zipline, where he designs and scales technical training programs that prepare teams to safely support autonomous aircraft operations. He is passionate about building the future aviation workforce through innovative training, workforce development and mentorship.
Tomás Díaz de la Rubia, PhD
SVP for Research & Innovation, University of Arizona
Former Deputy Director for S&T at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Chief Scientific Officer at Purdue University. Fellow of the American Physical Society and top 2% most-cited scientist globally.
D – D (cont.)
Sarah Demory
Assistant Aviation Director/COO, City of Phoenix Aviation
25+ years of aviation experience overseeing Phoenix Sky Harbor, Deer Valley, and Goodyear Airports. Accredited Airport Executive and past president of the Arizona Airports Association.
Toni Drummond
Founder & President, Future Flight Global
Executive and industry leader in advanced air mobility and sustainable aviation. She leads Future Flight Global and serves in national leadership roles helping shape the future of electric aviation, regulatory policy and next-generation air transportation.
Michelle Duquette
Director of Strategy & Government, Future Flight Global
20+ years advising the U.S. federal government on aviation and aerospace, including a Senior Principal role at The MITRE Corporation overseeing multi-million-dollar FAA and DoD research portfolios.
Alex Duran
Technical Program Manager, Viasat
Integration and Test Lead for the Viasat-3 satellite programs with an engineering degree and MBA from Arizona State University. Now driving next-generation LEO Direct-to-Device connectivity.
E – G
Christopher Edwards
Professor of Planetary Science, Northern Arizona University
Director of the Radiant Center for Remote Sensing and instrument scientist for the Emirates Mars "Hope" mission. Serves on numerous Mars, lunar, and asteroid mission science teams.
Matthew Fetrow
Communications Director, Space Rapid Capabilities Office
Space acquisition and technology leader with experience spanning the U.S. Space Force, the Air Force Research Laboratory and the private sector. His career has focused on delivering mission-critical space capabilities and advancing emerging technologies.
Rear Adm Timothy Gallaudet (ret), PhD
CEO, Ocean STL Consulting | Former Acting NOAA Administrator
32-year U.S. Navy veteran and former acting Under Secretary of Commerce. Strategic advisor to tech startups and research institutions; author of Holding Fast in Heavy Seas.
Dan Geraci
CEO & President, Critical Infrastructure Technologies
40+ years of C-suite experience including President of Fidelity Investments Private Wealth Management. Chairman of The Planetary Society Board for 20+ years and longtime Tucson space community leader.
Bruce Goetz
EVP & COO, Tucson Airport Authority
33+ years of aviation leadership overseeing Tucson International Airport and Ryan Airfield. Previously held senior operations roles at Denver International Airport and Boeing's Paine Field.
G – K
Gwen Griffin
Founder & CEO, Griffin Communications Group
40+ years in communications spanning defense manufacturing and commercial space. Appointed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott to the inaugural Texas Space Commission, where she serves as its first Board Chair.
Yuric Hannart
Distinguished Innovation Fellow, Arizona State University
A technology and innovation leader who has helped launch groundbreaking products including the nation's first DSL service, QuickBooks and the Palm VII. He supports the advancement of Advanced Air Mobility technologies at ASU.
Clint Harper
Director of Integration
Globally recognized expert in aviation policy and advanced air mobility with 27 years of experience. Testified before the U.S. House Aviation Subcommittee during FAA Reauthorization hearings in 2023.
Lt Col Hans Jagow
National Guard Bureau Service Integration Lead, DIU
Co-founder of ARCWERX, the Air National Guard's innovation focal point. Master Combat Systems Officer with 2,500+ flying hours and 181 combat sorties, now representing National Guard modernization at DIU.
Maj Eric Jones
Director of Operations, ARCWERX
27-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard. Specializes in defense innovation, technology transition, creative contracting, and helping emerging technologies move from concept to operational use.
Tim Jobe
Supply Chain Director, Tiberius Aerospace
Aerospace and defense leader with more than 20 years of experience driving innovation in emerging technologies, advanced materials and strategic sourcing. He also has extensive business development experience across Arizona's manufacturing industry.
Kelli Kedis Ogborn
Space Economy Leader & Author
Senior leader shaping global space commerce, policy, and commercialization strategy. Widely published author and sought-after speaker on the economics of innovation, with experience supporting DARPA and next-generation space technologies.
K – L
Tom Kunkel
EVP & COO, Kyl Institute for National Security
General (Ret.) with 30+ years of distinguished service in the U.S. Air Force and NATO. Brings deep expertise in operations, strategy, and leadership to advancing national security at the University of Arizona.
Eric Lam
Collaboration Director, AFRL Midwest Network
22-year Air Force veteran leading a 1,400+ member research network in energetics, hypersonics, microelectronics, and space domain awareness. Founded the Cyber-Physical Sensing Working Group in 2021.
Nick Langolf
Director of Academic Partnerships, FlyUSI
Nationally recognized UAS leader specializing in drone safety, certification and workforce development. He works with industry and educational partners to advance safe, scalable unmanned aircraft operations while developing innovative training programs that prepare the next generation of UAS professionals.
Jason Lindauer
Commercial Strategy Lead, SyberJet Aircraft
20+ years of aerospace and aviation experience spanning military service in the U.S. Marines, defense, and business aviation. Positioning the SJ36 as the fastest, longest-range light jet ever certified.
Shawn Linam
Founder & CEO, Qwaltec
Former NASA astronaut and flight controller instructor for the Space Shuttle and International Space Station. Passionate STEM advocate and mission control expert supporting cutting-edge space missions.
M
Adrian Mangiuca
Managing Partner, Rational Futures
Former NASA Chief Economist and SpaceX commercial launch sales Director for Europe. Led strategy at Voyager Space, spearheading the acquisition of the Starlab Commercial Space Station.
Brett Mecum
Chairman, Arizona Space Commission
Longtime government relations executive and space policy leader instrumental in establishing the Arizona Space Commission. Holds advanced credentials in space leadership, operations, and air & space law.
Eric Miller
Co-Owner, PADT
Mechanical engineer, writer, and technology commercialization mentor. Serves as Chair Emeritus of the AZ Tech Council Board of Directors with expertise in simulation, design, and 3D printing.
Lisa Morris
Operations Leader, Solestial | Arizona Space Commissioner
30+ years across advanced manufacturing and space, including VP of Supply Chain at Virgin Galactic where she built the commercial spaceflight supply chain from the ground up. Arizona Space Commissioner since 2025.
O – R
John C. Otto, PhD
VP & Raytheon Technology Director, RTX
25+ years of technical and program leadership including the $500M+ AMRAAM F3R program and DARPA's Tactical Boost Glide hypersonics effort. PhD in Aeronautics and Astronautics from MIT.
Devin Patterson
Director of Strategic Engagement, SWMAC / DIU OnRamp Hub
Bridges emerging technologies with national security and aerospace organizations across Arizona. Background spans intelligence operations, strategic engagement, and aerospace development.
Adrian Radocea
Chief Science Officer, Varda Space Industries
Pioneering microgravity-enabled drug development in space. Holds a PhD from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, supported by an NSF Fellowship.
Gen. Robin Rand (ret)
U.S. Air Force General (Ret.) & CEO, Kyl Institute for National Security
Served more than 44 years in the U.S. Air Force, culminating as Commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, where he oversaw the land and air legs of the nation's nuclear triad. A command pilot with more than 5,100 flight hours, he now advises aerospace, defense and research organizations while serving on numerous corporate and nonprofit boards.
Michael Robbins
President & CEO, AUVSI
Leading the world's largest trade association for uncrewed systems, robotics, and autonomous technologies. Former Chief of Staff to U.S. Congressman John D. Dingell and currently serving as an Officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
R – S
Alex Rodriguez
President & Co-Founder, FreeFall 5G
Army Captain veteran and Presidential Management Fellow at the Pentagon. Holds degrees from the University of Arizona and Harvard University in international security policy.
Jonathan Roll
Assistant Director, ASU NewSpace Initiative
Integrates industry, government, and academia to advance space technology and strategic partnerships. Chairs the Arizona Technology Council's Aerospace, Aviation, Space & Defense Committee.
COL Charles Seaberry
Commander, U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground
Assumed command of YPG in June 2026, leading one of DoD's premier test and evaluation installations. Holds three master's degrees and is DAWIA Level III certified in Contracting and Program Management.
Gabe Sherman
Managing Partner, Artemis Group
Former NASA Chief of Staff during the first Trump Administration, overseeing the return of human spaceflight to American soil and the launch of the Perseverance Rover to Mars. Now advancing American space preeminence through strategic consulting.
S – T
Scott Shtofman
VP & Counsel for Regulatory Affairs, AUVSI
Leading federal and state advocacy on autonomy, robotics, and uncrewed systems policy. Licensed attorney, Part 107 remote pilot, and former FAA BVLOS Aviation Rulemaking Committee member.
Karan Singh
CEO, Future Flight Global
Founder driving sustainable air mobility through electric and hybrid aviation with 20+ years in commercial aviation and 5,000 flight hours as a Boeing 737 captain. Founded the Business Aviation Association for India.
Kjell Stakkestad
Strategic Business Development, KinetX
Co-founder of KinetX and orbit dynamics pioneer who helped shape the IRIDIUM satellite ground control system. Founder and designer of the NorthStar Earth and Space project with expertise in large satellite constellation operations.
COL David Taylor
Commander, U.S. Army Electronic Proving Ground
Commissioned in 1998, with a career spanning Air Defense, Acquisition, and missile/hypersonic test programs. Recipient of the Bronze Star Medal with extensive joint service experience.
T – V
Thad Thome
Deputy, Concepts & Experimentation, Army Intelligence–Future Capabilities Directorate
Enables strategic development and assessment of future Army intelligence capabilities. Bridges the gap between theoretical strategy and real-world execution through operational experimentation and S&T integration.
Drew Trojanowski
President & CEO, Southwest Mission Acceleration Center
Former White House Senior Advisor, Military Legislative Assistant to Sen. John McCain, and U.S. Army scout/sniper with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Key architect of the MISSION Act transforming VA healthcare.
Todd Tuthill
Managing Director, Rincon Aerospace
30+ years of executive engineering leadership at Boeing, Raytheon, Moog Aircraft, and Siemens. Aviation Week columnist and co-host of the Rincon Horizons podcast covering aerospace and defense.
Russell Varone
Head of Factory Operations, UNION
Manufacturing and operations leader with more than 30 years of experience scaling breakthrough technologies across automotive, aerospace, robotics and advanced manufacturing. His leadership at Tesla, Zipline and Diamond Age has helped bring electric vehicles, autonomous aircraft and robotic construction systems from concept to commercial production.
Adrian Verduzco
VP, Manufacturing & Quality, Raytheon
25+ year Raytheon veteran leading enterprise-wide production acceleration and quality initiatives. Oversees manufacturing capacity expansion for critical U.S. and allied defense munitions.
W
Marisa Walker
EVP, Arizona Commerce Authority | Executive Director, IAM
Leads infrastructure, sustainability, and advanced mobility initiatives for Arizona's economic development organization. Administrator of the Arizona Space Commission and expert in civil and commercial advanced air mobility applications.
Sandra Watson
President & CEO, Arizona Commerce Authority
30+ years of economic development leadership; the ACA has attracted 1,427 companies committing to 338,000+ jobs and $304B in new capital investment in Arizona. Senior Economic Policy Advisor to Governor Katie Hobbs.
Skip Williams, PhD
VP & GM, Rocket Lab Optical Systems
25+ years in space, defense, and national security with senior roles as CTO, CEO, COO, and Chief Engineer. PhD from Stanford University and author of 200+ publications.
Jonny Wilson
Director of Mission Operations, Sceye
22-year veteran of the Royal Air Force and UK Special Forces, highly decorated aviator in elite operational environments. Previously held senior leadership at Virgin Galactic managing commercial spaceflight mission operations.
W – P – S – P
Greg Wilson
Dean of Applied Technology, Pima Community College
Leading Pima's technical programs serving 8,000+ student enrollments including Aviation, Automation/Robotics, and Advanced Manufacturing. Helped develop the College's nationally recognized Center of Excellence in Applied Technology.
Phil Robinson
CTO, Unmanned Systems & AAM, Honeywell Aerospace
Leading technical strategy and customer alignment for defense and commercial UAS and AAM markets. Holds 16 U.S. patents and is a Georgia Tech alumnus with prior leadership at Ballard Power Systems.
Rick Stone
ARCWERX Fellow & CEO, Stone Solutions and Research Collective
Post-9/11 combat veteran who channeled $30M+ in SBIR funding into the Air National Guard enterprise. Founder of an 8(a) and SDVOSB firm specializing in human systems engineering.
Vincent Pribble
Principal Product Manager, Mercury Systems
Leading space data-management portfolio including radiation-hardened storage and on-board processing for major U.S. and European defense primes. Previously held roles at NASA, ULA, and Blue Origin.
2026 Arizona Aerospace Summit