BUILDING UP COMMUNITIES
THAT ARE BUILDING UP SPACE
We are developing the essential infrastructure & community ecosystem around spaceports globally.
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LEADERSHIP TEAM
SEAN GRAHAM
Chief Executive Officer Co-Founder
Sean Graham is a space-focused CEO and co-founder with experience in tech, media, and cultural diplomacy. He creates innovative win-win-win solutions by defining everything as a Commons Problem. As CEO of Karman Line enterprises, he’s focused on building up the space community that’s building up space, and as Executive Director of EarthLight Foundation, he’s supporting the expansion of life and humanity beyond Earth.
JIM THOMAS
Chief Growth Officer Co-Founder
Jim Thomas is focusing on Building the Community of Tomorrow, Today. With past roles as founding JPT Ventures, a NASA iTech judge, CEO of the Central Florida Tech Alliance, Exec. Director of Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce, district rep. for the California State Senate, and campaign manager for the US Senate, Jim’s vast VC & political experience is now dedicated to advancing and fostering space industry growth.
MATTHEW LUTZ
Chief Marketing Officer Co-Founder
Matthew Lutz brings his vast experience in advertising & entrepreneurship to the space industry as co-founder of two space start-ups. He has worked with global brands like Ford, Disney, and Verizon, launched a $48M ICO, sold a software company to Rakuten, built and sold four media outlets, and was CMO for the longest-running blockchain conference on the planet. Now, Matthew focuses on advancing the growth of the space industry.
RYAN BLOWERS
Chief Science Officer Co-Founder
Ryan Blowers is a veteran, rocket scientist, and co-founder of Remo Homes, a modular construction company focused on sustainability. He has extensive experience in the space industry, having worked with companies like SpaceX, Hermeus, DoD and US Navy. He even designed the world’s smallest ramjet engine. With his experience and skillset, Ryan is committed to driving innovation and excellence in the space industry.
ADVISORS
Frank White
Best-Selling Author, The Overview Effect
Frank White is a renowned author on space exploration, climate change, and artificial intelligence, best known for his seminal work, “The Overview Effect: Space Exploration and Human Evolution.” His concept of the Overview Effect, explored since its first publication in 1987, has become a fundamental term in astronautics. The fourth edition, featuring interviews with 31 astronauts, was published in 2019. A proponent of space philosophy, White’s latest book, “The Cosma Hypothesis,” proposes the Human Space Program as a unifying project for humanity’s evolution into spacefaring beings.
BOB WARD
Universal Creative Founder
Bob Ward is a veteran of the leisure entertainment and resort destination industries with a fifty-year career spanning worldwide. He led the creative repositioning of Universal Studios Tour into a pioneering theme park brand and designed Universal Orlando Resort, a multi-billion dollar entertainment destination. He earned the THEA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009. Currently, he is the Executive Director of US Space Force Experience at the US Space Force Historical Foundation.
Roberta Perry
Themed Entertainment Association
Roberta Perry is an accomplished bizdev executive with expertise in the themed-entertainment, immersive attractions, hospitality, and technology industries. Roberta has served as the President of the Themed Entertainment Association and Nightclub & Bar Association and on various global boards, including Toastmasters International, The Freedom Writers Foundation, and The Lawrence Anthony Earth Organization.Additionally, she has advised the NFL Sunday ticket program.
dr. sian proctor
American Commercial Astronaut
Inspiration4 SpaceX Crew Dragon Space Capsule
Sian Hayley “Leo” Proctor is an American commercial astronaut, geology professor, artist, author, and science communicator. She became the first female commercial spaceship pilot on the all-civilian Inspirational4 orbit spaceflight, 15 September 2021. As pilot of the Inspiration4’s SpaceX Crew Dragon space capsule, Proctor became the first African-American woman to pilot a spacecraft. She was also the education outreach officer for the first Hawai’i Space Exploration Analog and Simulation (HI-SEAS) Mission. Post-Inspiration4, Sian Proctor has become a noted Afrofurist artist, poet and author. Proctor is the first African American astronaut to paint in space. Proctor is a major in the Civil Air Patrol where she serves as the aerospace education officer.
Rick Tumlinson
Earthlight Foundation Founder; SpaceFund, Founder & Chairman Emeritus
A “godfather” of the Space Revolution who literally coined the term “NewSpace,” Rick spent 35+ years defining the philosophy and legislative core of commercial space. A six time Congressional witness, he led the private takeover of Russia’s Mir space station, sold the first private astronaut ticket, was a founding board member of the XPrize, and co-founded several space companies and organizations. He’s also the founder of Earthlight Foundation, the NewWorlds Annual conference, and the Space Cowboy Ball.
JOHN SPENCER
Space Architect Space Tourism Society Founder
Internationally acclaimed space architect, lauded with NASA’s Space Act Award for his contributions to the ISS, this visionary stands at the forefront of space design. His projects range from the SpaceHab Module to the Antarctic Science Base for the National Science Foundation. As the founder of the Space Tourism Society and driving force behind Mars World, he’s a pivotal figure in advancing space tourism. His role extends to leading and co-producing events for the National Space Society and contributing to groundbreaking initiatives such as PayPal Galactic.
Mac Malkawi
Borderless Labs CEO & President
Mac Malkawi stands as a dynamic embodiment of a learner, businessman, philanthropist, and keynote speaker, renowned for his innovative approach in making STEAM and Space accessible globally. As the Founder, CEO, and President of Borderless Labs Inc (BLinc), Mac is at the forefront of bridging the gap in delivering Space and STEAM education to untapped markets. At BLinc, Mac’s vision is realized through investment, media, and inclusive strategies, empowering diverse communities with the necessary tools to excel in STEAM fields. His work is pivotal in fostering sustainable progress and nurturing talent in STEAM across the world.
Aakash Patel
Knowwhere Ventures Principal & Co-Founder
In addition to being the Principal of Mr. Aakash Patel is a Co-Founder and Principal at Knowhere Ventures, a growing, entrepreneurial start-up with involvement in several, evolving initiatives, with a team of entrepreneurs who are passionate problem-solvers, with growth mindsets.
Gwen Griffin
Griffin Communications Group Founder
Gwen Griffin is a seasoned communications strategist and inspiring leader in the aerospace and STEM education industries. With nearly four decades of experience, she is the Founder and CEO of Griffin Communications Group, serving iconic brands like NASA, Blue Origin, Boeing, and more. Gwen also acts as the Executive Director of Blue Origin’s nonprofit education foundation, Club for the Future, where she transformed it from a modest operation to a significant force impacting nearly 4 million students, educators, and parents. Her earlier roles include marketing leadership positions at NASA-Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and Space Center Houston. Gwen dedicates her time to various executive and board roles in organizations like the Challenger Center, Conrad Foundation, and Space Center Houston, focusing on workforce development and STEM education outreach.
Chance Glenn
Morningbird Foundation Founder & COB of Directors
Chance Glenn stands as a remarkable blend of creator, technologist, futurist, and visionary, renowned for his expertise in the fields of STEM, space, research, training, and education. As the Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Morningbird Foundation, he steers the non-profit in its mission to enhance STEM accessibility for underserved and underrepresented communities. This commitment reflects in his current role as the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at the University of Houston-Victoria, where he shapes the future of higher education with an innovative and inclusive approach. His work not only advances technology and science but also ensures that these fields are open and beneficial to all.
Raymond Sands
Space Force Historical Foundation Chair
Raymond Sands is a results-oriented executive with a passion for tech and innovation who excels at creating partnerships and adding value through his extensive network. As a proud US military veteran, he is committed to public service and family values. Currently, he serves as the VP of Business Development at PERSOWN, focused on global strategy for underserved companies and families. Previously, he served as the Director of Chapter Development at the Gary Sinise Foundation.
Karissa Winters
Innovation Collective Community Lead
Born into a family of entrepreneurs and creatives, Karissa Winters has cultivated her multifaceted talents to establish a diverse portfolio of successful ventures, ranging from publishing, clothing, and the arts. Known for her philanthropic approach, her businesses consistently focus on creating a positive global impact. As a passionate advisor, Karissa excels in guiding entrepreneurs and business owners toward success. Serving as the Community Lead for Innovation Collective, Winters embodies the group’s ethos of ‘believe, belong, and become,’ dedicating herself to empowering others to achieve their dreams.
Nathan Whigham
Commercial Real Estate Broker & Capital Manager, EN Capital
Nathan Whigham is an experienced professional in commercial real estate debt and equity placement, involved in nearly $1B of CRE transactions since 2006, most recently focused on the space industry. He has expertise in various capital structures, including construction financing, bridge debt, joint venture equity, PACE financing, and tax credit monetization and has worked with institutional capital sources, private equity firms, and other sources of capital.
Jim Faherty
Events Producer & Operator Figurehead Founder
Jim Faherty is considered the godfather of the indie music industry and and his legacy continues to shape Florida’s cultural landscape. Currently the Chief Event Producer at Orlando World Live, he oversees some of the city’s most exciting experiences. Faherty’s experience in operating venues is unparalleled, having laid the groundwork for Orlando’s indie-rock touring circuit in the ’80s and ’90s, having booked some of the most iconic names in the industry, including Black Flag and Sonic Youth through his company, Figurehead, a concert promotion company.
Troy Parker
CodeFirm CEO & CoFounder
Troy Parker, a Solutions Architect with a degree from Florida State University, has a decade-long track record of directing and designing IT projects for B2B and B2C companies globally. A co-founder of CodeFirm, he’s acclaimed for efficiently developing advanced mobile and web applications, often under budget. Troy is recognized in the IT community for his volunteer work with Project Orlando and the Orlando Game Developers Space, as well as advising startups.
Joey Genovesi
THRV Tech, CEO Kolumi, Co-Founder
Joey Genovesi is a visionary leader in the agritech industry, pioneering planet-friendly agricultural technologies. Through THRV Tech, he specializes in photonics and metal-based manufacturing for startups and established hard technology ventures. His venture, Kolumi, focuses on sustainable and innovative lighting design to contribute to environmental preservation. Joey’s expertise lies in bridging the gap between innovative ideas and their practical, sustainable realization, illuminating the path toward a greener future.
Here are just some organizations our team and advisors
have worked on or are affiliated with:
