Speaker and Panelist Biographies

The speaker and panelist information is in order of appearance following the Agenda. Additional bios coming soon.

Dianne Poster, NIST, Office of Space Commerce

Dr. Dianne Poster provides more than two decades of technical experience in research and development for measurements, standards, technology, and data at the United States (U.S.) Department of Commerce (DOC) National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Her portfolio covers innovative developments in radiation physics and chemistry, materials engineering, and optical, dimensional, and chemical metrology. Her current work supports the U.S. DOC National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Office of Space Commerce promoting U.S. space commerce through international technical standards development and innovation in space systems, data, and cybersecurity technologies. She leads DOC representation for the U.S. interagency supporting space activities, including developing principles for national strategies in cislunar science and technology, planetary defense, low Earth orbit research and development, and in-space servicing, assembly and manufacturing.

Previously, as the deputy associate director for technology and environmental policy at the White House Council on Environmental Quality, Dr. Poster administered the environmental federal regulatory portfolio and advised on policy and strategy issues related to protecting the environment.

Michael Epley, Red Hat

Michael Epley has been helping the U.S. Defense and National Security communities use and adopt open source software over the last two decades with practical experience as a software developer and enterprise architect. During his tenure at Red Hat, Michael has passionately driven adoption of key technology: cloud and kubernetes, tactical edge/forward deployed systems, data analytics tools and platforms, and disconnected operations — always in the context of security and compliance concerns unique to this sector.

Michael has BS degrees in Mathematics and Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech and a JD from The University of Texas School of Law.

Brent Holden, Red Hat

Brent Holden is the Global Field CTO and leader of the Field CTO engineering group at Red Hat, where he works with many of Red Hat's Fortune 500 customers as they innovate using open-source technologies and Red Hat’s emerging technology portfolio. With over twenty five years of industry experience, Brent specializes in automation, cloud, and distributed computing. He was an adjunct faculty member at Boston University as part of the Hariri Institute of Computing from 2014-2017. Brent holds a B.S.e in Computer Engineering from the University of Connecticut.

Suzanne Lightman, NIST

Suzanne Lightman has over a decade of experience in information security policy in positions all over the government, as well as in the private sector. She has held positions in both the legislative and executive branches which gives her a unique perspective on the development and implementation of government policy. Currently, Ms. Lightman is a Senior Advisor at the Computer Security Division of the Information Technology Lab at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). In that position, she is involved with a diverse portfolio of topics including development of the Cybersecurity Framework required under Executive Order 13636, cybersecurity in cyber-physical systems, identity management, and cybersecurity policy. She is also one of the team developing the Privacy Risk Management Framework at NIST.

Azita Valinia, Valinia Strategy Group, LLC

Dr. Azita Valinia is a seasoned aerospace executive with over 25 years of strategic leadership across science, technology, engineering, and policy at NASA — from flight-missions and human-spaceflight oversight to advanced mission concept formulation and major acquisitions. At NASA, she has held roles that span Director of R&D and Deputy Director of the Astrophysics Flight Projects Division at Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) to Chief Scientist of the NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC), ultimately leading oversight of the Agency’s largest contract (the Jet Propulsion Laboratory FFRDC) as well as serving as the Agency Senior Technical Integration Leader while at NASA Headquarters.

In these leadership capacities, she has driven organizational transformation and mission-enabling strategies: she oversaw 20+ operational space science missions at GSFC, developed multi-year investment plans in Earth and space science technology that influenced national academies decadal surveys, and spearheaded cross-directorate initiatives to unify science-engineering workflows (e.g., the GSFC Science-Engineering Collaboration and Research-Engineering programs). An experienced contract/acquisition practitioner, she holds a NASA and Federal Acquisition Certification for Program/Project Managers (senior expert level) and is awarded the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal and the Silver Snoopy Award for critical contributions to human-spaceflight safety. She is known as a "bridge-builder" between the diverse science, engineering, technology, and space policy communities.

Dr. Valinia is the founder and president of the Valinia Strategy Group LLC. She is passionate about finding innovative solutions to grow the space economy while ensuring space and environmental sustainability and safety. She is an advisor to the Space Situational Awareness (SSA) group within the United Nations Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) as well as CONFERS, a non-profit global trade association for satellite servicing, developing recommendations for industry-led voluntary consensus standards and guiding international policies that contribute to a sustainable, safe, and diverse space economy.

Dr. Valinia holds a B.Sc. in Physics from the University of Houston and a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Texas at Austin. She is a recognized thought-leader in integrating mission architecture, risk-management, and cross-domain technical portfolios to enable “Moon-to-Mars” and beyond human-spaceflight objectives.

Ben Hayum, Center for New American Security

Ben Hayum is a research assistant for the Technology and National Security Program at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS).

Before CNAS, Hayum was a PhD student in computer science researching artificial intelligence (AI) security and interpretability. He worked for Americans for Responsible Innovation as an AI policy intern, providing machine learning expertise to inform policy on risks from advanced AI. He founded the Wisconsin AI Safety Initiative, a student organization with alumni working at Amazon, Apple, MATS, Center for AI Safety, and Congress.

Hayum holds a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s College of Computing and Artificial Intelligence and a bachelor’s degree in data science and neurobiology.

Norman Wong

Norman Wong is a cybersecurity executive at Palo Alto Networks, where he advises enterprise and public sector organizations on securing digital transformation initiatives at scale. With deep expertise across zero trust, cloud security, network infrastructure, and SASE architectures, he partners with senior leaders to simplify complex security challenges and align them with business outcomes.

Norman has a strong track record of helping organizations modernize legacy environments, reduce risk, and adopt AI-driven security strategies in an evolving threat landscape. He is known for his pragmatic approach, blending technical depth with strategic insight to drive measurable impact.

A frequent collaborator with CIOs and CISOs, Norman brings a forward-looking perspective on zero trust, cloud migration, and the future of cybersecurity, making him a sought-after voice for industry discussions and executive forums.

Raafat Mahmoud Zaini, James Madison University

Raafat Mahmoud Zaini, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Integrated Science and Technology at James Madison University. His work integrates systems thinking, system dynamics modeling and simulation, artificial intelligence, innovation, and organizational design, with emphasis on space education, immersive visualizations, and digital accessibility. His future-oriented teaching collaborations include AI for Global Impact, Designing the University of the Future, Space for Peace, and Quantum and AI Emergence. His research examines how feedback-rich simulation, human-centered AI, and immersive environments enhance creativity, expand accessibility, and strengthen institutional resilience in complex, high-stakes domains.

Dr. Zaini earned his PhD in System Dynamics and Organizational Behavior from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, following degrees in aeronautical and mechanical engineering. He previously served as a Research Scientist at WPI and as a researcher at MIT’s Sociotechnical Systems Research Center, contributing to models of university strategy and complex socio-technical systems.

Most recently, Raafat moderated the Designing Resilient Space Governance panel at spaceNEXT 2026, guiding a forward-looking discussion on how institutions, policy frameworks, educational systems, and global partnerships must evolve to support a rapidly expanding space economy.

Swamy Sriperumbudur, ExpediteInfoTech

With over 25 years of distinguished experience across public and private sectors—including Healthcare, Financial Services, Utilities, and Technology—Swamy Sriperumbudur has held key leadership roles with Fortune 100 organizations such as Goldman Sachs, Walt Disney, Verizon, Reserve Bank of India, and Frontier Communications, among others.

Over the past few years, he has also worked extensively with U.S. federal agencies, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), National Science Foundation (NSF), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Department of Transportation (DOT), and Department of Workforce (DOW), delivering large-scale digital transformation, cloud modernization, and mission-critical technology programs.

As an entrepreneur and technology leader deeply committed to leveraging disruptive innovation for societal impact, Mr. Sriperumbudur serves as the Chief Digital & AI Officer at Expedite Infotech (EIT). He leads EIT’s strategic vision in transforming federal agencies into digital-first, data-driven enterprises, with a strong focus on improving citizen services through innovation.

Over the past 10+ years, Swamy has successfully led the design, development, and deployment of numerous AI-driven products and enterprise solutions spanning intelligent automation, predictive analytics, decision intelligence, and generative AI. He also has a couple of patents in his name. His work has enabled organizations to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and deliver more personalized and accessible user experiences at scale.

Throughout his career, Swamy has demonstrated exceptional leadership across dynamic global markets, excelling in both startup and turnaround environments. He has founded purpose-driven companies and served as a trusted advisor to multiple product firms, consistently driving user experience with HCD, revenue growth, innovation, and operational excellence.

Recognized for his contributions to the technology landscape, Swamy has received accolades, including the Top 100 CIO Award and Top 200 CIO Award from IDG, as well as the Emerging Leader Award. His innovative mindset is further reflected in a patented tool developed during his tenure at Verizon to streamline enterprise processes. A sought-after keynote speaker, he continues to inspire audiences worldwide with insights on leadership, digital transformation, and AI.

Swamy holds a Bachelor's degree in Printing Technology from JNTU Hyderabad, India, and an MBA from the University of Phoenix, USA. He is a founding board member of the JNTUH Alumni Association USA and serves as President of JET USA – NC Chapter, a nonprofit dedicated to providing free education to underprivileged and visually impaired children. He also hosts the “Leadership In Crisis” podcast, where global leaders share perspectives for entrepreneurs and executives.

With a passion for driving meaningful change and a strong commitment to philanthropy, Swamy Sriperumbudur exemplifies the intersection of leadership, innovation, and social responsibility.

Justin Fessler, LogicMonitor

Justin began his career with IBM in 2008 specializing in Natural Language Processing and Low-No Code application platforms. While at IBM, Justin’s early client engagements made him a predecessor to IBM Watson and he continued to develop the AI & Data Science strategy for the Federal government before moving to Salesforce in 2019, supporting the Department of Defense. During his 2.5 year tenure at Salesforce, Justin helped multiple DoD agencies with deploying their first low-no code platform solutions including the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC) prior to their merger with the CDAO, the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense to help further the defense industrial base (DIB), the Defense Contract Audit Agency, and the Defense Contract Management Agency. Justin then moved to Yext in 2022 where he led sales and strategy for the U.S. Federal government and Public Sector, at which time he was able to leverage his earlier NLP skills with the emergence of Large Language Models (LLMs). Justin most recently moved to LogicMonitor in May of 2024 serving as the Vice President of Public Sector. Justin holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Binghamton University.

Kevin L. Jackson

Kevin L. Jackson is a global business technology thought leader, video podcast producer, and best-selling author. Mr. Jackson serves as the Executive Director of the Institute for Digital Asset Innovation and Vice President at Forward Edge-AI. He is also the Primary Investigator for the SmartBeam-QRC™ solution. Forward Edge-AI, Inc., is a global leader in developing Artificial Intelligence-based technology to solve complex problems in support of public safety, national security, and defense. Core competencies include Business Transformation, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Inference at the Competitive, Forward, and Humanitarian Edge.

Mr. Jackson retired as a Lieutenant Commander from the US Navy in 1994, where he served as a Naval Aviator and Aerospace Engineering Duty Officer, earning specialties in Space Systems Engineering, Carrier Onboard Delivery Logistics, and carrier-based Airborne Early Warning and Control. He also served as project manager for the Navy Space Technology Program’s Modular Electrical Power System (MEPS) and the Handheld Earth-Oriented Real-Time Cooperative User-Friendly Location-Targeting and Environmental System (HERCULES), which flew on the Space Shuttle Discovery mission STS-53.

After retiring, Kevin directly supported the U.S. Intelligence Community, including the development and deployment of the Intelligence Community Information Technology Enterprise (IC ITE). He also supported digital transformation projects for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). His formal education includes an MS in Computer Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School, an MA in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College, and a BS in Aerospace Engineering from the United States Naval Academy.

Quintin D. Jones, Spire North America

Quintin D. Jones is Vice President of Spire North America, where he leads strategy, operations, and stakeholder engagement across Washington D.C., Boulder, and Cambridge. He is responsible for driving regional growth, aligning cross-functional execution, and expanding commercial and federal partnerships in support of Spire’s global space-based data mission.

Prior to joining Spire, Quintin served 28 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, culminating as Chief of Staff to the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. A seasoned operator and strategist, he has led teams of over 4,000 personnel across 11 states, managed $250M in assets, and directed multilateral operations with NATO, the EU, and Indo-Pacific partners. He supported the last two Department of Defense budget processes, shaped enterprise-wide readiness and talent initiatives, and played a key role in modernizing joint force capabilities across cyber, space, and maritime domains.

Quintin holds a B.S. from the U.S. Naval Academy, an M.A. in Strategic Studies from the Australian National University, an Executive MBA from the Naval Postgraduate School, and is a graduate of the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.

Katerina Megas, NIST

Katerina Megas is Program Manager for the NIST Cybersecurity for Internet of Things (IoT) and the AI and Cybersecurity programs. With a Masters in Information Systems, PMP, and ScrumMaster certifications, she has over 25 years of experience developing and leading technology and corporate strategies for organizations in both the private and public sectors. She has over 25 years of experience working in a wide range of technology areas ranging from organizations' development and execution of technology strategies to achieving their CMMI certification. She loves traveling and appreciates her wonderful colleagues who cover for her at work while she piles her family into a minivan taking road trips across Europe and the U.S. in search of the non-touristy experience.

Mary Butler, Office of Space Commerce

Mary Butler is a cybersecurity expert with 20 years of experience in a variety of cybersecurity positions in both the private and public sectors. She is a leader in cybersecurity with experience running global Information Technology (IT) operations, projects, programs, and networks for both private and public organizations. She formerly worked for the Department of Justice, where she was in charge of creating and implementing the Information Systems Security program, before taking on the position of IT Security Manager at OSC. She handled the creation and execution of the privacy management, architecture, and IT security strategy. She offered regulatory compliance review, assessment tracking and remediation, audit tracking, security authorization services, vulnerability assessment analysis, and supervised the daily operations aimed at reducing the risks to information security and privacy.

Mary earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree and Masters of Aeronautical Science Degree from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. She holds several information technology industry certifications and is the recipient of several awards in recognition of her leadership, management, and technology contributions.