Steering Committee

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.

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.

Carolyn Pace, Office of Space Commerce

Carolyn Pace is the Executive Officer in the Office of Space Commerce. She previously worked as a policy analyst in the Office of Industrial Base Policy at the Department of Defense and as a Program Analyst in the Office of Space Affairs at the Department of State. During her time at the State Department, Carolyn focused on civil and military space-related policy issues, including negotiating and finalizing international space agreements and engaging with the U.S. commercial space industry. Her responsibilities involved coordinating various perspectives on civil, commercial, and national security issues, such as export controls, nonproliferation, and arms control related to space activities. Before her work at the State Department, Carolyn was a part of the Business Development team at Astrobotic Technology Inc., a private American company dedicated to developing space robotics technology for lunar and planetary missions. Carolyn holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Hollins University, with a concentration in science and technology and a minor in Film Studies.

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.

Kristin Nicholson, Red Hat

As a dedicated Revenue Marketing Manager at Red Hat, Kristin has a proven track record of developing and implementing high-impact marketing initiatives within the technology sector. Her expertise centers on crafting data-driven campaigns to generate pipeline and accelerate sales within the public sector.

Justin Tchabo, Red Hat

Justin Tchabo has spent his career helping U.S. federal agencies and system integrators modernize mission-critical IT environments by adopting cloud, open-source technologies, and secure digital platforms. With deep experience working across highly regulated public sector organizations, he brings a practical understanding of how to align emerging technologies with real-world mission outcomes.

During his tenure at Red Hat, Justin has driven the adoption of key technologies including hybrid cloud infrastructure, automation, and enterprise open-source platforms—supporting initiatives ranging from application modernization to improving operational resilience and security posture.

Justin brings over a decade of mission oriented perspective to discussions around AI, cybersecurity, and digital transformation, grounded in hands-on experience helping federal customers operationalize technology at scale.

Justin has a BS degree in Business Administration from George Mason University.