Board of Directors Our Governing Body
Colonel William A. Woolf, USAF (Ret.)
Colonel William A. “Bill” Woolf, USAF (Ret.), is a distinguished retired U.S. Air Force officer with over 24 years of service, renowned for his leadership in space and nuclear operations.
Military Career and Expertise
Col. Woolf’s career encompassed pivotal roles in space operations, nuclear command and control, and technical program management. He held key positions in operations, staff leadership, and technical program management, with extensive experience in advanced space programs and Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2). A graduate of the United States Air Force Weapons School, he is recognized for his expertise in space and multi-domain operations.
Colonel William A. Woolf, USAF (Ret.) Founder, Advisor, Board Secretary
Matt Domo
Matt is a technology futurist, speaker, author, and expert in digital transformation, known for his focus on using cutting-edge technology to unlock potential and drive meaningful change. He co-founded Amazon Web Services and has worked closely with influential tech leaders, including Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates, pioneering advancements in AI and cloud computing. As the CEO of FifthVantage, Matt helps major organizations become “future-ready” by implementing high-impact AI solutions that quickly deliver ROI. His unique approach emphasizes practical, efficient strategies over traditional consulting, with a focus on solving complex problems and driving growth through digital transformation.
Matt’s expertise and contributions to technology have earned him multiple accolades, including being named one of the “Top 5 Visionary Entrepreneurs of 2024” by USA Today and a “Global Icon of 2023” by Passion Vista Magazine. He leads a team dubbed “The Avengers of AI,” composed of industry veterans from AWS, Microsoft, and HP, who provide advanced tech solutions to clients like HP, the U.S. Space Force, and the United Nations. Recognized as a leading voice in AI and digital transformation, Matt is also a regular contributor to Fast Company, Newsweek, Entrepreneur, and USA Today, sharing insights that guide organizations in effectively adopting emerging technologies.
Matt Domo Chairman
Shawn Barnes
Mr. Shawn Barnes has served his nation for over forty years. He began his career with the Department of Agriculture at Plum Island Animal Disease Laboratory where he helped protect the nation’s livestock from exotic viruses like swine flu and hoof and mouth disease. He served in the United States Air Force from 1985 to 2013, where he helped stand up the nation’s first Space Numbered Air Force, designed the future Space Domain Awareness architecture, commanded the 12th Space Warning Squadron and the 595th Space Group, led the DoD’s effort to write President George W. Bush’s National Space Policy, and drove international agreements with the United Kingdom and Australia to field critical strategic missile warning capabilities. In 2014, Shawn was selected to the Senior Executive Service. In this capacity he developed the Air Force’s thirty-year resource allocation plan, helped lead the Department’s Legislative Liaison office, stood up and led the Air Staff’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Space Operations, was instrumental in the inception and formation of the United States Space Force, performed the duties of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration, and advocated for the Air Force and Space Force fiscal year 2023, 2024, and 2025 budgets to Congress as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force, Congressional Budget and Appropriations Liaison.
He is currently the owner and founder of Polaris Strategic Solutions, helping industry navigate the national security ecosystem.
Colonel Shawn Barnes, USAF (Ret.) Vice Chairman
Laurence Alpert
Laurence Alpert has served for 20-plus years in senior finance and business management roles for government contractors providing satellite and defense services to the Department of War, NASA and government, military and commercial organizations globally. His principal work was with Intelsat and then its government division as its CFO post-privatization and Telesat. He has worked the business side of ensuring compatibility and security in government and commercial use of satcom and defense applications, including GEO, MEO and LEO satellite configurations. He also served in senior finance and regulatory positions within the telecom industry.
Laurence also served as Treasurer and Board Chair for the Nobel Prize winning non-governmental organization, the Mines Advisory Group in the U.S.(MAG), which has as its core mission to clear mines and small arms ammunition in war-conflicted countries.
Laurence holds an MBA in finance from the Stern School and a BA in economics from Colgate University.
Laurence Alpert Treasurer
Lang Eric Sundby
Eric is the Co-Founder and CEO of TerraSpace and a Co-Founder and Partner at BTX Defense; companies that focus on building next-generation technologies for mineral exploration, and advanced optics for sporting and defense, respectively.
He previously served as the Executive Director of the Space Force Association, during which he led initiatives to create a Congressional Space Force Caucus, fostering bipartisan support for the newest U.S. military branch, led efforts to launch SFA’s national Spacepower Conference, and created advocacy programs in higher education, e-sports, and the wider space industry.
He holds a BA in Economics from the University of Oklahoma, an MSc in Global Security from the University of Glasgow, a Master of Global Management from Arizona State University, and a PhD in Aerospace Sciences from the University of North Dakota.
He is a Maritime Space Officer in the United States Navy Reserve.
Lang Eric Sundby Director
Heidi Grant
Heidi Grant serves as Vice President of Defense Global Growth & Engagement for Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS), and as a strategic advisor to ensure strong relationships and strategic communications with key stakeholders. Prior to this, Heidi was president of Business Development, where she led a team of nearly 500 people in 25 states and 16 countries representing the company’s defense, space and government services portfolios.
Previously, Heidi served as director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), and prior to that, she was director of Defense Technology Security Administration (DTSA). From 2010 through 2018, Heidi served as deputy undersecretary of the Air Force, International Affairs, providing oversight and guidance for international policy and for programs supporting global national security objectives, technology and information disclosure, security assistance, education and training, and cooperative research and development.
Heidi has a Bachelor of Science in business from Pfeiffer University and a Master of Public Administration in financial management from Troy State University.
Heidi Grant Director
Lt. Gen. Bill Liquori, USSF (Ret.)
Lieutenant General Bill Liquori retired in 2022 after a distinguished 30-year career in the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Space Force. As the Space Force’s first Chief Strategy and Resourcing Officer, he played a vital role in defining and implementing the strategic direction of the nation’s newest military branch, overseeing strategy development, wargame synchronization, and the integration of defense space requirements. His contributions included developing the Space Force’s international engagement strategy and establishing key policy links with agencies such as the National Security Council and National Space Council. Under his leadership, the Space Force’s budget grew significantly, underscoring his role in strengthening the branch’s strategic and operational foundation.
Lt. Gen. Liquori holds a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science from Boston University, where he graduated cum laude in 1991. He went on to earn three master’s degrees: in Computer Resources and Information Management from Webster University, in Airpower Art & Science and Air & Space Power Strategy from Air University, and in Strategic Studies from Marine Corps University. He has also completed executive development programs, including MIT’s Seminar XXI, the Leadership at the Peak program, and the Enterprise Leadership Seminar at UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School. Following his retirement from military service, he founded Polaris Strategic Insight, LLC, through which he provides expertise and mentorship to aerospace organizations and holds board positions with key aerospace and defense entities, contributing to the future of space strategy and security.
Lt. Gen. Bill Liquori, USSF (Ret.) Director
Matt Magaña
Matt Magaña, President of Defense & National Security at Voyager, is a veteran aerospace executive with extensive experience across the commercial, defense, and national security sectors. He has led strategic growth and innovation in critical domains including space, nuclear defense, air dominance, and electronic warfare. With a strong track record at Raytheon and Blue Canyon Technologies, Matt brings a unique blend of technical expertise and business leadership to the evolving defense landscape. As a member of the USSFA Board of Directors, he helps drive collaboration and innovation to support the Space Force and the broader space community.
Matt Magaña Director
CMSSF Roger A Towberman, USSF (Ret.)
Roger Towberman served as the first Chief Master Sergeant of the United States Space Force, becoming the service’s first enlisted member and playing a foundational role in its creation. With more than 30 years of military service and 19 deployments, he brought deep operational expertise and a passion for service to the role. Renowned for his dynamic speaking and powerful advocacy, he was instrumental in shaping the culture, change, and organizational design of the Space Force. As a member of the USSFA Board of Directors, he continues to support the development of the service and its people
