Aerospace continues to be one of the primary sectors driving New Mexico's economy forward. Whether that's through government agencies in the state like the Air Force Research Laboratory, or private companies like Metis Technology Solutions, activity in the aerospace sector has wavered little in its decades-long history in the Land of Enchantment.
Last year, Albuquerque Business First, through its startup and technology-focused outlet New Mexico Inno, compiled its inaugural Who's Who in Aerospace list, full of eight people taking New Mexico to new heights. Now that list is back, with 10 more folks propelling the state's aerospace ecosystem. Included on that list is also one notable name from neighboring El Paso.
From mentoring startups to building coalitions to fostering aerospace education, this year's 10 honorees — including a real power couple — bring a host of unique perspectives and experiences to the aerospace sector in New Mexico. The selection process was purely editorial-based and didn't involve an application or outside judges — the same process as last year.
The interviews were edited for brevity and clarity.
Director, Center for Space and Earth Science, Los Alamos National Laboratory
What's your educational background? B.S., physics, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; M.S., geoscience, University of Nevada-Las Vegas; Ph.D., geology, Arizona State University
How long have you served in your current role? 3 years
How long have you worked with your current company? 4 years
What's your previous work experience? I was at NASA Johnson Space Center. I was there for 15 years prior to coming to Los Alamos. Most recently at NASA I was manager of basic and applied research in research and exploration science.
Can you provide a brief description of what your current job entails? Everything that I do as a Center leader is leading a portfolio of different program elements that all have in common one or more themes of innovation, workforce development, or pipelining. … Space center science encompasses astrophysics and cosmology, heliophysics, planetary science, geophysics, earth systems and climate and bioscience.
What do you consider your biggest career accomplishment? A lot of people really want to leave a legacy. I really do not care about that. What I do care about is people, and I care about every day and over the long term as well, being sure that I have left a scientific legacy that is basically making the world a better place. If I'm having a positive effect and doing something good for the community I serve, that is all I care about.
What are your overall thoughts on New Mexico's aerospace industry? The uniqueness of New Mexico is what is here. We just have unique facilities, we have unique access, we have these national laboratories that do this amazing research and that are technology and innovation generators. And then we have things like Spaceport America, which is a super unique facility. The things that we can do are pretty amazing in terms of access to space.
How do you think Los Alamos National Laboratory fits into the state's aerospace industry? For decades Los Alamos has been a leader in technology development, and it's just not very well-known because of the nature of the work. … We have a lot of different partnerships, we've basically worked with almost every Spaceport America tenant, and we've worked with other companies as well in terms of startups.
Anthony "Tony" Colucci
Director/advisor, Solstar Space Co./NewSpace Nexus Expert Network
What's your educational background? B.S., astrophysics, University of New Mexico; MBA, The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
How long have you served in your current role with NewSpace Nexus? 5 years
How long have you worked with Solstar Space Co.? 1 year
What's your previous work experience? Over 40 years in space and satellites with companies including Rockwell International, Hughes Aircraft Co. and Space Systems Loral. Roles from technical on highly classified programs to commercial business development and strategy, to co-founding and leading startups, to serving as a director and advisor.
Can you provide a brief description of what your current job entails? I work with several New Mexico startups in director and advisory roles to assist them in developing their businesses. All aspects from product/service development, to go-to-market strategy, to raising financing, to strategic partnerships, to human resources and leadership, to back-office support including accounting, recruiting, compensation, etc.
What do you consider your biggest career accomplishment? My effort resulted directly in satellite being included in Australia's National Broadband Network, which brought broadband service to the most remote 3-4% of Australia's population who otherwise would not have broadband service.
What are your thoughts on New Mexico's aerospace industry? New Mexico has a strong aerospace industry that is growing rapidly. From its roots in the national labs here, the industry is now blossoming to include an array of startups in every aspect of deep tech and the new space economy. The ecosystem growing with the industry here is helping accelerate the growth and propel it into the future.
How do you think your work fits into the state's aerospace industry? My role in the New Mexico aerospace industry is to continue to foster startups and enable them to become contributing members of the community, the state and the nation.
Founder/CEO, The Riotmind Agency
What's your educational background? B.A., journalism/mass communications, University of Oklahoma
How long have you served in your current role? 11 years
How long have you worked with your current company? 11 years
What's your previous work experience? Out of college, I helped found the editorial team of an Oklahoma City-based startup that was building a bond market database. … When that startup was acquired by Dow Jones, I found myself writing for one of the most influential wire services in the world. I was eventually recruited to work in the communications department of a powerful bond market lobbying organization, where I translated complex credit market concepts into digestible content and worked with national business press. After that, I transitioned over to the agency side of communications, first at an investor relations firm specializing in taking tech startups public, and then at a global PR/branding firm, MSLGroup, where I led a team that helped Intuit pivot its brand from Silicon valley software enterprise to financial services concern.
Can you provide a brief description of what your current job entails? I develop integrated communications/PR and marketing strategies that advance our clients' business objectives nationally and internationally, and I help strengthen The Riotmind Agency's role as an industry connector.
What do you consider your biggest career accomplishment? The communications and marketing industry is constantly and rapidly evolving. I think my biggest accomplishment, particularly as a small business owner, is having the curiosity, fortitude, creativity and drive to keep pace with these changes at a globally competitive level while tackling sectors that are technically challenging.
What are your overall thoughts on New Mexico's aerospace industry? Technology originating from the labs in New Mexico has always been exciting and the potential for growth because of this innovation pipeline is boundless. There is no doubt New Mexico can play an important role in shaping the longer-term evolution of space's development.
How do you think The Riotmind Agency fits into the state's aerospace industry? Because we engage in the industry at a national and international level, we work to build connective tissue between New Mexico and organizations outside the state. We believe in the unique value the region offers and evangelize that value whenever we can, both to the media and other stakeholders who may be less familiar with the New Mexico ecosystem. Consistently raising the state's growing capabilities in the national consciousness is one of the most critical contributions we can make.
Founder/president, New Mexico Trade Alliance
What's your educational background? BBA, international management, Anderson School of Management, University of New Mexico; MBA, financial management, Anderson School of Management, University of New Mexico
How long have you served in your current role? 12 years
How long have you worked with your current company? 12 years
What's your previous work experience? Director of the Office of Mexican Affairs and Trade, State of New Mexico, Economic Development Department; senior director of International Trade and Economic Development, Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce; international trade specialist, City of Albuquerque, Economic Development Department
Can you provide a brief description of what your current job entails? I oversee all aspects of the organization encompassing two divisions. Space Valley commercial space industry ecosystem development — currently the lead applicant on behalf of the Space Valley Coalition for the inaugural National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines grant competition for which New Mexico/Space Valley is a top 16 finalist … for up to $160 million over 10 years to grow the space industry in Space Valley — and international trade — administer the SBA State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) on behalf of the State of New Mexico providing grants to New Mexico small businesses to help offset international business development expenses as they seek international sales critical to growing the state's economy.
What do you consider your biggest career accomplishment? The creation of the New Mexico Trade Alliance
What are your overall thoughts on New Mexico's aerospace industry? For the first time in our history, a critical and emerging global technology market estimated to reach over $3 trillion by 2040 has presented itself in direct alignment with our R&D, testing and infrastructure assets in the state. This is the commercial space market, and it has the potential to transform our economy and state as we know it.
How do you think the New Mexico Trade Alliance fits into the state's aerospace industry? The commercial space sector is in its nascent phase. … At this critical and delicate phase, it requires intentional economic and workforce development resources, programming and advocacy until it is able to stand on its own.
Intern program coordinator, Universities Space Research Association
What's your educational background? B.A., MBA, Texas A&M University
How long have you served in your current role? Two months
How long have you worked with your current company? Two months
What's your previous work experience? I have been a college professor, small business owner, and most recently, the senior program manager of the Hyperspace Challenge, a space technology partnership accelerator funded by the Air Force Research Laboratory and the U.S. Space Force and run by CNM Ingenuity.
Can you provide a brief description of what your current job entails? I work with the Air Force Research Laboratory STEM Workforce Development Program Team to support the selection, placement and management of AFRL Scholar participants. I facilitate pre-arrival logistics, design enrichment events and deliver professional development activities that help build workforce pathways for students to experience career opportunities at AFRL.
What do you consider your biggest career accomplishment? My husband and I moved to Albuquerque in 2013 to build a small business with the dream of providing our family and our employees a stable, well-paid and fulfilling profession. Our success allowed me to pursue a separate career in 2021. My biggest accomplishment has been sharing my experience, empathy and encouragement with all the entrepreneurs dreaming, struggling and persevering to develop technologies that will change the future; however, my accomplishments are hollow if I don't translate them to stepping stones for others.
What are your overall thoughts on New Mexico's aerospace industry? New Mexico has always played an important role in the aerospace industry and will continue to do so if we work together. We have state-of-the-art laboratories, leading educational institutions and strong economic support organizations. I am encouraged by the conversations and collaborations I see building through initiatives such as the New Mexico Space Valley Coalition. We are finally acknowledging our strengths and addressing our weaknesses. Pulling together, we can build a strong, stable launch pad for established and emerging businesses and professionals.
How do you think the Universities Space Research Association fits into the state's aerospace industry? USRA administers the Air Force Research Laboratory Scholars Program, acting as the key to unlocking the potential of our nation's future by offering outstanding intern experiences and superior customer service. USRA's commitment to developing the STEM workforce through this internship program will create the workforce New Mexico needs to grow the aerospace industry.
Founding director, University of Texas at El Paso Aerospace Center
What's your educational background? M.S., aerospace and mechanical engineering, University of Oklahoma; Ph.D., aerospace and mechanical engineering, University of Oklahoma
How long have you served in your current role? 5 years
How long have you worked with your current company? 22 years
What's your previous work experience? I started the lab that would become the Aerospace Center shortly after I arrived on campus. I had big ambitions, but no funding. … Twenty-two years later, the Aerospace Center has grown into a significant research asset.
Can you provide a brief description of what your current job entails? These days my focus is on strategic leadership and planning and developing strategic relationships … we want our research to spark an economic renaissance in El Paso and the Paso del Norte region. We will do this by fostering a local advanced manufacturing industry that specializes in work for the aerospace and defense industry and training the workforce for that industry in our research labs.
What do you consider your biggest career accomplishment? The students. The Center develops all of its research projects with a unique, student-centered approach. The Aerospace Center employs up to 200 undergraduate and graduate engineering students each year, currently. We hope to triple that number in coming years. We've graduated close to 1,000 of our student researchers and they have found jobs at industry giants like Lockheed Martin, NASA and Blue Origin.
What are your overall thoughts on the West Texas/Southern New Mexico aerospace industry? West Texas and Southern New Mexico have a tremendous and unique set of assets to offer the aerospace industry. But the bulk of aerospace jobs are located outside of our region. I want to change that and make the Paso del Norte region a focal point for the industry.
How do you think the UTEP Aerospace Center fits into the state's aerospace industry? For the past decade, I've been collaborating with my friend and colleague Ryan Wicker, who leads UTEP's W.M. Keck Center for 3D Innovation, on our shared vision for the region. We've been able to assemble a coalition of partner organizations that share this vision of economic growth through STEM education. … I think that our existing track record of productive collaboration was a key element that helped us win Texas' only Build Back Better Regional Challenge grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
Founder/CEO, Metis Technology Solutions
What's your educational background? B.S., geology, Ball State University. M.S., geology, Indiana University. Ph.D., Biogeochemistry, Indiana University
How long have you served in your current role? 12 years
How long have you worked with your current company? Twelve years as owner, founder and CEO of Metis Technology Solutions. Additionally for six years as managing partner of Metis Flight Research Associates LLC and for three years as managing partner of Metis Technology Partners LLC.
What's your previous work experience? Prior to forming Metis in 2011, I held senior management positions at Hughes Applied Information Systems, Raytheon and Booz Allen Hamilton. As a business leader, I've been responsible for organizations of up to 500 technical staff and $60 million in annual contract revenue.
Can you provide a brief description of what your current job entails? Developing growth strategy for Metis, while also maintaining responsibility for and oversight of corporate operations.
What do you consider your biggest career accomplishment? Founding and growing Metis Technology Solutions into a thriving company. Metis began operations in 2011, and currently employs about 150 systems engineers, software engineers and subject matter experts providing aeronautics and space systems development expertise to NASA and the U.S. Space Force.
What are your overall thoughts on New Mexico's aerospace industry? New Mexico's aerospace industry has been energized in recent years with the formation of organizations such as NewSpace Nexus, as well as continued strong foundational participation by our university ecosystem. This certainly benefits the commercial space sector. For more traditional aerospace engineering services companies such as Metis, the state offers a wealth of business opportunities serving local Department of Defense and Department of Energy customers, as well as the benefit of more personalized interaction with local SBA offices and other small business advocates.
How do you think Metis Technology Solutions fits into the state's aerospace industry? As a traditional aerospace engineering services provider, Metis forms partnerships with local universities and other New Mexico-based companies to pursue long-term contracts with NASA and the Department of Defense.
Joseph "Dan" Trujillo
Space Cyber Resiliency lead, Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate
What's your educational background? B.S., aerospace engineering, University of Texas at Arlington
How long have you served in your current role? 3 years
How long have you worked with your current company? 15 years
What's your previous work experience? Worked in the Department of Defense and private sector. For Department of Defense, Lockheed Martin working on the PAC-3 missile, Hughes Aircraft on B2 Stealth Bomber. For private sector, companies like Microsoft, Disney/ABC, Affiliated Computer Services (ACS) and many other Fortune 500 companies in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area as a software consultant.
Can you provide a brief description of what your current job entails? I lead a team of space cyber research scientists and engineers whose job is to secure the nation's space assets from cyber attack. Specifically, to develop and mature technologies for cyber-hardening, detection, recovery and adaptability for space systems. I contribute to shaping policy at the … federal level for space cyber.
What do you consider your biggest career accomplishment? Building the Space Cyber Program at AFRL/RV and leading it into being a nationally recognized center for space cyber research and development.
What are your overall thoughts on New Mexico's aerospace industry? New Mexico can be a big part of the growing space, cyber and space cyber industries. The labs and businesses that support them are strategically situated to take on the nation's future problem sets in industries that will only grow.
How do you think the Air Force Research Laboratory and the Space Vehicles Directorate fit into the state's aerospace industry? AFRL/RV understands the threats and problems our space systems face now and going into the future. We must lead the way and partner with capable New Mexico businesses to solve these problems and protect space.
President, Association of Commercial Space Professionals
What's your educational background? B.S., marketing and international business, Pennsylvania State University; J.D. from Catholic University, Columbus School of Law; executive master's from Thunderbird School of Global Management, global policy and space leadership
How long have you served in your current role? 1 year
How long have you worked with your current company? 1 year
What's your previous work experience? Lawyer at Aegis Space Law. Before that, I founded and started an executive coaching company in New York City and coached for Boston Consulting Group. I previously clerked at the Department of Justice and the Senate Judiciary Committee. I was also on the show 'Charmed' for one episode — an evil twin.
Can you provide a brief description of what your current job entails? My current job as president of ACSP is helping democratize access to space by filling in major gaps in the commercial space industry. … My job at the moment is to fill … gaps through educational efforts like our Space Regulatory Bootcamps. I will continue to lead the effort to support spaceport development and enhancements and usher in new hiring practices.
What do you consider your biggest career accomplishment? Getting ACSP off the ground. We didn't know if there would be a need. Luckily, the New Mexico Trade Alliance and Air Force Research Laboratory were our most prominent advocates. They saw the need for these gaps to be filled and supported us in putting up our first Space Regulatory Bootcamp. … After that, ACSP established itself, almost overnight, as a voice for the next generation of the space industry.
What are your overall thoughts on New Mexico's aerospace industry? The support and direct access we have to the national labs, Air Force research labs and space organizations like Q Station, New Space Nexus and Hyperspace is unparalleled. Additionally, we have a spaceport, we have land and we have a workforce of engineers and scientists that can pour directly into these companies. New Mexico is a hidden gem for aerospace that should be the focus of many more companies in the near future.
How do you think ACSP fits into the state's aerospace industry? We want to continue filling the gaps in infrastructure (physical and workforce) to ensure New Mexico continues its momentum as a leading hub for aerospace. New Mexico and its people are some of the most welcoming, down-to-earth people I've met. They are incredibly generous, hospitable and welcoming.
Director of business development, Spaceport America
What's your educational background? B.A., philosophy and economics, University of Texas at El Paso; M.S., economics, University of Texas at El Paso; Ph.D., economic development, New Mexico State University
How long have you served in your current role? Eight months
How long have you worked with your current company? Eight months
What's your previous work experience? I finished my doctorate in 2015 and got hired at the university on a visiting position for about a year and a half. Then I got a job in Austin working for a community college. I then started working for the City of Las Cruces as an economist in the economic development department for about four years and eight months. I also had a job for Sul Ross State University as a faculty member, once again.
Can you provide a brief description of what your current job entails? The business development section of Spaceport America deals with five major aspects. The first one is being a liaison to the media and other people. Another area is organizing the Spaceport America Cup. Another big, big chunk of the work has to do with aerospace customers, which is the primary aspect of this — how to successfully acquire customers. The fourth one is revenue diversification. And another one of the things on my side is strategic partnerships.
What do you consider your biggest career accomplishment? My biggest career accomplishment is having my current position, because I think this has challenged me to move away from a very specific, niche field — economics — into a position in which I am in the driving seat. It is part of my responsibility to make sure the aerospace industry in New Mexico is successful.
What are your overall thoughts on New Mexico's aerospace industry? One of the best things that New Mexico has in terms of a historical-type advantage is the fact that New Mexico has historically built up a workforce that is knowledgeable about the aerospace industry. There's a long history in New Mexico about having engineers and scientists that have the know-how of how to deal with aerospace. That's just one of those key things that you don't find everywhere.
How do you think Spaceport America fits into the state's aerospace industry? Spaceport America is recognized, at least on the industry side, as one of the areas in which you can actually do activities. You can actually launch here; we have launched multiple things into space. Our location offers us those advantages. We have a runway from which horizontal vehicles can take off. We're working on developing more infrastructure with the rail coming up. Besides having the know-how, besides having the airspace, we have the infrastructure.
