Mike Greenley
MDA
Chief Executive Officer
Mike Greenley is the Chief Executive Officer of MDA. Founded in 1969, MDA is an international space mission partner and a robotics, satellite systems and geointelligence pioneer with a 50 year story of firsts on and above the Earth. MDA is a publically traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange that is headquartered in Canada.
Mr. Greenley oversees more than 2,700 employees across Canada at locations including Brampton, Kanata and Nepean, ON; Richmond, BC; Montreal, QC; and Halifax, NS; as well as the company’s operations in Houston, TX, and the United Kingdom.
Before joining MDA in early 2018, Mr. Greenley was Sector President of L-3 WESCAM, a provider of systems for defence, homeland security and law enforcement. From 2013 to 2016, he served as Vice President and General Manager of CAE Canada, supporting defence and security markets. From 2008 to 2013 he served first as Vice President, Strategy and Business Development for General Dynamics (GD) Canada, then as Vice President, International for GD Mission Systems. From 2004 to 2008, he was Vice President of the modeling and simulation business at CAE. Mr. Greenley has over 25 years of experience in the defence and security business, with broad experience serving the Land, Air, Maritime, Joint, and Public Safety sectors.
Mr. Greenley is the Chair of Space Canada and recently served as the Vice-Chair of the Government of Canada’s Economic Strategy Table for Advanced Manufacturing. He served as Chairman of the Board of the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI) for six years, and as a Board Member of the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC) and the Ontario Aerospace Council. He was previously Chairman of the Advisory Board for Defence and Security Export to the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) in Canada, and was a member of the Industry Advisory Boards to Department of National Defence, Defence R&D Canada, Public Services and Procurement Canada, and the CEO of the Export Development Canada (EDC).
Mr. Greenley has been recognized for his business and community leadership as an Ottawa Top 40 under 40 business leader, a PROFIT 100 CEO for leading one of Canada’s fastest growing companies for three years running, and as a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for service to peers and country in the defence sector.
MDA
Chief Executive Officer
Mike Greenley is the Chief Executive Officer of MDA. Founded in 1969, MDA is an international space mission partner and a robotics, satellite systems and geointelligence pioneer with a 50 year story of firsts on and above the Earth. MDA is a publically traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange that is headquartered in Canada.
Mr. Greenley oversees more than 2,700 employees across Canada at locations including Brampton, Kanata and Nepean, ON; Richmond, BC; Montreal, QC; and Halifax, NS; as well as the company’s operations in Houston, TX, and the United Kingdom.
Before joining MDA in early 2018, Mr. Greenley was Sector President of L-3 WESCAM, a provider of systems for defence, homeland security and law enforcement. From 2013 to 2016, he served as Vice President and General Manager of CAE Canada, supporting defence and security markets. From 2008 to 2013 he served first as Vice President, Strategy and Business Development for General Dynamics (GD) Canada, then as Vice President, International for GD Mission Systems. From 2004 to 2008, he was Vice President of the modeling and simulation business at CAE. Mr. Greenley has over 25 years of experience in the defence and security business, with broad experience serving the Land, Air, Maritime, Joint, and Public Safety sectors.
Mr. Greenley is the Chair of Space Canada and recently served as the Vice-Chair of the Government of Canada’s Economic Strategy Table for Advanced Manufacturing. He served as Chairman of the Board of the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI) for six years, and as a Board Member of the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC) and the Ontario Aerospace Council. He was previously Chairman of the Advisory Board for Defence and Security Export to the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) in Canada, and was a member of the Industry Advisory Boards to Department of National Defence, Defence R&D Canada, Public Services and Procurement Canada, and the CEO of the Export Development Canada (EDC).
Mr. Greenley has been recognized for his business and community leadership as an Ottawa Top 40 under 40 business leader, a PROFIT 100 CEO for leading one of Canada’s fastest growing companies for three years running, and as a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for service to peers and country in the defence sector.
Minda Suchan, Ph.D
MDA
Vice President of Geointelligence
Minda Suchan, Ph.D. is a currently the Vice President of Geointelligence at MDA, where she is responsible for the Geointelligence business area focused on geospatial systems, services, and analytics, primarily based in the Richmond BC and Halifax NS facilities. Dr. Suchan has extensive leadership background in the US defence and intelligence community with experience in business execution and operations, strategy and business development, acquisition integration, engineering management, and technology portfolio investments, while leveraging innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence.
Dr. Suchan is a long-time advocate for women in technology, and has a number of professional
affiliations, including her prior work with the Raytheon El Segundo Women’s Network. She served as a co-chair for the Women in Aerospace (WIA) Conference, and both a member of Women in Technology (WIT) and Women in Defense (WID). Dr. Suchan is also on the board of trustees for St. Catherine University, focused on advanced education for women. Dr. Suchan earned a B.A. in Mathematics and Chemistry from the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, MN, followed by a Ph.D. in Chemical Physics at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA.
MDA
Vice President of Geointelligence
Minda Suchan, Ph.D. is a currently the Vice President of Geointelligence at MDA, where she is responsible for the Geointelligence business area focused on geospatial systems, services, and analytics, primarily based in the Richmond BC and Halifax NS facilities. Dr. Suchan has extensive leadership background in the US defence and intelligence community with experience in business execution and operations, strategy and business development, acquisition integration, engineering management, and technology portfolio investments, while leveraging innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence.
Dr. Suchan is a long-time advocate for women in technology, and has a number of professional
affiliations, including her prior work with the Raytheon El Segundo Women’s Network. She served as a co-chair for the Women in Aerospace (WIA) Conference, and both a member of Women in Technology (WIT) and Women in Defense (WID). Dr. Suchan is also on the board of trustees for St. Catherine University, focused on advanced education for women. Dr. Suchan earned a B.A. in Mathematics and Chemistry from the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, MN, followed by a Ph.D. in Chemical Physics at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA.
David Valdez
ICEYE
Director of Product
As the Director of Product at ICEYE U.S., Dave Valdez is responsible for the development and enhancement of the product line to meet the remote sensing needs of current customers and attract future customers with anticipated demands. He joined ICEYE U.S. in 2022 during a period of significant corporate expansion in both the U.S. and Finland, where several new Synthetic Aperture Radar small satellites were placed in orbit.
Before joining ICEYE U.S., Dave Valdez accumulated over 15 years of experience as a Department of Defense civilian employee at the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA). During his tenure at NGA, he held various positions within the Innovision and Research directorate. Most notably, Dave oversaw initiatives in machine learning, large-scale GEOINT processing, and data curation related to SAR efforts.
ICEYE
Director of Product
As the Director of Product at ICEYE U.S., Dave Valdez is responsible for the development and enhancement of the product line to meet the remote sensing needs of current customers and attract future customers with anticipated demands. He joined ICEYE U.S. in 2022 during a period of significant corporate expansion in both the U.S. and Finland, where several new Synthetic Aperture Radar small satellites were placed in orbit.
Before joining ICEYE U.S., Dave Valdez accumulated over 15 years of experience as a Department of Defense civilian employee at the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA). During his tenure at NGA, he held various positions within the Innovision and Research directorate. Most notably, Dave oversaw initiatives in machine learning, large-scale GEOINT processing, and data curation related to SAR efforts.
Brian Plesnarski
Amazon Web Services
Sr. Business Development Mgr
Brian Plesnarski is a senior satellite communications professional that is responsible for global business development within the Aerospace and Satellite Solutions business unit. Over the past fifteen years, he has worked within the satellite communications industry as an engineer and business leader. During this time, Brian designed and built antenna systems on all seven continents. He then found his true passion in business development where he helps customers realize their operational and business needs. For the past four and a half years, Brian worked for AWS as both a senior product manager for AWS Ground Station and as a technical business development manager. He is passionate in supporting the satellite industry as it leverages the AWS cloud to enable missions over the next decade.
Amazon Web Services
Sr. Business Development Mgr
Brian Plesnarski is a senior satellite communications professional that is responsible for global business development within the Aerospace and Satellite Solutions business unit. Over the past fifteen years, he has worked within the satellite communications industry as an engineer and business leader. During this time, Brian designed and built antenna systems on all seven continents. He then found his true passion in business development where he helps customers realize their operational and business needs. For the past four and a half years, Brian worked for AWS as both a senior product manager for AWS Ground Station and as a technical business development manager. He is passionate in supporting the satellite industry as it leverages the AWS cloud to enable missions over the next decade.
Commander Lawrence M. Moraal
Canadian Armed Forces
RCN lead RIMPAC Planner
Commander Lawrence (Larry) Moraal was born July 30, 1966 in Windsor Ontario and spent his youth in Essex County. While in his second year at the University of Western Ontario (UWO) he enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces under the Regular Officer Training Program (ROTP). After graduating from UWO with a BA in the spring of 1988 he commenced MARS training at HMCS Venture, which he completed in 1989. As a new graduate from Venture he joined HMCS Huron and earned his BWK in the spring of 1990. When the Huron retuned to Canada after OP FRICTION in the Persian Gulf, Cdr Moraal left the regular forces and joined the Naval Reserve in London Ontario in 1992 in order to pursue a career in the civilian sector.
Shortly after returning to London he began working with General Motors Electro Motive Division where he managed the final assemble of Locomotives. At the same time Cdr Moraal pursued his civilian career he continued to advance his naval career at HMCS Prevost in London by completing his Command Exams, qualifying as a Ship’s Team Diver (STD), Fleet Navigating Officer (FNO) and Coastal Operations Officer.
After General Motors sold its facilities in London, Cdr Moraal returned to the navy full time and moved to Esquimalt BC where he became the Operations Officer for HMCSs Brandon, Yellowknife and Saskatoon. Three years later in 2009 he was appointed as Executive Officer of HMCS Brandon where he successfully challenged the Command Part 2 Board. After 2 more years as Executive Officer in HMCS Edmonton he was assigned command of HMCS Saskatoon on September 6, 2012. After a hull transfer in September of 2013 he became the Commanding Officer of HMCS Brandon where he completed his Joint Command and Staff Course in 2014. After his command tour he worked as the West Coast Mine Warfare Officer at Coastal Division for a year, concurrently completing a Masters of Defence Studies before being post to NORAD on 1 August 2016. After three amazing years in Colorado, Cdr Moraal returned to Esquimalt to work as Officer in Charge of Patrol Vessel Sea Training Pacific for one year before taking on responsibilities of the Coast Forces Commander (CCF). In early 2022 he deployed to Op NEON in Japan as the Deputy Director of the Enforcement Coordination Cell, then returned as CCF in September 2022. Cdr Moraal now works as the RCN lead RIMPAC Planner.
Cdr Moraal, his amazing wife Rebecca and energetic daughter Addison share their lives with their German Shepard, Harley and Horse Jaxon. When not spending time with their animals they enjoy hiking, trail riding, camping and travelling to visit family and friends
Canadian Armed Forces
RCN lead RIMPAC Planner
Commander Lawrence (Larry) Moraal was born July 30, 1966 in Windsor Ontario and spent his youth in Essex County. While in his second year at the University of Western Ontario (UWO) he enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces under the Regular Officer Training Program (ROTP). After graduating from UWO with a BA in the spring of 1988 he commenced MARS training at HMCS Venture, which he completed in 1989. As a new graduate from Venture he joined HMCS Huron and earned his BWK in the spring of 1990. When the Huron retuned to Canada after OP FRICTION in the Persian Gulf, Cdr Moraal left the regular forces and joined the Naval Reserve in London Ontario in 1992 in order to pursue a career in the civilian sector.
Shortly after returning to London he began working with General Motors Electro Motive Division where he managed the final assemble of Locomotives. At the same time Cdr Moraal pursued his civilian career he continued to advance his naval career at HMCS Prevost in London by completing his Command Exams, qualifying as a Ship’s Team Diver (STD), Fleet Navigating Officer (FNO) and Coastal Operations Officer.
After General Motors sold its facilities in London, Cdr Moraal returned to the navy full time and moved to Esquimalt BC where he became the Operations Officer for HMCSs Brandon, Yellowknife and Saskatoon. Three years later in 2009 he was appointed as Executive Officer of HMCS Brandon where he successfully challenged the Command Part 2 Board. After 2 more years as Executive Officer in HMCS Edmonton he was assigned command of HMCS Saskatoon on September 6, 2012. After a hull transfer in September of 2013 he became the Commanding Officer of HMCS Brandon where he completed his Joint Command and Staff Course in 2014. After his command tour he worked as the West Coast Mine Warfare Officer at Coastal Division for a year, concurrently completing a Masters of Defence Studies before being post to NORAD on 1 August 2016. After three amazing years in Colorado, Cdr Moraal returned to Esquimalt to work as Officer in Charge of Patrol Vessel Sea Training Pacific for one year before taking on responsibilities of the Coast Forces Commander (CCF). In early 2022 he deployed to Op NEON in Japan as the Deputy Director of the Enforcement Coordination Cell, then returned as CCF in September 2022. Cdr Moraal now works as the RCN lead RIMPAC Planner.
Cdr Moraal, his amazing wife Rebecca and energetic daughter Addison share their lives with their German Shepard, Harley and Horse Jaxon. When not spending time with their animals they enjoy hiking, trail riding, camping and travelling to visit family and friends
MARTIN L. TAILLEFER
Canadian Forces Intelligence Command & Directorate of Meteorology and Oceanography
Chief Oceanographer
Martin (Marty) Taillefer was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec. He graduated from the Royal Roads Military College in 1987 with a B.Sc. in Physics and Oceanography and began his 20-year career in the Royal Canadian Navy. He served aboard several Canadian and American Warships - specializing in Underwater Warfare. In 1991 he was the first ASW Director aboard HMCS Annapolis to deploy with the new CANTASS (towed array system). In 1995, he was selected for post-graduate studies at the University of Victoria earning a M.Sc. in Ocean Acoustics. In 1997, he was appointed as the Pacific Fleet Oceanographer - specializing in environmental analysis for Anti-Submarine Warfare.
In 2001, he retired from the RCN and began working at General Dynamics (GD) Canada as a Systems Engineer. He coordinated and supported the installation of sonar suite aboard the Swedish Navy Göteborg Corvette class vessel, at the Muskö Naval Base, a Swedish underground naval facility on the island of Muskö, south of Stockholm. In 2006, transferred to the Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) as a Senior Policy and Oceanographer Advisor. His portfolios were varied, mainly devoted to ocean modelling and space-based Remote Sensing. He was a member of the RADARSAT-II technical advisory board prior to the 2008 launch. He was also a member of the Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel (OOSV) project management team for its scientific design concepts.
In 2010, he stood up a new oceanography and ocean acoustics company. By 2014, Maritime Way Scientific was recognized by the US Dept. of the Interior and the Bureau of Ocean and Energy Management (BOEM) as a top acoustic company in North America. In the same year, Marty was invited by CTV News to comment on the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, that disappeared over the Indian Ocean. For a period of two months, he provided oceanography and ocean acoustics insight and expertise to the Canadian public on the difficulties of finding aircraft debris in a hostile and vast ocean environment. In 2015 he supported the US Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop a detection system to interdict Narco-Subs off the coast of Columbia and Central America. Finally, his work at Maritime Way culminated with the sale of a Tactical Decision Aid (TDA) in underwater acoustic to Lockheed Martin Canada in 2020.
In 2021, Marty re-joined DND as the Senior Data Analysts and Special Projects officer at the Canadian Forces Maritime Experimental and Test Ranges (CFMETR) and effective in October 2023, accepted a new appointment at the Directorate of Meteorology and Oceanography (CFINTCOM) as the Chief Oceanographer.
Finally, Martin has been actively involved with the Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society (CMOS) since 2006, serving for three years as Chair of the Ottawa CMOS Centre and was National President in 2016-17.
Canadian Forces Intelligence Command & Directorate of Meteorology and Oceanography
Chief Oceanographer
Martin (Marty) Taillefer was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec. He graduated from the Royal Roads Military College in 1987 with a B.Sc. in Physics and Oceanography and began his 20-year career in the Royal Canadian Navy. He served aboard several Canadian and American Warships - specializing in Underwater Warfare. In 1991 he was the first ASW Director aboard HMCS Annapolis to deploy with the new CANTASS (towed array system). In 1995, he was selected for post-graduate studies at the University of Victoria earning a M.Sc. in Ocean Acoustics. In 1997, he was appointed as the Pacific Fleet Oceanographer - specializing in environmental analysis for Anti-Submarine Warfare.
In 2001, he retired from the RCN and began working at General Dynamics (GD) Canada as a Systems Engineer. He coordinated and supported the installation of sonar suite aboard the Swedish Navy Göteborg Corvette class vessel, at the Muskö Naval Base, a Swedish underground naval facility on the island of Muskö, south of Stockholm. In 2006, transferred to the Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) as a Senior Policy and Oceanographer Advisor. His portfolios were varied, mainly devoted to ocean modelling and space-based Remote Sensing. He was a member of the RADARSAT-II technical advisory board prior to the 2008 launch. He was also a member of the Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel (OOSV) project management team for its scientific design concepts.
In 2010, he stood up a new oceanography and ocean acoustics company. By 2014, Maritime Way Scientific was recognized by the US Dept. of the Interior and the Bureau of Ocean and Energy Management (BOEM) as a top acoustic company in North America. In the same year, Marty was invited by CTV News to comment on the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, that disappeared over the Indian Ocean. For a period of two months, he provided oceanography and ocean acoustics insight and expertise to the Canadian public on the difficulties of finding aircraft debris in a hostile and vast ocean environment. In 2015 he supported the US Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop a detection system to interdict Narco-Subs off the coast of Columbia and Central America. Finally, his work at Maritime Way culminated with the sale of a Tactical Decision Aid (TDA) in underwater acoustic to Lockheed Martin Canada in 2020.
In 2021, Marty re-joined DND as the Senior Data Analysts and Special Projects officer at the Canadian Forces Maritime Experimental and Test Ranges (CFMETR) and effective in October 2023, accepted a new appointment at the Directorate of Meteorology and Oceanography (CFINTCOM) as the Chief Oceanographer.
Finally, Martin has been actively involved with the Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society (CMOS) since 2006, serving for three years as Chair of the Ottawa CMOS Centre and was National President in 2016-17.
Sean Wheeler
Department of Fisheries & Oceans
Chief of International Enforcement
Sean Wheeler joined Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) as Chief of International Enforcement for Conservation and Protection, Canada’s law enforcement arm for fisheries.
Sean’s team manages enforcement operations targeting the issue of Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported fishing globally, including managing Canada’s remote sensing program – the Dark Vessel Detection platform, participation in several Regional Fisheries Management Organization negotiations, high seas enforcement operations, and support to developing states.
Prior to DFO, Sean spent ten years with Canada’s federal police (RCMP) coordinating the RCMP’s marine security efforts in the Pacific. He was the Project Manager for the design and implementation on of a number of technology programs which support Canada and US law enforcement operations and maritime domain awareness.
Department of Fisheries & Oceans
Chief of International Enforcement
Sean Wheeler joined Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) as Chief of International Enforcement for Conservation and Protection, Canada’s law enforcement arm for fisheries.
Sean’s team manages enforcement operations targeting the issue of Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported fishing globally, including managing Canada’s remote sensing program – the Dark Vessel Detection platform, participation in several Regional Fisheries Management Organization negotiations, high seas enforcement operations, and support to developing states.
Prior to DFO, Sean spent ten years with Canada’s federal police (RCMP) coordinating the RCMP’s marine security efforts in the Pacific. He was the Project Manager for the design and implementation on of a number of technology programs which support Canada and US law enforcement operations and maritime domain awareness.
Beau Legeer
ESRI
Director of Imagery and Remote Sensing
Beau Legeer is the Director of the Imagery and Remote Sensing GBD team at Esri. His team works closely with partners and customers on their imagery data and analytics needs. He has over 25 years of experience working with commercial and government customers to solve problems using remotely sensed data and analytics. He specializes in solutions that enrich GIS using Imagery and Remote Sensing data sources using Artificial Intelligence and Image Science. Beau enjoys working closely with customers to create solutions that bring together data sources, software and analysis to deliver insights from imagery that drive business value.
ESRI
Director of Imagery and Remote Sensing
Beau Legeer is the Director of the Imagery and Remote Sensing GBD team at Esri. His team works closely with partners and customers on their imagery data and analytics needs. He has over 25 years of experience working with commercial and government customers to solve problems using remotely sensed data and analytics. He specializes in solutions that enrich GIS using Imagery and Remote Sensing data sources using Artificial Intelligence and Image Science. Beau enjoys working closely with customers to create solutions that bring together data sources, software and analysis to deliver insights from imagery that drive business value.
Nathan De Ruiter
Euroconsult
Managing Director
Nathan de Ruiter is the Managing Director of Euroconsult Canada. Since joining Euroconsult in 2011, he has advised a wide range of Canadian and international clients including satellite operators, manufacturers, equipment providers, service providers and government agencies, private equity and financial institutions.
Nathan plays an integral role in contributing to the successful execution of client engagements through the development of project management, quality assurance and professional consulting and research methodologies. Over the last 10 years, Nathan has managed and contributed to more than 100 consulting missions including Harris Corporation, Kymeta, MDA, Carlyle Group, KKR, Ex-Im Bank, Export Development Canada, and the Canadian Space Agency. His speciality lies in commercial due diligence, market analysis, financial forecasting and strategic planning.
Euroconsult
Managing Director
Nathan de Ruiter is the Managing Director of Euroconsult Canada. Since joining Euroconsult in 2011, he has advised a wide range of Canadian and international clients including satellite operators, manufacturers, equipment providers, service providers and government agencies, private equity and financial institutions.
Nathan plays an integral role in contributing to the successful execution of client engagements through the development of project management, quality assurance and professional consulting and research methodologies. Over the last 10 years, Nathan has managed and contributed to more than 100 consulting missions including Harris Corporation, Kymeta, MDA, Carlyle Group, KKR, Ex-Im Bank, Export Development Canada, and the Canadian Space Agency. His speciality lies in commercial due diligence, market analysis, financial forecasting and strategic planning.
Paul Whitaker
Global Fishing Watch
Director Business Development
Paul Whitaker is a director of business development at Global Fishing Watch with expertise in maritime remote sensing. Paul has worked in earth observation for over a decade, using satellites to detect oil spills, monitor ice movements, and identify dark vessels at sea. He has developed and sold a wide variety of satellite services around the world, always focusing on marine applications with a positive environmental impact. Paul’s work in addressing illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing has included projects with governments, NGOs, and the private sector on all seven continents. His expertise is in applications of synthetic aperture radar and optical satellite imagery, but he has also joined active IUU patrols in places like The Gambia and Gabon.
Paul has been leading GFW’s data acquisition and technology partnership efforts as well as the commercialization of select data streams in aligned channels. He spent ten years at Kongsberg Satellite Services as a Director of Sales and then Director of Strategy for their earth observation services business prior to joining GFW two years ago. Paul holds an M.S. in hydrology from the University of Arizona, an M.B.A. from Babson College, and a B.S. in environmental geology from The Colorado College.
Global Fishing Watch
Director Business Development
Paul Whitaker is a director of business development at Global Fishing Watch with expertise in maritime remote sensing. Paul has worked in earth observation for over a decade, using satellites to detect oil spills, monitor ice movements, and identify dark vessels at sea. He has developed and sold a wide variety of satellite services around the world, always focusing on marine applications with a positive environmental impact. Paul’s work in addressing illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing has included projects with governments, NGOs, and the private sector on all seven continents. His expertise is in applications of synthetic aperture radar and optical satellite imagery, but he has also joined active IUU patrols in places like The Gambia and Gabon.
Paul has been leading GFW’s data acquisition and technology partnership efforts as well as the commercialization of select data streams in aligned channels. He spent ten years at Kongsberg Satellite Services as a Director of Sales and then Director of Strategy for their earth observation services business prior to joining GFW two years ago. Paul holds an M.S. in hydrology from the University of Arizona, an M.B.A. from Babson College, and a B.S. in environmental geology from The Colorado College.
Alex Fox
HawkEye 360, Inc.
Chief Growth Officer
Alex is responsible for leading HawkEye 360’s Business Development, Sales, and Marketing organization reporting to the CEO. He has over 30 years’ experience breaking new ground in how people benefit from emerging technology.
Prior to joining HawkEye, Alex held executive positions at Harris, IBM, DigitalGlobe, and Northrop Grumman in business development, operations, and engineering. Alex holds a Master of Science degree in Computer Science from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Information and Computer Science from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Alex serves on the Georgia Tech College of Computing Advisor Board.
HawkEye 360, Inc.
Chief Growth Officer
Alex is responsible for leading HawkEye 360’s Business Development, Sales, and Marketing organization reporting to the CEO. He has over 30 years’ experience breaking new ground in how people benefit from emerging technology.
Prior to joining HawkEye, Alex held executive positions at Harris, IBM, DigitalGlobe, and Northrop Grumman in business development, operations, and engineering. Alex holds a Master of Science degree in Computer Science from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Information and Computer Science from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Alex serves on the Georgia Tech College of Computing Advisor Board.
John Heskett
KSAT
CTO
John Heskett currently serves as the Chief Technology Officer for KSAT. John has 20 years’ experience developing algorithms and system solutions for Space to Ground communications links and satellite ground stations. John specializes in Modem and Signal Processing design but also has experience with ground processing and data transport solutions for both TT&C and Mission Data links. As CTO, John has led KSAT’s digital transformation to a cloud centric ground station network and EO processing platform. John has a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Electrical and Systems Engineering respectively.
KSAT
CTO
John Heskett currently serves as the Chief Technology Officer for KSAT. John has 20 years’ experience developing algorithms and system solutions for Space to Ground communications links and satellite ground stations. John specializes in Modem and Signal Processing design but also has experience with ground processing and data transport solutions for both TT&C and Mission Data links. As CTO, John has led KSAT’s digital transformation to a cloud centric ground station network and EO processing platform. John has a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Electrical and Systems Engineering respectively.
Michel Dionne
MDA
Business Development professional with International Business, Aerospace, Systems Engineering, and Systems Design experience.
Michel is an experienced sales professional with a strong technical background with over two decades of work at MDA on multiple SAR and Optical imagery programs.
Michel now leads the Maritime Insights program, MDA’s latest offering in Maritime Domain Awareness. Maritime Insights provides Multi-Source/Sensor Agnostic layered surveillance and analytics that empowers users to persistently detect, track, classify and identify vessels of interest in real-time.
An outdoor enthusiast living in the Vancouver, British Columbia area, Michel is pleased to be part of this MDA program and help change our world, for the better.
MDA
Business Development professional with International Business, Aerospace, Systems Engineering, and Systems Design experience.
Michel is an experienced sales professional with a strong technical background with over two decades of work at MDA on multiple SAR and Optical imagery programs.
Michel now leads the Maritime Insights program, MDA’s latest offering in Maritime Domain Awareness. Maritime Insights provides Multi-Source/Sensor Agnostic layered surveillance and analytics that empowers users to persistently detect, track, classify and identify vessels of interest in real-time.
An outdoor enthusiast living in the Vancouver, British Columbia area, Michel is pleased to be part of this MDA program and help change our world, for the better.
Dr. Jayanti Sharma
MDA
Electrical Engineer
Dr. Jayanti Sharma is an electrical engineer with 20 years of experience in SAR imaging and analysis including a Ph.D. at DLR, 10 years as a Research Analyst in MDA’s R&D group, and the last two years as the Payload mission lead and Deputy Chief System Engineer on the CHORUS program. Dr. Sharma specializes in SAR algorithm development, analysis, and modelling, including the use of deep learning for SAR exploitation. During her time at MDA, she has worked on a broad range of SAR applications including deformation monitoring, change detection, and geospatial intelligence, and on SAR mission-level work including a next-generation SAR constellation study for DND, CSA’s EOSC concept study, and MDA’s CHORUS program.
MDA
Electrical Engineer
Dr. Jayanti Sharma is an electrical engineer with 20 years of experience in SAR imaging and analysis including a Ph.D. at DLR, 10 years as a Research Analyst in MDA’s R&D group, and the last two years as the Payload mission lead and Deputy Chief System Engineer on the CHORUS program. Dr. Sharma specializes in SAR algorithm development, analysis, and modelling, including the use of deep learning for SAR exploitation. During her time at MDA, she has worked on a broad range of SAR applications including deformation monitoring, change detection, and geospatial intelligence, and on SAR mission-level work including a next-generation SAR constellation study for DND, CSA’s EOSC concept study, and MDA’s CHORUS program.
Prasad Nair
MDA
Sr Manager - Business Development
Prasad Nair leads MDA’s Geointelligence group’s Sales and Business development efforts for the APAC, MEA and LATAM regions.
He has more than 30 years’ sales and business development experience in the Space, remote sensing and high-technology industry in North America, Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific region. Prasad has been leading teams and assisting customers with leading-edge satellite and satellite-based remote sensing solutions in these regions for more than 17 years.
He has an Electronics Engineering degree along with several sales and business development certifications. Based in Vancouver Canada, he is passionate about meeting, engaging and interacting with customers globally. Prasad is a strong believer in MDA’s mission statement “to build the space between proven and possible”.
MDA
Sr Manager - Business Development
Prasad Nair leads MDA’s Geointelligence group’s Sales and Business development efforts for the APAC, MEA and LATAM regions.
He has more than 30 years’ sales and business development experience in the Space, remote sensing and high-technology industry in North America, Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific region. Prasad has been leading teams and assisting customers with leading-edge satellite and satellite-based remote sensing solutions in these regions for more than 17 years.
He has an Electronics Engineering degree along with several sales and business development certifications. Based in Vancouver Canada, he is passionate about meeting, engaging and interacting with customers globally. Prasad is a strong believer in MDA’s mission statement “to build the space between proven and possible”.
Pat Malaviarachchi
MDA
Principal Mission Architect
Pat Malaviarachchi is a principal engineer at MDA. He has over 25 years of space industry experience in solution engineering, business development, program management, product management and systems engineering. Pat has expertise in all stages of the project life-cycle including mission creation, capture, design, build, test and launch. At MDA Geointelligence, Pat has held senior positions developing the RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) for the Canadian Space Agency and MDA’s CHORUS mission. From 1997 to 2006, Pat was a senior engineer and AIT Lead for several robotic missions including Canadarm2 and Dextre, the 2-armed robot that operates on the International Space Station. He holds a number of patents in both Earth Observation and Space Robotics domains.
MDA
Principal Mission Architect
Pat Malaviarachchi is a principal engineer at MDA. He has over 25 years of space industry experience in solution engineering, business development, program management, product management and systems engineering. Pat has expertise in all stages of the project life-cycle including mission creation, capture, design, build, test and launch. At MDA Geointelligence, Pat has held senior positions developing the RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) for the Canadian Space Agency and MDA’s CHORUS mission. From 1997 to 2006, Pat was a senior engineer and AIT Lead for several robotic missions including Canadarm2 and Dextre, the 2-armed robot that operates on the International Space Station. He holds a number of patents in both Earth Observation and Space Robotics domains.
Robert Quinn
MDA
Director of Geointelligence
Robert Quinn is the MDA Director of Geointelligence for Canada in New Business. Robert has extensive leadership and operational experience having served in the Royal Canadian Navy as a senior naval warfare office of 33 years and then transitioning to MDA in his current position for 8 years.
In the Canadian Armed Forces, Robert served operationally in leadership positions as Combat Officer, Above Water Warfare Controller and Above Water Warfare Director in Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships of the Royal Canadian Navy. Robert was the senior instructor of the Senior Naval Warfare Officer Operations course and proven expert in Intelligence Surveillance & Reconnaissance operations. Further, Robert served in Ottawa at the National Defence Headquarters as the Project Director for the Space remote sensing Polar Epsilon projects leading the introduction and use of Space synthetic aperture radar to the Canadian Armed Forces. Robert has been awarded decorations in the Canadian Armed Forces: Special Service Medal (NATO), Former Yugoslavia (NATO), Canadian Peacekeeping Medal, and Canadian Armed Forces Decoration 2nd clasp.
In MDA Geointelligence, Robert has achieved significant business development success and growth in Canada highlighted by successive year-over-year revenue growth leading transformative growth in MDA Geointelligence by advancing MDA’s Maritime Insights platform into an operational service. Robert is a strong believer in MDA values and Team.
MDA
Director of Geointelligence
Robert Quinn is the MDA Director of Geointelligence for Canada in New Business. Robert has extensive leadership and operational experience having served in the Royal Canadian Navy as a senior naval warfare office of 33 years and then transitioning to MDA in his current position for 8 years.
In the Canadian Armed Forces, Robert served operationally in leadership positions as Combat Officer, Above Water Warfare Controller and Above Water Warfare Director in Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships of the Royal Canadian Navy. Robert was the senior instructor of the Senior Naval Warfare Officer Operations course and proven expert in Intelligence Surveillance & Reconnaissance operations. Further, Robert served in Ottawa at the National Defence Headquarters as the Project Director for the Space remote sensing Polar Epsilon projects leading the introduction and use of Space synthetic aperture radar to the Canadian Armed Forces. Robert has been awarded decorations in the Canadian Armed Forces: Special Service Medal (NATO), Former Yugoslavia (NATO), Canadian Peacekeeping Medal, and Canadian Armed Forces Decoration 2nd clasp.
In MDA Geointelligence, Robert has achieved significant business development success and growth in Canada highlighted by successive year-over-year revenue growth leading transformative growth in MDA Geointelligence by advancing MDA’s Maritime Insights platform into an operational service. Robert is a strong believer in MDA values and Team.
Ellyne Kinney
MDA
Director of Technology Strategy
Ellyne Kinney is the Director of Technology Strategy for the Geointelligence Business area of MDA. Ellyne started her career at Space Telescope Science Institute supporting Payload calibration and science operations for the Hubble Space Telescope. She developed calibration and orbital verification activities following 3 HST servicing missions. Ellyne has spent the past 20 years designing and implementing data processing ground software for civilian and commercial Earth Observation missions. While at Terra Bella Ellyne lead the commission of SkySat-3 through SkySat-7. Ellyne has a Bachelors in Astrophysics from Mount Holyoke College.
MDA
Director of Technology Strategy
Ellyne Kinney is the Director of Technology Strategy for the Geointelligence Business area of MDA. Ellyne started her career at Space Telescope Science Institute supporting Payload calibration and science operations for the Hubble Space Telescope. She developed calibration and orbital verification activities following 3 HST servicing missions. Ellyne has spent the past 20 years designing and implementing data processing ground software for civilian and commercial Earth Observation missions. While at Terra Bella Ellyne lead the commission of SkySat-3 through SkySat-7. Ellyne has a Bachelors in Astrophysics from Mount Holyoke College.
Dheeraj Mehra
Micronet Solutions, India
Founder and CEO
Dheeraj Mehra is the Founder & CEO of Micronet Solutions. Established in 2001, Micronet Solutions is a remote sensing and Satellite Imagery Distribution Company in India.
He has over 25 years’ experience in Earth Observation and Remote Sensing technologies providing solutions to customers in the forestry, rural development, water resources, agriculture, disaster management and Defense Intelligence verticals. Micronet solutions are market leaders in India providing GIS & Remote sensing services to government departments, assisting them through the complete life cycle of satellite imaging, mapping & GIS project implementation.
As the CEO of Micronet, he is engaged in all phases of the business within Micronet, but has a great understanding of customers’ remote sensing requirements and excels in Sales and Business development.
Dheeraj Mehra has a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with several certifications and deep understanding of geospatial applications, their benefits for disaster prevention planning and disaster management.
Micronet Solutions, India
Founder and CEO
Dheeraj Mehra is the Founder & CEO of Micronet Solutions. Established in 2001, Micronet Solutions is a remote sensing and Satellite Imagery Distribution Company in India.
He has over 25 years’ experience in Earth Observation and Remote Sensing technologies providing solutions to customers in the forestry, rural development, water resources, agriculture, disaster management and Defense Intelligence verticals. Micronet solutions are market leaders in India providing GIS & Remote sensing services to government departments, assisting them through the complete life cycle of satellite imaging, mapping & GIS project implementation.
As the CEO of Micronet, he is engaged in all phases of the business within Micronet, but has a great understanding of customers’ remote sensing requirements and excels in Sales and Business development.
Dheeraj Mehra has a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with several certifications and deep understanding of geospatial applications, their benefits for disaster prevention planning and disaster management.
Dr. Cassidy Rankine
Planet Labs Geomatics
Sr. Account Executive
Dr. Cassidy Rankine is an Earth Observation evangelist, a global change scientist, and remote sensing solutions connoisseur. He has worked all over the world building satellite calibration and validation sites, developing geospatial data products and AI driven platforms to help solve remote monitoring need for our vanishing natural capital resources. His current role as a Sr. Account Executive at Planet Labs Geomatics based in Western Canada brings together expertise in geospatial technologies to help business and government adopt new strategies for digital transformation and sustainability problems by leveraging AI and emerging EO capabilities.
Planet Labs Geomatics
Sr. Account Executive
Dr. Cassidy Rankine is an Earth Observation evangelist, a global change scientist, and remote sensing solutions connoisseur. He has worked all over the world building satellite calibration and validation sites, developing geospatial data products and AI driven platforms to help solve remote monitoring need for our vanishing natural capital resources. His current role as a Sr. Account Executive at Planet Labs Geomatics based in Western Canada brings together expertise in geospatial technologies to help business and government adopt new strategies for digital transformation and sustainability problems by leveraging AI and emerging EO capabilities.
Yoichi Kamiyama
Remote Sensing Technology Center of Japan (RESTEC)
Executive Managing Director
Yoichi is Executive Managing Director, Remote Sensing Technology Center of Japan (RESTEC). He became Executive Managing Director in June 2020 after joining RESTEC as Technical Advisor in July 2018.
Prior to joining RESTEC, he was General Manager, Machinery Group Business Development Unit Machinery Group CEO Office at Mitsubishi Corporation, one of the largest global trading companies. Under his leadership, he guided the Group’s business model incubation in area of Ship and Aerospace, Industrial Machinery and Motor Vehicle Business Division.
Before he led the Business Development Unit, he served as CEO and President of Japan Space Imaging Corporation (JSI), a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corporation, over 6 years. JSI was established in 1998 to distribute satellite remote sensing data and service to Japanese commercial, civil and defense & Intelligence customers.
Yoichi began his career at Mitsubishi Corporation in 1981, and involved in Space business over 38 years including station at Mitsubishi International Corporation at Palo Alto, CA and has experienced space business in area of commercial, civil and space security business domain. Through his careers in Mitsubishi Corp., Yoichi skilled in strategic planning, business development and international trade business with solid experience in the global space industry as well as new business development capability.
He is a member of Japan Institute for Space and Security (JISS), a space-focused think tank to strengthen Japan’s national security space capability as well.
Remote Sensing Technology Center of Japan (RESTEC)
Executive Managing Director
Yoichi is Executive Managing Director, Remote Sensing Technology Center of Japan (RESTEC). He became Executive Managing Director in June 2020 after joining RESTEC as Technical Advisor in July 2018.
Prior to joining RESTEC, he was General Manager, Machinery Group Business Development Unit Machinery Group CEO Office at Mitsubishi Corporation, one of the largest global trading companies. Under his leadership, he guided the Group’s business model incubation in area of Ship and Aerospace, Industrial Machinery and Motor Vehicle Business Division.
Before he led the Business Development Unit, he served as CEO and President of Japan Space Imaging Corporation (JSI), a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corporation, over 6 years. JSI was established in 1998 to distribute satellite remote sensing data and service to Japanese commercial, civil and defense & Intelligence customers.
Yoichi began his career at Mitsubishi Corporation in 1981, and involved in Space business over 38 years including station at Mitsubishi International Corporation at Palo Alto, CA and has experienced space business in area of commercial, civil and space security business domain. Through his careers in Mitsubishi Corp., Yoichi skilled in strategic planning, business development and international trade business with solid experience in the global space industry as well as new business development capability.
He is a member of Japan Institute for Space and Security (JISS), a space-focused think tank to strengthen Japan’s national security space capability as well.
Jacek Strzelczyk
SATIM
Founder and CEO
Jacek has a computer science degree, but is an entrepreneur by heart. He has established SATIM together with his wife, Stanisława Porzycka-Strzelczyk back in 2012 and has led the company from pre-seed stage, through working with European Space Agency on numerous projects, introducing first commercial service on the Polish market using satellite SAR imagery, raising three VC-led rounds to bringing SATIM to be a leader in the SAR-based object detection and classification market.
SATIM
Founder and CEO
Jacek has a computer science degree, but is an entrepreneur by heart. He has established SATIM together with his wife, Stanisława Porzycka-Strzelczyk back in 2012 and has led the company from pre-seed stage, through working with European Space Agency on numerous projects, introducing first commercial service on the Polish market using satellite SAR imagery, raising three VC-led rounds to bringing SATIM to be a leader in the SAR-based object detection and classification market.
Paola Salmán
SIGSA (Sistemas de Información Geográfica S.A. de C.V.)
Executive Vice President
Paola Salmán currently serves as Executive Vice President of SIGSA (Sistemas de Información Geográfica S.A. de C.V.), the leading GIS company in Mexico, working with major private companies and government organizations in the country, helping to transform and optimize organizations through the use and understanding of geographic information and location intelligence. As part of her duties, she coordinates the relationship with ESRI, for which SIGSA acts as exclusive distributor in Mexico.
She has over 18 years of experience in business development and strategy in industries such as petroleum, utilities (water, electricity, gas), retail, public safety, and natural resource management, among others.
Paola graduated with a degree in Actuary at the Autonomous Technological Institute of Mexico (ITAM) and has a Masters in Business Administration with a double major in Finance and Corporate Strategy from the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania as well as a degree in Executive Leadership from IPADE.
SIGSA (Sistemas de Información Geográfica S.A. de C.V.)
Executive Vice President
Paola Salmán currently serves as Executive Vice President of SIGSA (Sistemas de Información Geográfica S.A. de C.V.), the leading GIS company in Mexico, working with major private companies and government organizations in the country, helping to transform and optimize organizations through the use and understanding of geographic information and location intelligence. As part of her duties, she coordinates the relationship with ESRI, for which SIGSA acts as exclusive distributor in Mexico.
She has over 18 years of experience in business development and strategy in industries such as petroleum, utilities (water, electricity, gas), retail, public safety, and natural resource management, among others.
Paola graduated with a degree in Actuary at the Autonomous Technological Institute of Mexico (ITAM) and has a Masters in Business Administration with a double major in Finance and Corporate Strategy from the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania as well as a degree in Executive Leadership from IPADE.