FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 21, 2024
Coalition for Deep Space Exploration Announces Board Changes
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Coalition for Deep Space Exploration (CDSE) is pleased to welcome two new members to its board of directors: Kristin Houston, president of Space Propulsion and Power Systems at Aerojet Rocketdyne, an L3Harris Technologies company, and Jim Kalberer, vice president of Propulsion Systems at Northrop Grumman Corporation (NGC).
“We are excited to welcome Kristin Houston and Jim Kalberer to our board of directors,” said CDSE President and CEO Allen Cutler. “Their wealth of experience, diverse perspectives, and passion for advocating the role industry plays in enabling America’s return to the Moon through NASA’s Artemis campaign make them outstanding additions to our board. We are confident their leadership will have a positive impact on CDSE as its members prepare for the upcoming crewed Artemis II mission, the return to the lunar surface with Artemis III, and future missions to explore deep space.”
“At the same time, we wish to express our deepest gratitude for the service of outgoing board members Jim Maser and Wendy Williams, who Kristin and Jim are replacing, and wish them well in their future endeavors,” Cutler continued. “Their tenure as CDSE board members has been marked by dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to our organization’s mission to establish the space industry’s critical role in the success of NASA’s Artemis program. Their guidance has been instrumental in shaping the trajectory of our organization and our nation’s space exploration program.”
Jim Maser recently retired from Aerojet Rocketdyne, an L3 Harris Technologies company, while Wendy Williams is continuing in a different role at NGC.
As president of the Space Propulsion and Power Systems sector at Aerojet Rocketdyne, Houston is responsible for business strategy, financial performance and successful execution and growth of the sector’s core capabilities: propulsion for launch vehicles and spacecraft, as well as power systems for in-space and surface applications. Houston has served in a variety of leadership roles within the aerospace sector, including with helicopters, electro-optical/infrared sensors, space avionics and defense electronic solutions across the domains of air, land, sea and space.
As NGC’s vice president of Propulsion Systems, Kalberer is responsible for the business unit’s culture of success, execution of current programs and their associated financial performance and the organization’s future through ensuring it is positioned to grow through innovation, continuous improvement and profitability. With more than 20 years’ experience in the aerospace and defense industry, he has accumulated significant experience in strategic planning, technology, business development, and international business, delivering outstanding business results.
About the Coalition for Deep Space Exploration
The Coalition for Deep Space Exploration is a national organization of more than 50 space industry businesses and other stakeholders committed to ensuring the United States remains a leader in space exploration, science, technology, and international cooperation. Based in Washington, D.C., the Coalition advocates in support of a long-term, sustainable direction for our nation’s space investments.
About Aerojet Rocketdyne, an L3 Harris Technology Company
Aerojet Rocketdyne provides a full range of propulsion and power systems for rockets, spacecraft and other space vehicles; strategic missiles; missile defense; and tactical systems and armaments. Its propulsion systems have been at the heart of virtually every major U.S. space and missile program since the dawn of the space age.
About L3Harris Technologies
L3Harris Technologies is the Trusted Disruptor for the global aerospace and defense industry. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our more than 50,000 employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains.
About Northrop Grumman Corporation
Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company. Its pioneering solutions equip customers with the capabilities they need to connect and protect the world, and push the boundaries of human exploration across the universe. Driven by a shared purpose to solve its customers’ toughest problems, NGC’s employees define possible every day.
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MEDIA CONTACT
For more information or to schedule an interview with CDSE President and CEO Allen Cutler, please contact Dan Stohr at (703) 517-8173 or DNStohrConsulting@gmail.com.
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