Who We Are & What We Do
About NewSpace Nexus
NewSpace Nexus is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit that is accelerating the pace of space innovation by uniting and igniting the industry. Through Unite & Ignite Space, a first-of-its-kind co-innovation hub, stakeholders gain access to workspaces, equipment, programming, rapid prototyping and demonstration, and resources needed for innovation and rapid progress. Services include access to space ecosystem knowledge, public events, and networking; navigation services that provide tailored guidance and direct assistance to fast-track business growth; and collaborative innovation services that ignite product and solution development. Â
Founding partners include the State of New Mexico, Virgin Galactic, the Air Force Research Laboratory, the U.S. Space Force Space Rapid Capabilities Office, among others.
Our Mission
Foster an entrepreneurial, business-focused commercial space ecosystem in New Mexico by making connections, advocating for stakeholders, and preparing for the future.Â
Our Vision
Growing the space industry from New Mexico for the nation.
Our Team
NewSpace Nexus Board of Directors
NewSpace Nexus Advisory Board
NewSpace Nexus Industry Forum
Founding Partners
Our Team
NewSpace Nexus Team

Casey Anglada DeRaad
NewSpace Nexus, Founder, Chief Executive Officer

Arial DeHerrera
NewSpace Nexus, Director of Engagement

Scott Maethner
NewSpace Nexus, VP Operations & Integration

Andrew MacKenzie
NewSpace Nexus, Co-Innovation Program Manager

Carter Breckenridge
NewSpace Nexus, Innovation Program Manager

Kaitlyn Clark
NewSpace Nexus, Financial Analyst
NewSpace Nexus Consultants

Erika Hecht
Marketing Strategy & Communications

Carol Welsch
CRC, Space Stakeholder Engagement

Mathis Shinnick
Hanserd Holding, LLC
NewSpace Nexus Interns

Brandon Winter
IT/Data & Cyber Security

Garrett Rose
UNM Mechanical Engineering
NewSpace Nexus
Board of Directors

Joe Sciabica
Chair
CTO and VP/GM for Technology Solutions, ARCTOS

Donna Siergiej
Secretary

Barbara Brazil

Jill Halverson

Gary King

Hank Andrews
NewSpace Nexus
Advisory Board
Members of the NewSpace Nexus Advisory Board represent New Mexico space leaders from industry, academia, government and the community.

Joe Sciabica
Chair
CTO and VP/GM for Technology Solutions, ARCTOS

Peter Wegner
Vice-Chair

Brad Clevenger
Vice-Chair

Rob Black
New Mexico Chamber

Joe Bullington
Jacobs

Christos Christodoulou
COSMIAC

Tom Cooley
Air Force Research Laboratory

Dale Dekker
Dekker Perich Sabatini

Scott Erwin
Chief Scientist, AFRL/RV

Maureen Gannon
X-Bow

Tracy Hartzler
President, CNM

Patricia Knighten-Marquez
NMSU Arrowhead

Harold Lavender
CNM Ingenuity; NM State Investment Council

Jason Lazich
Virgin Galactic

Jason Lee
Smartcone Technologies

Kitty Luce
Northrop Grumman

Maj Gen Neil McCasland (Ret.)
BlueHalo

Scott McLaughlin
Spaceport America

Austin Potter
President, PACA

John Richmond
Lockheed Martin Ventures

Carlos Romero
Assistant VPR, New Mexico Tech

Eric Sanchez
Director, NMSU Physical Sciences Lab

Dan Schatzman
SpaceFund; Jaguar Precision Machine
NewSpace Nexus
Industry Forum
The NewSpace Nexus Industry Forum is led and attended by representatives from New Mexico space companies with the goal of supporting the needs of the NM space industry.

Joe Bullington
Lead

Patricia Knighten
Lead
Director, Innovation Commercialization

Carol Welsch
Lead