Eve Lieberman was appointed by the Governor to serve as the Executive Director of the Office of Economic Development and International Trade on January 2nd, 2023. Prior to that, she had served as the Chief Policy Advisor and Legislative Counsel for Governor Jared Polis for all four years of his first term. She managed the legislative policy and federal affairs teams and oversaw many successful Governor priorities, including the passage of Free Full Day Kindergarten, the implementation of universal preschool, historic investments in transportation, and economic recovery programs.

Eve served over ten years on Capitol Hill, working as Governor Polis’ Deputy Chief of Staff & Legislative Director and then Chief of Staff when then-Congressman Polis represented the 2nd Colorado Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Eve also served on the Rules Committee in her capacity working for another senior member of Congress. Eve earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and attended law school at the George Washington University Law School, completing her Juris Doctorate in 2011. During her time in law school, Eve served as a Law Clerk for the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, for a DC Superior Court Judge, for the House Judiciary Committee, and for the US Department of Justice. Eve lives in Denver with her husband and two children.

Monica Palko is Chief Legal & Administrative Officer of York Space Systems in Denver, Colorado. Her responsibilities center on government and commercial contracting, legal and regulatory compliance, and corporate governance. Ms. Palko and her team are passionate about revolutionizing the satellite industry through use of creative contracting vehicles and optimal resource deployment.

With more than thirty years of experience in the public and private sectors, Ms. Palko is an experienced general counsel, compliance lead, and board advisor. In current and prior roles with Fortune 100 and FTSE 50 companies, Ms. Palko has been responsible for all legal, risk, and compliance matters of growing businesses. Since moving inhouse nearly twenty years ago her primary responsibilities have been advising boards and executive leadership in the technology, defense, and manufacturing industries.

Ms. Palko is a National Association of Corporate Directors Governance Fellow and was named by the World Intellectual Property Forum to the list of Most Powerful Woman In Intellectual Property (2021). She serves on the Global Board of Directors of the 45,000-member Association of Corporate Counsel, which promotes excellence in the in-house bar.

Prior to joining York Ms. Palko was Vice President and General Counsel of Lockheed Martin Space. She previously served as the Vice President of Corporate Responsibility of ITT Defense & Information Solutions and as a Trial Attorney in the Commercial Litigation Branch of the U.S. Department of Justice where she resolved government contracting claims on behalf of the United States.

Ms. Palko holds a bachelor’s degree in English and a Juris Doctor degree.

Vanessa boasts 47 years of extensive professional involvement in aviation, including 30 years in leadership roles. Currently, she serves as the Executive Director for The Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP). In this role, Vanessa is a member of the Executive Committee, ensuring the organization accomplishes its mission and vision. She leads a staff of nine, manages the responsibilities of OBAP’s assigned professionals, and coordinates a team of volunteers, ensuring that OBAP meets and exceeds established targets and expectations. Vanessa’s responsibilities encompass human resources, fund development, information technology, facilities, events, and special projects.

Before joining OBAP, Vanessa held roles with the Federal Aviation Administration and worked as a Change Advisor and Leadership Coach (PCC). Her role involved being a trusted advisor to executives and senior leaders. Leveraging her extensive expertise, Vanessa provided invaluable guidance, concentrating on cross-agency and nationwide initiatives to improve organizational performance. Her focus was on resolving business challenges and executing solutions to enhance organizational effectiveness, drive process improvements, and facilitate strategic changes. Additionally, Vanessa conducted one-on-one coaching sessions, as well as team and group coaching tailored for executives, middle managers, and frontline supervisors. She culminated her career at United Airlines as the Senior Manager overseeing Emergency Procedures Training for pilots and flight attendants on a global scale.

Vanessa holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations and a master’s degree in business management. Her education, combined with her extensive professional experience, makes her a highly effective leader and exceptional coach.

Steve Smith is vice president of the Engineering, Science and Analysis strategic capability unit of BAE Systems, Inc. Space & Mission Systems sector. In this role, Smith is responsible for overall strategic and operational leadership of the organization, which includes all disciplines of engineering as well as scientists and analysts working to fulfill customer requirements.

Previously, Smith served as vice president and general manager of the Advanced Technology and Information Solutions strategic business unit for 8 years at Ball Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ball Corporation that was acquired by BAE Systems, Inc. In this role, he was responsible for the company’s portfolio of research, engineering services, data processing and software system development. He also served a variety of director level roles focused on pursuing and executing programs for the Air Force and other Department of Defense organizations.

Smith retired as a colonel from the U.S. Air Force in 2011 after serving 24 years in a variety of space and intelligence related assignments. From 2009 until his retirement, Smith was Commander of the Advanced Capabilities Group at the Space and Missiles Systems Center (SMC/SY), Los Angeles Air Force Base, California. Smith has over 35 years of experience in the aerospace industry.

His awards include the Collaborative Leadership Award from the Director of National Intelligence, the Superior Service Medal from the National Reconnaissance Office and the Legion of Merit from the U.S. Air Force.

Smith received a B.S. in aerospace engineering from Virginia Tech and an M.S. in aerospace engineering from the University of Colorado, Boulder.

Becky joined Astroscale U.S. in June 2020 as SVP of Finance and Business Operations. She brings over 25

years of finance, operations, and business management expertise to the Astroscale team.

Before joining Astroscale, Becky held the position of Director of Operations, Orbital Technologies at

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS). She was responsible for the development and

management of operational plans, budgets, and schedules to ensure business and financial objectives

were met.

Previously, Becky was the chief executive officer of Surrey Satellite Technology US LLC, the U.S.

subsidiary of world-leading small satellite manufacturer Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) in the

United Kingdom. As CEO, she led the company in the cultivation of the rapidly growing U.S. market for

cost-effective small satellite systems, applications, and services. As CEO, Becky directed the company’s

strategic development and operational activities. In a dual role, Becky continued to serve as the Chief

Financial Officer and was responsible for all aspects of the company’s financial management. She

successfully led the sale of the company to General Atomics in November 2017.

Prior to joining Surrey in 2008 as its first U.S. employee, Becky worked as a consultant CFO across

several different industries. She also worked for six years at Arthur Andersen LLP.

Becky earned her Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Metropolitan State University in

Denver and is a Certified Public Accountant. She enjoys mountain biking and has been a competitive

CrossFit athlete for the last 15 years.

Blake Sabo is an accomplished architect and principal who leads the Aerospace + Advanced Technology market at EUA. With over a decade of experience at the firm, he specializes in designing and developing cutting-edge advanced manufacturing and ICD 705/TEMPEST facilities. His passion lies in solving complex architectural challenges. Blake is committed to serving his clients' needs by bringing their project visions to life through innovative solutions, ensuring that every design meets rigorous standards and requirements. His expertise extends beyond the technical aspects of projects; he also builds lasting relationships with clients. Over his 18-year career, Blake has collaborated on multiple projects within the aerospace industry for clients such as Lockheed Martin, United Launch Alliance, Sierra Space, and Moog. Educated at the University of Kentucky, Blake holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Colorado Space Coalition, and the Colorado Space Business Roundtable.

My practice is focused on managing complex geographic, logistical and market-driven demands and provide unparalleled information for companies that occupy office locations. I create a competitive advantage for clients by having an advisor that will drive scenario planning, make recommendations and implement effectively.

My team and I work to understand your business strategy, competitors and industry drivers that can influence your choice of space – its location, functionality, flexibility and cost.

Brokering over 400 transactions and $200 million in gross lease/sale value, allows me to consistently be one of the top producers within my firm.

2010 – Present: Colliers International – Vice President, Office Division

2004 – 2010: Colorado Commercial Companies – Associate

AREAS OF EXPERTISE: Strategic planning and scheduling, workplace integration, site identification/analysis, financial analysis, strategic negotiation support/development, change management, operation expense consulting, lease management, technology integration, culture development

The owner of Sherpa Commercial Real Estate, Brady Welsh, is a third generation commercial real estate professional who advises developers, investors, owner-users, institutional owners, and tenants in the development, leasing, acquisition and disposition of industrial and office properties.

He has extensive knowledge of creative and collaborative office properties, warehouse & distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, vacant land, food production and distribution properties, office and retail properties and investment portfolios.

In 2014 Brady earned a Masters Degree from the University of Denver in Real Estate & Construction Management. By concentrating on industry specific advanced coursework in Real Estate Taxation, Sustainability/LEED, Financial Modeling, Commercial Construction Systems, and Development he enhanced his expertise in the industry and his ability to provide value for his clients.

Licensed in the State of Colorado, Brady is a strategic resource for clients who operate facilities and own commercial properties in Denver along the I-25 or I-70 corridors and across the country. Brady is also active in NAIOP, the Denver Metro Association of Brokers and served on the Board of Directors of the Colorado State University Alumni Association. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, fishing, traveling, skiing, and hunting.

Ellie Reynolds, President and CEO of Douglas County EDC, Ellie spearheads initiatives to promote economic vitality and foster collaboration, attracting investment and supporting local businesses. Committed to excellence and community engagement, Ellie also holds leadership positions on several nonprofit boards, including High Hopes, Ready Colorado, and the Leadership Program of the Rockies.

In her role as Co-Founder of Purple Label Government Solutions, she is a seasoned executive with a track record of driving innovation and fostering economic growth. With expertise in government affairs, business development, and public relations, Ellie has strategically positioned Purple Label as a trusted partner for navigating complex regulatory landscapes.

Through her visionary leadership and collaborative approach, Ellie continues to drive positive outcomes in economic development and government relations, leaving a lasting impact across various sectors.

Brig. Gen. Michael J. Bruno is the Director of Joint Staff, Joint

Force Headquarters, Colorado. In this role, Brig. Gen. Bruno

directly supervises the Joint Staff and is the commander of the

standing Joint Task Force-Centennial, responsible for leading the

Colorado National Guard’s response to domestic events, as

directed by the Governor. Additionally, he directs the Colorado

National Guard’s specified partnerships, including those with the

Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Republic of Slovenia.

General Bruno began his military career by enlisting in the

Nebraska Air National Guard in May 1985. He transferred to the

Colorado Air National Guard in May 1991 and attained the rank

of Master Sergeant. He received his commission through the Air

National Guard’s Academy of Military Science in 1998. His initial

assignment was as the Executive Officer for the 137th Space

Warning Squadron. He later transitioned to Operations as a

Space and Missile Warning Officer and Chief of Operations

Training. General Bruno has commanded twice at both the

Squadron and Group levels, the last as the Commander of the

233d Space Group, Greeley Air National Guard Station, Greeley,

Colorado. Prior to his current position, General Bruno was the

Chief of Staff – Air, Colorado Air National Guard, Buckley Space

Force Base, Colorado.

In his civilian capacity, General Bruno serves as the Deputy Executive Director for the Colorado Department of

Military and Veterans Affairs and acts as the primary deputy to The Adjutant General where he assists in: supporting

the Division of the Colorado National Guard; enabling the Division of Veterans Affairs; and overseeing the operations

of the Colorado Wing of the Civil Air Patrol.