Leadership Overview
Sierra Space has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational scaling, transportation finance, information technology, human capital, and corporate leadership.
Focused on revolutionizing orbital infrastructure, Sierra Space delivers modular, reusable space transportation solutions to accelerate the growth of the global space economy.
Focused on revolutionizing orbital infrastructure, Sierra Space delivers modular, reusable space transportation solutions to accelerate the growth of the global space economy.
Leadership Roles at Sierra Space
Dan Jablonsky - Chief Executive Officer
Dan Jablonsky, the Chief Executive Officer at Sierra Space, directs the overarching strategic vision for the development of next-generation space transportation systems. Jablonsky manages the integration of the Dream Chaser spaceplane and LIFE habitat technologies into the broader commercial market. By aligning corporate objectives with the demands of the new space economy, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that the organization maintains a competitive edge in orbital infrastructure. Jablonsky oversees high-level partnerships with government agencies and private sector entities to expand the reach of space-as-a-service offerings. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of market trends to drive long-term sustainability and innovation. Through rigorous oversight of the executive team, Dan Jablonsky secures the necessary resources to scale manufacturing capabilities across North American facilities. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer positions the company as a primary architect of the future space ecosystem.

Jeffrey (Jeff) Schrader - Chief Financial Officer
Jeffrey (Jeff) Schrader, the Chief Financial Officer at Sierra Space, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies required to support complex aerospace manufacturing. Schrader oversees the financial planning and analysis functions that enable the production of modular, reusable space infrastructure. By optimizing the balance sheet, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the company possesses the liquidity to fund breakthrough technologies like the Dream Chaser spaceplane. Schrader coordinates with the Board to maintain transparency and drive investor confidence in the long-term viability of space-as-a-service models. This role involves rigorous risk assessment and the implementation of financial controls to support rapid growth across global markets. Jeffrey (Jeff) Schrader directly impacts the company's ability to execute large-scale projects by maintaining disciplined cost management. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer secures the financial foundation necessary for the organization to lead the new space economy.

Rita McMullen - Vice President and Transportation Chief Financial Officer
Rita McMullen, the Vice President and Transportation Chief Financial Officer at Sierra Space, manages the specific financial structures associated with the transportation division. McMullen oversees the budgeting and cost-tracking for the Dream Chaser spaceplane program, ensuring that development remains aligned with commercial milestones. By analyzing the economic feasibility of various orbital missions, the Vice President and Transportation Chief Financial Officer provides critical data to support strategic decision-making. McMullen coordinates with engineering teams to monitor the financial impact of design iterations and material procurement. This role involves managing the complex financial requirements of space-as-a-service contracts to ensure profitability and operational efficiency. Rita McMullen directly impacts the company's ability to deliver cost-effective transportation solutions to a diverse client base. Through precise financial modeling, McMullen supports the expansion of the company's footprint in the global aerospace market. Ultimately, the Vice President and Transportation Chief Financial Officer secures the fiscal integrity of the transportation business unit.
Amish Patel - Chief Operating Officer
Amish Patel, the Chief Operating Officer at Sierra Space, directs the internal manufacturing processes and supply chain logistics essential for building the Dream Chaser spaceplane. Patel oversees the operational workflows that transform conceptual aerospace designs into tangible, flight-ready hardware. By streamlining production cycles, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the company meets the rigorous demands of the commercial space sector. Patel manages the integration of advanced manufacturing technologies to enhance the scalability of the LIFE habitat systems. This leadership role involves coordinating cross-functional teams to maintain high standards of quality and safety across all assembly lines. Amish Patel directly impacts the company's output capacity by optimizing resource utilization and reducing lead times. Through the implementation of efficient operational frameworks, Patel supports the broader mission of providing reliable space transportation. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer drives the technical execution required to maintain a dominant market position.

Janet Kavandi - President
Janet Kavandi, the President at Sierra Space, directs the execution of the company's core business objectives and oversees the integration of various product lines. Kavandi manages the alignment between the Dream Chaser spaceplane development and the broader goals of the new space economy. By providing leadership across all departments, the President ensures that the organization remains focused on delivering modular and scalable space infrastructure. Kavandi coordinates with the executive team to translate high-level strategy into actionable operational plans. This role involves representing the company in high-stakes industry forums and fostering relationships with key stakeholders in the global aerospace sector. Janet Kavandi directly impacts the company's market trajectory by driving the successful deployment of space-as-a-service solutions. Through the oversight of complex programs, Kavandi ensures that the company meets its commitments to customers and partners. Ultimately, the President secures the organization's status as a leader in the future of space transportation.
Ken Venner - Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer
Ken Venner, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Sierra Space, directs the digital infrastructure and cybersecurity frameworks that protect sensitive aerospace data. Venner oversees the implementation of advanced information systems that support the design, testing, and operation of the Dream Chaser spaceplane. By architecting scalable cloud solutions, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer ensures that engineering teams have seamless access to critical mission data. Venner manages the integration of secure communication networks to facilitate collaboration across geographically dispersed research and manufacturing sites. This role involves mitigating digital risks and ensuring compliance with international aerospace security standards. Ken Venner directly impacts the company's operational agility by modernizing the technological stack. Through the deployment of robust IT strategies, Venner enables the organization to maintain a competitive advantage in the digital age. Ultimately, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer secures the technological backbone of the company.
Heidi Hendrix - Chief People Officer
Heidi Hendrix, the Chief People Officer at Sierra Space, directs the human capital strategy required to attract and retain top-tier talent in the aerospace industry. Hendrix oversees the recruitment, development, and engagement programs that foster a culture of innovation and technical excellence. By aligning workforce capabilities with the company's mission to build the future of space transportation, the Chief People Officer ensures that the organization maintains a high-performing team. Hendrix manages the implementation of training initiatives that support the specialized skills needed for the Dream Chaser and LIFE habitat projects. This role involves cultivating an inclusive environment that encourages collaboration across diverse engineering and administrative departments. Heidi Hendrix directly impacts the company's growth by building a resilient and motivated workforce. Through the strategic management of human resources, Hendrix supports the long-term success of the organization. Ultimately, the Chief People Officer secures the talent necessary to drive the company's ambitious goals.

Explore Leadership Teams in Aerospace & Defense
AeroVironment, Inc. is a technology company that designs, develops, produces, delivers, and supports a broad portfolio of robotic systems and related services for government agencies and commercial clients in the United States and internationally. The company operates through its UnCrewed Systems (UxS), Loitering Munition Systems (LMS), and MacCready Works (MW) segments. AeroVironment supplies uncrewed aircraft systems, ground robotic systems, loitering munitions, and associated services primarily to organizations within the U.S. Department of Defense, other federal agencies, and allied international governments. Its offerings also include airborne platforms, payloads and payload integration, ground control systems, ground support equipment, and a range of additional components and services that support unmanned aircraft system operations.
Company Leadership

MD

Leonardo DRS is a prime contractor, leading technology innovator and supplier of integrated products, services and support to military forces, intelligence agencies and defense contractors worldwide. The company specializes in naval and maritime systems, ground combat mission command and network computing, global satellite communications and network infrastructure, avionics systems, and intelligence and security solutions. Additionally, the company builds power systems and electro-optical/infrared systems for a wide range of commercial customers. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, Leonardo DRS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Leonardo S.p.A.
Company Leadership
DS

General Atomics is a defense and diversified technologies company, founded in 1955 as a Division of General Dynamics and acquired by the Blue family in 1986. GA-ASI produces a series of unmanned aircraft and provides electro-optical, radar, signals intelligence, and automated airborne surveillance systems.
Company Leadership
SF
RK
KM
Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC is focused on providing cutting-edge facilities and services in the nuclear security sector. The company operates as a center of excellence, emphasizing innovative approaches to learning and community outreach. Their intended clients include government agencies such as the Department of Energy and the National Nuclear Security Administration. CNS is committed to supporting veterans and fostering new career paths in engineering and related fields.
Company Leadership BW
DG
JW
RS