Space Foundation Appoints New Leadership
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Oct. 04, 2026 — The Space Foundation has announced the appointment of Kevin “Morty” Mortensen as Executive Vice President and Chief Mission Officer, alongside Meredith McKay as Senior Vice President of International and Government Affairs. These strategic hires enhance the Foundation’s commitment to advancing the future of space through robust partnerships and innovative leadership.
CEO Heather Pringle emphasized the significance of their expertise in fostering collaboration across national security and civil space sectors. Mortensen brings 30 years of Air Force experience, including leadership roles in space operations and legislative affairs. His recent position at BAE Systems involved expanding mission capabilities.
McKay, a veteran of NASA with over two decades in international space relations, will focus on enhancing government partnerships. Her extensive background includes leadership roles within NASA, where she advanced U.S. and international space initiatives.
With global government space budgets hitting $141 billion and the space economy growing at unprecedented rates, the Space Foundation aims to leverage this leadership team to deepen its engagement in the international space community.
Mortensen is set to begin in November, while McKay will join in October.
About Space Foundation
The Space Foundation is a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to integrating the global space ecosystem through programs and events. It promotes STEM education and workforce development to equip future leaders in the space economy.
For more information on the new leadership appointments, please contact Zachary Watson at zwatson@spacefoundation.org or Melissa Price at melissaprice@griffincg.com.
