Mark Lester

Mark Lester Email and Phone Number

Head of Aerospace Strategy @ Merrick & Company
Tucson, AZ, US
Mark Lester's Location
Tucson, Arizona, United States, United States
Mark Lester's Contact Details
About Mark Lester

I have built a 30+ year career advancing aerospace operations in both public and private sectors, including multiple executive and C-suite roles. My aerospace experience spans spaceport and launch operations, satellite operations, missile defense, aviation flight training, government and commercial business development, managing and delivering SETA government services, and serving as a CEO and executive for private equity-owned portfolio companies. Currently, I am an aerospace management consultant with a focus on supporting clients advancing spaceport operations and new spaceport development, strategic business development initiatives, and advising on space investments and mergers & acquisitions.I most recently was COO of a start-up space transportation company leading flight operations, testing, manufacturing, HR and recruiting, facilities, IT, and supply chain functions. Highlights included creating a portfolio of launch sites at spaceports around the globe, leading the static hot-fire of a pathfinder orbital-class liquid-fueled rocket, and working with local officials to establish a rocket test site. Prior to Phantom, I served as the CEO for Alaska Aerospace Corporation where I operated Alaska’s commercial spaceport on Kodiak Island (PSCA). I led the organization without State subsidies, hosted several commercial and military launches, and ensured uninterrupted launch operations throughout COVID restrictions. Prior to Alaska Aerospace, I held various other executive roles, including serving as CEO for a private equity owned aviation company focused on military flight training and as a principal at Booz Allen Hamilton. I began his career as an officer in US Air Force space operations. During my 7-years of military service, I operated military satellites, pioneered tactics to integrate space capabilities into air combat operations and led intelligence analysis. Since 2018, I have been an advocate and pioneer in tailoring spaceport operations to mimic the cadence and efficiency levels of commercial airports. I am currently pursuing a Doctor of Aviation Business Administration at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a focus on optimizing spaceport operations.I enjoy leadership development, hold a private aircraft pilots' license, and am a certified Zamboni driver.

Mark Lester's Current Company Details
Merrick & Company

Merrick & Company

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Head of Aerospace Strategy
Tucson, AZ, US
Mark Lester Work Experience Details
  • Merrick & Company
    Head Of Aerospace Strategy
    Merrick & Company
    Tucson, Az, Us
  • Pantigo Lester Llc
    Founder & Ceo
    Pantigo Lester Llc Aug 2024 - Present
    Advancing strategy, growth, and efficient operational solutions for the aerospace & defense (A&D) industry with an emphasis on the New Space economy. Executive team and M&A-related consulting with an emphasis on unlocking business development-driven growth and operational efficiencies for improved ROI and shareholder value. Assisting launch providers and spaceport operators develop and implement solutions to maximize access-to-space, including spaceport portfolio development and site master planning, navigating government regulations and approvals, CONOPS development, and developing industry-leading solutions for responsiveness and resiliency.
  • Phantom Space
    Chief Operations Officer
    Phantom Space Mar 2022 - Jul 2024
    Tucson, Us
    Phantom is an space transportation start-up with aims to build and deploy satellite constellations with the company's in-house developed small-class launch vehicles.
  • Phantom Space
    Vice President Of Launch Operations
    Phantom Space Jul 2021 - Mar 2022
    Tucson, Us
  • Alaska Aerospace Corporation
    President & Ceo
    Alaska Aerospace Corporation Jun 2019 - Jun 2021
    Kodiak, Ak, Us
  • Alaska Aerospace Corporation
    President
    Alaska Aerospace Corporation Oct 2018 - Jun 2019
    Kodiak, Ak, Us
    Alaska Aerospace's core business area is space launch, and we developed, own, and operate the Pacific Spaceport Complex, a state-of-the-industry spaceport on Kodiak Island, Alaska, that provides access to planetary orbital space for commercial and government interests. Our corporation’s charter encompasses additional services beyond space launch, and we participate in other aerospace fields as well.
  • Pantigo Lester Llc
    Ceo
    Pantigo Lester Llc Jan 2018 - Oct 2018
    Pantigo Lester LLC is a veteran-owned management and leadership consulting firm serving private-equity owned aerospace and defense companies. Provides cross-functional team leadership, including problem solving, customer satisfaction assessments, process improvement, strategic growth methodologies, maturing BD capabilities and improving sales, optimizing operational efficiencies, and creating stronger leadership teams.
  • Doss Aviation, Inc. (Now Cae Doss Aviation)
    Ceo
    Doss Aviation, Inc. (Now Cae Doss Aviation) Feb 2015 - Nov 2017
    During my tenure at Doss Aviation I also served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Vice President of Business Development. I served as CEO during the company's acquisition by a major defense company from private equity.
  • Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (Mtsi)
    Vice President Business Development & Colorado Region Lead
    Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (Mtsi) Nov 2012 - Feb 2015
    Alexandria, Va, Us
    Lead geographically-dispersed company-wide business development activities from prospect identification through proposal submission. I also managed Colorado regional company activities supporting several defense customers, including Missile Defense Agency (MDA), Air Force Space Command (AFSPC), and Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).
  • Booz Allen Hamilton
    Principal
    Booz Allen Hamilton Jan 2000 - Oct 2012
    Mclean, Va, Us
    Led Business Development activities for the Air Force / NASA market. Led corporate capture/proposal team for top must-win bid opportunities. Program Manager on Air Force Space Command contracts with multiple teammates.
  • Grc International (Now At&T Govt Solutions)
    Senior Engineer
    Grc International (Now At&T Govt Solutions) Aug 1999 - Dec 1999
    Provided technical analysis and advisory support to Government clients.
  • Us Air Force
    Officer (Captain)
    Us Air Force May 1992 - Aug 1999
    Randolph Afb, Tx, Us
    Served as an Air Force officer in the 1st Space Operations Squadron (1SOPS) (50th Space Wing) and 76th Space Operations Squadron (76SOPS) (14th Air Force) at Falcon AFB, Colorado (now Schriever SFB). Also served at the National Air Intelligence Center (NAIC) at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.

Mark Lester Skills

New Business Development Proposal Management Government Proposal Writing Defense Engineering Capture Management Space Operations Business Development Program Management Security Clearance Contract Management Strategic Planning Dod Contract Negotiation Air Force Leadership Integration Leadership Development Intelligence Government Contracting Intelligence Analysis Military Systems Engineering Information Assurance National Security Satellite Military Operations U.s. Department Of Defense Cross Functional Team Leadership Strategy Aerospace Team Building Management

Mark Lester Education Details

  • Norwich University
    Norwich University
    Electrical Engineering
  • Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
    Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
    Doctoral Student In Business Administration
  • University Of Colorado Colorado Springs
    University Of Colorado Colorado Springs
    Space Operations

Frequently Asked Questions about Mark Lester

What company does Mark Lester work for?

Mark Lester works for Merrick & Company

What is Mark Lester's role at the current company?

Mark Lester's current role is Head of Aerospace Strategy.

What is Mark Lester's email address?

Mark Lester's email address is ma****@****-va.com

What is Mark Lester's direct phone number?

Mark Lester's direct phone number is +171966*****

What schools did Mark Lester attend?

Mark Lester attended Norwich University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, University Of Colorado Colorado Springs.

What are some of Mark Lester's interests?

Mark Lester has interest in Zamboni Driver, Skiing, Signature Program Graduate (2003)sports, President (2006 2007), Signature Program Graduate (2003) Sports, Board Officer (2004 2007), Signature Program Graduate (2003), Sports, Ice Hockey.

What skills is Mark Lester known for?

Mark Lester has skills like New Business Development, Proposal Management, Government, Proposal Writing, Defense, Engineering, Capture Management, Space Operations, Business Development, Program Management, Security Clearance, Contract Management.

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