Washington, D.C. – The Commercial Spaceflight Federation has elected Stuart O. Witt as the next Chairman. Witt was nominated and elected by CSF’s Executive Board of Directors, whose members span the industry. Witt succeeds Eric Anderson, who has completed his appointed term. Anderson will continue to serve as a CSF Officer and member of the Board.
Witt, one of CSF’s founders, is the CEO of the Mojave Air & Space Port, which was designated as the nation’s first inland spaceport and is the birthplace of our nation’s commercial space endeavors. Mojave is home to Scaled Composite’s SpaceShipOne, which won the $10M Ansari XPRIZE in 2004.
Witt and his team’s tireless efforts have earned him commendations from California’s former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, as well as the California State Assembly and Senate, Kern County’s Board of Supervisors, and U.S. Congressman Kevin McCarthy.
Witt’s predecessor Eric Anderson stated, “Stuart will be invaluable to CSF as Chairman during this crucial time for the commercial spaceflight industry. As the pace of test flights increases, Stuart will provide essential leadership to the industry with his extensive career as a Naval Aviator, engineering test pilot, and business executive. He is an excellent selection as Chairman for the CSF and I have no doubt the organization will continue to effectively champion the commercial spaceflight industry under his guidance.”
CSF President Michael Lopez-Alegria said, “I am thrilled to welcome Mr. Witt as CSF’s Chairman. The rare combination of his experience as an operational aviator and test pilot with his proven business acumen will serve the industry well. After operating the Mojave Air & Space Port for the past 10 years, Mr. Witt has written the book on how to effectively operate a commercial spaceport. The CSF is indebted to Eric Anderson for his assiduous leadership during his tenure, and I’m comforted to know that he will continue to be a key advisor in his role as an Officer of the Board.”
“I am extremely honored to have been chosen to be the next Chairman of the CSF. As an organization of industry leaders, the Commercial Spaceflight Federation will play a crucial role in the burgeoning commercial space industry as companies begin powered flight testing, and flying passengers and payloads to space,” Witt said. “This industry has an incredible potential to create cutting-edge technology, provide safe and routine access to space from U.S. soil, and bring high-tech jobs to the American people. The CSF has made great strides recently due to the steadfast leadership of Eric Anderson, who has taken the organization to a new level. I look forward to working with the CSF President, Executive Board, and members to further the industry’s initiatives.”
The CSF’s Executive Board also elected Rob Meyerson, President and Program Manager of Blue Origin to serve as an Officer. Meyerson replaces Jeff Greason, President and co-founder of XCOR Aerospace, who has completed his term.
About the Commercial Spaceflight Federation
The mission of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation (CSF) is to promote the development of commercial human spaceflight, pursue ever-higher levels of safety, and share best practices and expertise throughout the industry. The Commercial Spaceflight Federation’s member companies, which include commercial spaceflight developers, operators, spaceports, suppliers, and service providers, are creating thousands of high-tech jobs nationwide, working to preserve American leadership in aerospace through technology innovation, and inspiring young people to pursue careers in science and engineering. For more information please visit www.commercialspaceflight.org or contact Assistant Director Sirisha Bandla at sirisha@commercialspaceflight.org or at 202.349.1120.
