Troy Thrash

Executive Director

Office: / 770-619-0638

Mr. Troy A. Thrash is currently the Executive Director of the National Aerospace Development Center. In this role he oversees the day-to-day operations of the center and implements the NADC’s mission, goals, and objectives within all of the center’s internal and external projects and activities. Prior to joining NADC, Mr. Thrash was a Senior Program Manager and Acting Division Director of Space and Telecommunications at the Futron Corporation, a technology management consulting firm specializing in the aerospace sector. He managed several large-scale projects for clients including the Federal Aviation Administration, International Launch Services, the National Strategic Space Office, and the U.S. Strategic Command. His projects focused on various facets of the space industry, centering primarily on launch and satellite industry research, analysis and forecasting. Prior to joining Futron, Mr. Thrash served as the Aerospace Project and Program Manager for Engineered Multimedia, Inc., where he oversaw the aerospace division, which produced complex, technical multimedia presentations for government and commercial clients. Prior to that, he worked as a Senior Aerospace Engineer for Analytical Graphics, Inc. He performed various functions in this role, including lead technical marketer, systems engineer, and programmer. Mr. Thrash began his career with the Science Planning Team at the Space Telescope Science Institute. Mr. Thrash has written articles for a wide variety of publications, including Satellite Times, Launchspace, Satellite Communications, and COTS Journal, and has contributed to several books on relevant space topics. He has participated as a featured speaker in several industry conferences and forums on Capitol Hill, speaking on such topics as the future of suborbital space and public awareness, education, and inspiration about space. He has also been interviewed and quoted by many leading news publications, including Florida Today, the Houston Chronicle, and Space News. Mr. Thrash is also a Captain in the Civil Air Patrol, where he serves as the Training Director on the Advanced Technologies Team. His first love continues to be promoting education and public awareness of space. He volunteers for Galaxy Explorers and is currently creating and “starring” in an independent video to show kids how space affects people every day. Mr. Thrash, a native Pennsylvanian, has been married to his wife, Jody (another native Pennsylvanian) for five years and has three children, Jada, Gavin, and Brynnica. To contact Mr. Thrash call (770) 619-0638 or use our contact form.

Mr. Tim Huddleston

Chairman of the Board of Directors

Office: / 256-235-0722

Tim Huddleston is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Aerospace Development Center, a national nonprofit nonpartisan aerospace advocacy organization. Tim is the former Executive Director of the Aerospace States Association. Prior to becoming Executive Director of ASA, Tim served as the Director of the Office of Aerospace Policy, a state program charged with the responsibility of advancing aerospace research, commerce, workforce development and education throughout Alabama. Tim was appointed to this position in 1999 by the Governor of Alabama. In the capacity of Director, Tim was directly responsible for strategic planning and formulation of projects, programs and initiatives designed to meet the state’s aerospace vision. Tim Huddleston served in Alabama as the Governor's Advisor for Aerospace Affairs and Senior Space Policy Advisor from March 1999 to January 2003. Both positions were gubernatorial appointments. In these posts, Tim reported to and advised the Governor on matters related to aviation and space policy and industry development in Alabama. Tim also represented the Governor at meetings and events related to aerospace, worked with agencies, officials, communities, organizations, companies and others in the pursuit of developing all of Alabama as a world-class center for aviation and space commerce. In addition, Tim served on the Alabama Commission on Aerospace Science and Industry as the Governor's designated representative. Additionally, Tim served as a commissioner on both the Governor’s Task Force on Military Affairs and the Alabama Commerce Commission. On February 5, 2001 Tim was elected to the post of Chairman of the National Coalition of Spaceport States. NCSS represents those states that are dedicated to the development of next generation space launch and return facilities throughout the nation. He was subsequently re-elected to the Chairman’s post twice completing his final term in February 2004. Tim Huddleston has served as the Executive Director of the Alabama Aerospace Teachers’ Association, Executive Secretary of the Alabama Science Teachers’ Association, and Director of Aerospace Education for the Alabama Wing CAP / United States Air Force at Maxwell Air Force Base where he held the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Tim Huddleston has received numerous awards and honors; most notably he has received a Governor’s Commendation for Meritorious Service to the state of Alabama; an honorary Admiral’s Commission in the Navy of Alabama; and he is the 1998 recipient of the coveted Frank G. Brewer Award, the nation’s highest aerospace educator award.  Tim has written numerous works on space policy and space development, and is considered to be among the leading authorities in space infrastructure development. Tim also travels around the country as an accomplished after-dinner and motivational speaker. To contact Mr. Huddleston call (256) 235-0722 or use our contact form.