Space Enterprise Council Announces New Leadership

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Chamber of Commerce Space Enterprise Council today announced the election of the Council's officers for 2005.

Liam Weston has been elected as the Council's new Chairman. Weston, Senior Program Manager in Business Development for Ball Aerospace, brings a background to the Space Enterprise Council unparalleled in its diversity. As the former Communications Director for a Member of Congress, legislative consultant to the California Legislature, and locally elected official, Weston has worked at every level of government. Weston also served as a member of an Army Reserve Intelligence unit from 1982 to 1991. Weston has worked in the private sector for the past 16 years with an emphasis in space remote sensing radar, electro-optical systems and international business. Weston was appointed last year to the U.S. Department of Commerce's Aerospace Industry Trade Advisory Committee.

Matthew Jones has been elected as the Council's new Vice Chairman. Jones, Associate Director, GPS and Weather Programs for Boeing, brings 14 years of industry experience to the position. Jones previously worked for the Vice President's National Space Council, the Deputy Undersecretary for Space, and the National Reconnaissance Office of Policy.

The Council's top priorities for 2005 include:

• Supporting the Vision for Space Exploration by securing robust funding for NASA through grass tops and grassroots advocacy efforts.

• Stressing private sector capabilities in the implementation and formation of earth observation/commercial remote sensing policy.

• Influencing public policy, funding, and legislative directives on Global Positioning System policy.

• Emphasizing the utilization of commercial space capabilities for both the Departments of Homeland Security and Defense.

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

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