Established September 2026 by Executive Order and signed by Governor Bob Ferguson
In September 2026, Gov. Bob Ferguson established the Washington Space Council to strengthen Washington’s position in the growing commercial space industry. The Council will assess the state’s current capabilities and identify investments, policies and partnerships that can support continued industry growth and economic opportunity.
Washington’s commercial space industry is increasingly important to the state’s ability to compete globally, strengthen its advanced manufacturing base, attract investment and create high-quality jobs across the state. Building on Washington’s longstanding leadership in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, engineering and research, the commercial space industry represents a significant opportunity for continued innovation and economic growth.
The 23-member public-private council includes representatives from the commercial space industry, aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors, higher education institutions, labor, federal partners, legislators, local government and others as designated by the Office of the Governor.
The Council will provide its findings and recommendations to the Governor through advisory reports. Washington State Department of Commerce will provide staffing and logistical support for Council activities.
View and download a photo directory of the Governor’s Space Council.
| Council member name and title | Organization |
| Mayor Angela Birney | City of Redmond |
| Betsy Cantwell, President | Washington State University (WSU) |
| Jason Chan, District President | International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 751 |
| Trevor Devaney, President and CEO | Hi-Rel Laboratories |
| Colin Doughan, Co-Founder and CEO | Gravitics |
| Michael Edmonds, Senior Vice President, Strategy, Marketing and Sales | Blue Origin |
| Ray Goforth, Executive Director | Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA), IFPTE Local 2001 |
| Philip Johnston, Co-Founder and CEO | Starcloud |
| Sen. Claudia Kauffman, 47th Legislative District | Washington State Legislature |
| Scott Keeney, Co-Founder and CEO | nLIGHT |
| Andy Lapsa, CEO and Co-Founder | Stoke Space |
| Austin Link, Co-Founder and CEO | Starfish Space |
| Kelly Maloney, Co-Founder and Board Chair | Space Northwest |
| Mehran Mesbahi, Professor and Chair, William E. Boeing Department of Aeronautics & Astronautics | University of Washington (UW) |
| Rob Meyerson, Co-Founder and CEO | Interlune |
| William A. “Bill” Pike, Deputy Director for Science and Technology | Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) |
| Mayor Dana Ralph | City of Kent |
| Cornelia Rosu, Senior Director, Starlink Production | SpaceX |
| Lisa Scalpone, Head of Worldwide Consumer | Amazon Leo |
| Demetria “Lynn” Strickland, Executive Director | Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC) |
| Jeff Thornburg, Founder, CEO and CTO | Portal Space Systems |
| Brendan Wales, General Partner | FUSE |
| Rep. Alex Ybarra, 13th Legislative District | Washington State Legislature |
