Thad Altman
Executive director/ceo
Thad Altman serves as the Executive Director/CEO of The Astronauts Memorial Foundation. He entered this role in 2011, and since has overseen all operations of The Astronauts Memorial Foundation and the Center for Space Education, as well as AMF’s Use Agreement and Space Act Agreement with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
Under Thad’s direction, The Astronauts Memorial Foundation has received Kennedy Space Center’s Gold Dollar Award, in honor of his Commitment to Safety, Teamwork and Innovation in Helping Build America’s Gateway to the Universe. Thad and the Foundation have also received NASA’s Group Achievement Award, for the design and build of the Apollo I Exhibit at the Apollo/Saturn V Center.
Alongside his role at AMF, Thad also serves as a Florida State Representative. He was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2016 and represents House District 32, which consists of parts of Brevard County including Indian Harbour Beach, Melbourne, Melbourne Village, Palm Shores, and Rockledge. He previously served in the Florida Senate from 2008-2016 and the Florida House of Representatives from 2003-2008.
Thad has lived in the Space Coast for more than fifty years. He resides in Rockledge with his wife Mary Pat, and is the proud father of three children; McKenzie, Hunter, and Sullivan. He recently has become a grandfather to a baby girl, Amelia.
Isabel Kennedy
Deputy Director
Isabel Kennedy serves as the Deputy Director of The Astronauts Memorial Foundation. Isabel handles general operations at The Center for Space Education and oversees all of the Foundation’s educational initiatives. Her role focuses on the development of new educational programs and strategic partnerships with aerospace and technology companies. Isabel also oversees the Foundation’s already-existing educational programs in partnership with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Isabel’s favorite part of her role at The Astronauts Memorial Foundation is working with space icons, as well as the families of the fallen astronauts and continuing to honor them by helping inspire the next generation.
Isabel is an alumnus of Rutgers University and holds an undergraduate degree in physics, as well as a master’s degree in education. After graduating from Rutgers with her undergraduate degree, Isabel interned at NASA Kennedy Space Center under the education division (PX-E), now known as the Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM). Two summers later, she returned to NASA KSC again, as a professional educator under NASA Exploration Ground Systems. There, she created a physics and mathematics curriculum to be used for education and outreach.
Her life’s work is now dedicated to ensuring that students across the world are not only aware of the United States space program, but that they become involved in it. Isabel hopes that all kids understand that there is a place for them in space.
She is a dedicated mother to her son, Leo, who will grow up in the space industry and on the Space Coast.
Julia Barney
Director, Fundraising and Events
As Director of Fundraising and Events, Julia develops new and nurtures existing partnerships with key stakeholders in space exploration and education among aerospace corporations, technology companies, government, higher education, individuals, and nonprofit organizations. Her role includes planning internal and collaborative events that serve to honor the legacy of the fallen astronauts and their families as well as to inspire future generations to pursue careers in space technology and aerospace.
Julia works with the philanthropic sector, private foundations, individuals, industry, and media to advance shared goals. She has a passion for showing the ways in which all of us can have a heroic impact on the AMF mission and be an integral part of supporting historical moments in space exploration. Julia remembers visiting the Space Mirror Memorial and Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in 1991 as a child, just five years after the Challenger tragedy. She thanks her parents for teaching her at a young age about the sacrifice and courage of the fallen astronauts and for fostering a love for the pursuit of space exploration.
Julia graduated from Lake Forest College with a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Political Science in 2001. Her career spans nearly twenty years in the areas of public affairs, state government, development, fundraising, nonprofit management, and event planning in Chicago, Los Angeles, Indianapolis, Washington DC, and Melbourne.
Since 2014, Julia and her family have called the Space Coast of Florida home. Together with her husband Kevin, they have a blended family of six children and enjoy attending kids' sports activities, fine arts performances, science fair competitions, and spending time with their four grandchildren. Julia and her husband are active in the Space Coast community and love supporting running events, charity benefits, and enjoying its beautiful beaches.
CHRIS ALBRITTON
Program Director
As the Program Director, Chris oversees all of the audio visual needs and event meeting spaces in The Center for Space Education. In his role, Chris updates existing spaces in The Center for Space Education to become state-of-the-art for each event, and helps provide the best quality production for hosting guests and companies.
Chris also documents and digitizes the history of the Foundation to preserve its story for future generations.
Chris attended The School Of The Art Institute of Chicago majoring in Art History and Design before transferring to Full Sail University, where he graduated with a degree in recording engineering. After graduating from Full Sail, Chris began his career in the entertainment industry with Walt Disney Entertainment. During his 14-year career with Disney, Chris worked on a number of live shows and special events.
After the birth of his daughter, Olivia, Chris decided to leave Disney Entertainment and returned to Full Sail University where he was the Production Manager for Staff and Cultural Development.
Chris joined the AMF team after 10 years with Full Sail University and now oversees all of the events hosted at The Center for Space Education.
Chris is dedicated to ensuring that all visitors of The Astronauts Memorial Foundation have the best experience possible while learning about the past, present, and future of space exploration.
KAYLEE WHALEN
EDUCATION SPECIALIST
Kaylee Whalen is the lead STEM Education Specialist at The Astronauts Memorial Foundation. Her role focuses on educating the next generation of space explorers. Kaylee teaches hands-on lessons focused on NASA’s current programs in the Exploration Station at The Center for Space Education.
Kaylee also supports the planning and execution of educational initiatives hosted by The Astronauts Memorial Foundation, including the Space Port Area Conference for Educators (SPACE - an educator professional development conference at Kennedy Space Center), AMF’s Annual Career and Networking Event, and more.
Kaylee earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Central Florida. After teaching elementary school for several years, she went on to obtain her Master’s of Education in Educational Leadership. Kaylee then became a literacy coach where she focused on providing professional development to teachers, analyzing school-wide data, and supporting district literacy initiatives.
Kaylee grew up in Brevard County and is the third generation in her family to work at Kennedy Space Center. Growing up on the Space Coast and having family members who worked in the aerospace industry inspired and instilled in her a love for space. She is passionate about learning and loves that she has the opportunity to educate students about the current programs and missions in the space industry.
Kaylee feels honored to work for The Astronauts Memorial Foundation and continues the legacy of those that have come before us by educating the future and inspiring students to explore careers in STEM and space.
DELMER SOUTHALL II
FACILITIES
Delmer Southall II has been an integral part of the Astronaut Memorial Foundation since February 2006. As the Facilities Manager, he is responsible for the security, maintenance, and services of work for the Space Mirror Memorial, the Center for Space Education, and the facility grounds to ensure that they meet the needs of the Foundation, its tenants, its employees, and of course, its guests. Delmer’s duties include inventory procurement, blueprint interpretation, building inspections, schedule management, planning and scheduling, facility inspections, cost-reduction methods, operations oversight, leadership and supervision, service contracts management and Hurricane Coordinator POC.
RON SNYDER
FACILITIES
Ron Snyder is an integral part of the facilities and maintenance team. He is responsible for facilities problem solving, repair, maintenance and renovation, including the Space Mirror Memorial. He contributes to the overall operations at the Center for Space Education in whatever capacity needed. He has been the proud husband to his beautiful wife Kristen, for over 23 years. Ron also served the United States Marine Corps, is a recently retired Fire Medic for Brevard County Fire Rescue, and is a State Certified General Contractor in the great state of Florida since 2003. In his personal time, Ron enjoys working, hunting, fishing, and spending time with family and friends.