Melanie Stricklan

Co-founder & Chief Strategy Officer, Slingshot Aerospace

Los Angeles

Melanie Stricklan is the co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Slingshot Aerospace responsible for the technical vision and strategy of the company to revolutionize data exploitation for defense and commercial applications. Prior to Slingshot, Melanie retired from the USAF where she was responsible for Space Control and Battle Management integration across mission areas to increase the Nation’s ability to protect and defend space capabilities against emerging threats. Melanie has a unique blend of leadership and technical expertise in combat operations and innovative space system development. During her 21-year career in the Department of Defense she logged over 1500 flight hours onboard the E-8C JSTARS and led the development and deployment of experimental spacecraft, electronic warfare, and cyber technologies. Melanie holds a B.S.in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a M.S. in Space Systems Operations Management with an emphasis in Systems Engineering from Webster University.