Merri J. Sanchez
Merri Sanchez' executive leadership experience and extensive knowledge gained through four decades in the space, defense, and technology sectors as well as board service in the non-profit sector uniquely qualify her to bring value to a public or private board, including technical, finance, compensation, and governance committees.
Dr. Merri Sanchez is a known key leader with four decades of space, cyber, technology, engineering, management and financial experience as a senior executive and engineer with government, industry, and academia. She knows and interacts smoothly with U.S. National and industry leadership and technical experts in military and civilian space and cyberspace. Merri currently serves part-time as Technical Fellow and Advisor to the executive leadership of the Aerospace Corporation on matters concerning technology, military, intelligence community, and civil space. She previously was the Chief Scientist for the Air Force Space Command, managed a human spacecraft development program in industry, and was a Senior Executive at NASA working Department of Defense partnerships, the International Space Station Program, and the Space Shuttle Program.
An award-winning trailblazer, Merri served on three non- profit and two university boards with cumulative 26 years of board experience. She is a Fellow in the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, served on the AIAA Board of Directors including Executive Committee, two Vice President positions, Regional Director, and member of Finance and
Compensation Committees. Merri is currently a Director on the Board of the International Women’s Forum of Colorado, was Chair of the Texas A&M University Aerospace Engineering Advisory Board, and a member of the TAMU Engineering Advisory Council. Merri has three engineering degrees and a physical sciences/planetary geology degree. Her national level contributions are recognized by selection to the Colorado Space Heroes Hall of Fame, and numerous awards by NASA, Air Force, and industry. Merri has extensive STEM outreach experience, and retired from over 30 years of federal service with the Department of the Air Force and NASA.
Merri has her board certification from Corporate Directors International LLC, USA. Her designation, CDI.D, recognizes her as a qualified corporate board candidate for a public or private board.
"As an experienced board authority, Michele has developed a comprehensive, intensive, and enjoyable training experience that brings women together in a collaborative learning environment that prepares them to seek and obtain future board work. The end result is certified board candidates who are already changing the world in new board opportunities."
~ Merri J. Sanchez