Joseph Klein
President
Joseph Klein is a seasoned leader in market expansion, resource development, and growth strategy, bringing over 26 years of expertise to the table. Known for his hands-on approach and strategic mindset, Joe Klein has successfully driven cost reductions, improved service delivery, and optimized internal processes across diverse industries.
Currently serving as a Senior Leader, Joe Klein partners with C-level executives to lead program management and secure outsourcing contracts on a global scale. His deep understanding of complex business environments enables him to deliver tailored solutions that maximize ROI.
A U.S. military veteran and MBA graduate from the University of Phoenix, Joe Klein’s background spans international consulting, commercial real estate, and nonprofit governance. As a Board Director and Governance Program Manager, he provides oversight for multimillion-dollar organizations, guiding policy, budgeting, and project execution.
With business experience across Africa and Europe, Joe Klein brings a global perspective to his work, grounded in integrity, service, and a lifelong commitment to impactful leadership.
Prof. Dr. M. Aleksic
Board of Advisors"The Global Strategist"
Prof. Dr. M. Aleksic, also known as “The Global Strategist,” is a distinguished business leader and visionary, serving as the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of EXIM Development Investment Corporation. With a career spanning decades, Dr. Aleksic has built a global reputation for fostering international business, cultural, and humanitarian relationships, particularly between the United States and nations worldwide.
Dr. Aleksic holds both a professor’s and doctoral degree from the University of Economics in Vienna and the International Information Academy at the United Nations. His journey began in the 1980s when he led a consortium with Voest-Alpine, Europe’s largest metal and machinery producer. Over the years, he played a pivotal role in global trade, multi-million-dollar projects, and served as an economic advisor to presidents, governors, and business leaders globally.
In the 1990s, his influence expanded further, contributing to the economic transformation of the former Soviet Union and advising major corporations. As a trade commissioner for the American Russian Trade Association (ARTA), he worked closely with leaders like Bill Clinton and George Bush Jr. to strengthen US-Russia relations.
Today, Dr. Aleksic leads an Investment Corporation, overseeing over 125 offices worldwide and contributing to global projects. He is also a champion of medical research and global health initiatives, particularly in cancer testing. Fluent in multiple languages, he has earned numerous prestigious awards and honors from governments, institutions, and organizations such as the United Nations and Walt Disney Company.
Dr. Christina Mary
Dr. Christina Mary is a dynamic executive leader, educator, and consultant with more than 20 years of experience across higher education, organizational development, and strategic leadership. Holding a doctorate in Organizational Leadership and a foundation in social work and health sciences, she brings a distinctive interdisciplinary lens to leadership, education, and innovation.
Her diverse career spans academia, nonprofit organizations, and the corporate sector, where she has designed and led academic programs, consulted on global strategy, and spearheaded community initiatives that deliver measurable outcomes. Dr. Mary is widely recognized for her expertise in curriculum development, leadership coaching, faculty and staff development, and program implementation.
She has held faculty and leadership roles at institutions such as Southern New Hampshire University, the University of Tennessee, and Full Sail University, in addition to serving in executive positions within international corporations and local community organizations. Her approach is rooted in evidence-based research, strategic planning, and a deep commitment to equity, access, and lifelong learning.
Passionate about purpose-driven leadership and sustainable growth, Dr. Mary collaborates with organizations and institutions to build learner-centered programs, cultivate high-performing teams, and drive lasting impact.
Heinz-Christian Strache
Board of Advisors
Heinz-Christian Strache, former Vice Chancellor of the Republic of Austria, has decades of experience in politics, business, and communication. He has served as Vice Chancellor, Federal Minister for Public Service and Sport, Member of the National Council, and Chairman of the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) at both federal and regional levels.
His core strength lies in strategically linking business, politics, and society, fostering cooperation, and guiding complex projects to success. With extensive expertise in financial advisory, capital raising, and international networking across traditional and emerging industries, he also brings proven leadership in political strategy, communication, and crisis management.
Strache combines top-level political experience with profound business insight, making him a sought-after advisor for transformation processes, investment projects, and international partnerships, particularly in the German-speaking region.
Philipp Pototschnik
Board of AdvisorsFrom the Sea to the Sky, Beyond the Horizon
Born and raised in Vienna, Austria, Philipp Pototschnik holds a Master’s Degree in International Business and has cultivated a global career spanning aviation, marine, and executive management. A lifelong passion for flight and the open sea has driven him to lead in both domains, with a particular specialization in aviation parts procurement and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) operations.
Currently serving as Managing Director of a leading aircraft parts procurement and logistics firm, Philipp oversees end-to-end supply chain solutions for over 100 business jets annually. His deep understanding of aircraft maintenance cycles, component traceability, vendor networks, and critical AOG (Aircraft on Ground) support has positioned him as a key player in the MRO ecosystem. Known for merging efficiency with precision, he is adept at streamlining procurement processes, reducing lead times, and aligning quality standards with regulatory compliance.
Philipp’s leadership also spans previous roles as Managing Director for a private jet charter company, a yacht and aircraft brokerage firm, and a shipyard. His ability to navigate complex operations and deliver results under pressure makes him a trusted partner across both aviation and marine sectors.
Driven by innovation and a commitment to service excellence, Philipp continues to push boundaries—whether in the skies or on the seas.
Alexander Alvorado
Alexander Alvarado is a seasoned executive, entrepreneur, and retired U.S. Army veteran with nearly 30 years of operational management experience across the global aerospace and defense sectors. His career spans aviation, aerial delivery operations, FAA regulatory compliance, defense, and emergency services. Alex has led organizations in developing business with the U.S. Department of Defense and has extensive experience shaping international aerospace strategies.
He currently serves as a director at one of the world’s leading parachute manufacturing companies, where he directs global strategy and operations. Alex leads programs across commercial and defense markets, contributing to projects involving VTOL platforms, unmanned aerial systems, and space reentry systems. His leadership reflects a “ground-to-top” approach that emphasizes operational rigor, cross-functional coordination, and strategic alignment.
Driven by a lifelong commitment to the aerospace industry, Alex strengthens Space 8’s aerospace and defense capabilities through strategic vision, collaborative leadership, and deep domain expertise.
Prof. Dr. Donko Obreshkov
Dr. Donko Obreshkov is a Bulgarian physicist and long-serving academic, with a distinguished career spanning over 50 years at the Higher Military Air School in Dolna Mitropolia. He began as Head Assistant Professor in Optics and Atomic Physics in 1971 and became an Associate Professor in 1984, a role he held until 2021. He taught a range of subjects including Physics, Aviation Meteorology, and Theoretical Mechanics.
His research interests lie in elementary particle theory and fluid mechanics, and he has published over 20 scientific papers. He is also the author of a textbook on infrared and laser technology. Dr. Obreshkov completed his doctoral studies at the Institute for Nuclear Research and Nuclear Energy, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, focusing on the spectral functions of two-particle matrix elements in hadron systems. He holds a degree in Atomic Physics from Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski.”
Professor Obreshkov has actively contributed to academic governance through roles on scientific and academic councils. His dedication to science and education has been recognized by numerous honors, including awards from the Bulgarian Minister of Defense, Air Force Commander and current President General Rumen Radev, and the “Vasil Levski” Foundation.
At Space 8, Professor Dr. Obreshkov brings deep expertise in theoretical physics, advanced systems modeling, and decades of experience in aviation science—strengthening our research capabilities and strategic vision in aerospace and defense innovation.
Matthew Cersine J.D.
Attorney Matthew L. Cersine is the founder of Matthew L. Cersine, P.L., a full-service law firm based in Orlando, Florida. With nearly two decades of legal experience, he is licensed to practice in Florida, Minnesota, the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, the U.S. Tax Court, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court.
Mr. Cersine holds a J.D. from Barry University School of Law and a B.S. in Business Administration and Economics from the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point. His practice focuses on civil litigation, business and international law, family law, and real estate. He is recognized by Super Lawyers for his professional achievements.
A seasoned international legal advisor, Mr. Cersine has supported corporate clients with legal matters across Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Africa. He is also a Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator and Arbitrator, having overseen more than 10,000 dispute resolution proceedings. As a primary trainer for mediators in Florida and a Professor at Barry University School of Law, he remains actively involved in advancing the field of Alternative Dispute Resolution statewide.
Vesselin Obreshkov
A visionary technology leader with over two decades of transformational expertise in enterprise software and cloud architecture. His strategic oversight has successfully modernized mission-critical systems into resilient, cloud-native solutions utilizing the latest AI innovations that drive business value and operational excellence.
As a technology strategist, Vesselin has pioneered architectural frameworks that unite distributed systems, advanced AI capabilities, and security-first design principles—delivering scalable solutions that support exponential growth while reducing technical debt.
At Space 8, Vesselin serves as the technological cornerstone, architecting next-generation platforms that revolutionize aerospace and defense capabilities. His expertise in aligning technology roadmaps with business objectives enables innovation at scale, while his exceptional ability to lead global engineering teams ensures flawless execution from concept to deployment.
Alyshia Sargent
Alyshia Sargent is a seasoned executive with nearly 30 years of operational management experience across aviation, powersports, retail, and emergency services. She holds an FAA Private Pilot Certificate, is pursuing her instrument rating, and has hands-on experience with FAA-certified training facilities.
With six years in aviation leadership, Alyshia has successfully transformed aviation business operations into educational experiences, bridging industry needs with workforce development. She is known for optimizing operations, building high-performing teams, and driving business growth. Alyshia serves on multiple industry advisory boards and has a strong record in organizing impactful community events and developing strategic marketing initiatives.
Melvin Cordova
Melvin Cordova, has a proven executive management track record in the defense and intelligence technology industry, with over 30 years of experience leading change, managing innovative programs, and building consensus. He specializes in providing operational advisory services to innovative companies doing business with the Department of Defense and intelligence community organizations. His focus is on identifying emerging threats, and managing the velocity and complexity of technology innovation for high stakes environments.
Currently serves as COO of Permion Federal, an AI/ML & Cyber company with 25 highly technical personnel focused on breakthrough computer algorithms and architectures to deliver rapidly deployable solutions. Currently a Board Advisor to OpenTeams, Stargena, and DeepTech 1.
Cordova is a highly decorated military veteran. He holds a bachelor’s degree in electronics and education from Southern Illinois University. He is fluent in Spanish. Cordova conducts volunteer work focused on Workforce Development and addressing the fabric of our society, Hearts, Minds, and Souls.
Siniša Vučinić
Board of AdvisorsAaffectionately known in business circles as “Sini” the Connector
Siniša Vučinić is an accomplished entrepreneur with a degree in Economics and over 30 years of experience in building and leading successful private businesses. He has a proven track record across multiple industries, including trade, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and healthcare, demonstrating his exceptional business acumen and strategic foresight.
As the owner of the largest private network of laboratories, polyclinics, and medical practices in Serbia and Bosnia, he has shown a remarkable ability to scale businesses and navigate complex markets. In addition, he owns a trading company in Bosnia that has thrived for over 25 years, further showcasing his diverse business portfolio.
Siniša’s entrepreneurial spirit is matched by his strong leadership and management skills. His ability to drive growth, foster innovation, and lead large-scale projects has been central to his success. With a deep commitment to excellence, he is now channeling his expertise into the development and success of the innovative project, Space 8.
Andreas Hug
Mr. Hug founded his first business over four decades ago in Hamburg, within the automotive industry. What began as a single venture grew into a network of more than 17 locations across western Germany. Passionate about motorsport, he also established his own classic racing team, taking part in historic rallies across the UAE, USA, and Europe.
Since the early 1990s, Mr. Hug has diversified into the construction sector, operating companies in Germany and España. He went on to build a successful real estate and construction group, complemented by yacht management and charter enterprises.
Today, as the operator of Space 8 España, Mr. Hug brings a wealth of experience and an extensive network across the German-speaking markets. A true networking genius, he combines deep expertise in business, family office management, and finance.
Prof. Dr. Boyan Obreshkov
Board of Advisors
Prof. Dr. Boyan Obreshkov is an Associate Professor of Theoretical and Mathematical Physics at the Institute for Nuclear Research and Nuclear Energy (INRNE). With a PhD in theoretical and mathematical physics, his research specializes in atomic and molecular physics, particularly high-energy phenomena and ultrafast laser interactions with materials.
Over the years, Dr. Boyan has been sought after by top-tier universities, NASA, and prominent research institutions around the world for his expertise. Despite numerous opportunities, he has chosen to join Space 8, where he is eager to contribute his knowledge and skills to a groundbreaking initiative. His decision reflects a deep commitment to being part of an extraordinary cause aimed at advancing innovation and shaping the future.
Prof. Dr. Boyan has held various prestigious academic positions, including postdoctoral research roles in the U.S. and a visiting scholar appointment in France. He has received multiple accolades for his contributions to the scientific community, including the Best Paper Award at the Twelfth International Conference on Quantum, Nano/Bio, and Micro Technologies in 2018.
With numerous publications in leading scientific journals and involvement in high-impact research projects, Prof. Dr. Boyan remains a prominent figure in theoretical and mathematical physics. His passion for advancing scientific discovery continues to drive his participation in initiatives like Space 8, where he is dedicated to contributing to the success of this exceptional venture.
Katarina Živojinović
Board of AdvisorsKnown to her colleagues as “Kat” the Negotiator
Katarina Živojinović holds a degree in Economics and brings over seven years of professional experience across the banking, business operations, and healthcare sectors. She currently serves as the General Director of a network of medical practices and polyclinics, alongside her role as Deputy CEO for a prominent laboratory chain, where she oversees day-to-day operations and drives business performance.
Ms. Živojinović is dedicated to her professional growth, currently pursuing an international Executive MBA and a specialized master’s degree in Business Analytics. This commitment underscores her strong focus on enhancing her expertise in operational management, data-driven decision-making, and strategic leadership.
With a well-rounded skill set in organizational leadership, team coordination, and process optimization, she has a proven track record of delivering operational efficiency and business growth. Ms. Živojinović is eager to apply her business acumen to help propel the Space 8 initiative to new heights of success.
Milan Beslac
Board of AdvisorsThe Strategic Advisor
With over 40 years of diverse professional experience, Mr. Beslac, also known as “The Strategic Advisor,” combines deep expertise, strategic foresight, and a lifelong commitment to excellence, making him a key asset in advancing any initiative he supports.
A graduate of a prestigious military academy and the Faculty of Security Studies, Mr. Beslac’s career spans several critical sectors, including defense, pharmaceuticals, and construction. With 15 years of hands-on experience in the pharmaceutical industry and 19 years in the construction sector, he has consistently demonstrated leadership and operational oversight. His consultancy work has been pivotal in guiding complex projects and organizations through dynamic environments.
Now a seasoned multi-sector consultant, Mr. Beslac is recognized for his consultative approach, intellectual sharpness, and practical wisdom. He is a trusted advisor to numerous organizations, offering strategic insight and helping them execute their long-term goals. His inclusion on any advisory board brings not only vast experience but also a collaborative and innovative mindset.
Mark Pfeiffer
Mark Pfeiffer is a seasoned expert in international business development and aerospace innovation, with a distinguished career spanning over three decades in space, defense, and dual-use technology sectors. Currently serving as the Director of International Business Development Products at IABG, Mark is responsible for discovering and developing
cutting-edge air combat simulation and battlefield systems, incorporating space applications into the portfolio. His work at IABG places him at the forefront of advancing aerospace technologies and fostering global partnerships that drive strategic growth.
Mark’s journey in the space industry began with his involvement in the Ariane 5 program, where he contributed to one of Europe’s flagship launch vehicles. Despite the setback of the first mission in 1996, Mark’s resilience and commitment to space innovation were solidified, shaping his long-term dedication to the sector. Over the years, his expertise has expanded to include consulting for the European Investment Bank on strategic investment projects in space and dual-use technologies, giving him a unique perspective on both industry execution and investment evaluation.
Prior to his role at IABG, Mark served as the Chief Visionary Officer (CVO) of SAIL LABS, a company he helped grow and scale, providing intelligence solutions to military, law enforcement, and security agencies globally. His efforts led to the development of a strong client base across Europe, the GCC, and Africa, where he gained invaluable insights into the intelligence ecosystem and cross-cultural operational demands. His experience in
securing actionable data and understanding its critical role in mission success aligns seamlessly with the growing demand for space-based data solutions in today’s defense and security landscapes.
Mark is also an active member of the European defense community, currently representing Austria in the IHEDN’s SERA program, which brings together senior defense professionals from over 20 nations to enhance cooperation in armament, capability development, and strategic defense policy. This involvement ensures Mark remains deeply connected to the evolving priorities of Europe’s defense ecosystem, areas where his expertise and vision
can contribute to long-term innovation and sustainability.
With his rare blend of technical expertise, global business development experience, and a lifelong passion for space and defense, Mark is uniquely positioned to bring valuable insights and leadership to advisory roles within the space and defense sectors. He is a frequent speaker at high-level forums such as MSC, NATO, and the UN, regularly offering expert commentary on space, military strategy, and defense policy, keeping him closely engaged with the conversations that are shaping the future of global infrastructure and
security.