Norman Garza, Jr.

Norman Garza Jr.

Executive Director

Norman Garza, Jr. joined Texas Space Commission as the inaugural executive director on 01JUL 2024. The agency was established in 2023 upon enactment of House Bill 3447 authored by State Representative Greg Bonnen, M.D. during the 88th Regular Session, Texas Legislature.

Born in Harlingen, he is a native Texan with roots across the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas. Previously, he served as Vice President of Government Relations at Texas A&M University as well as Associate Director of Legislative Affairs for Texas Farm Bureau...

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Norman Garza, Jr. joined Texas Space Commission as the inaugural executive director on 01JUL 2024. The agency was established in 2023 upon enactment of House Bill 3447 authored by State Representative Greg Bonnen, M.D. during the 88th Regular Session, Texas Legislature.

Born in Harlingen, he is a native Texan with roots across the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas. Previously, he served as Vice President of Government Relations at Texas A&M University as well as Associate Director of Legislative Affairs for Texas Farm Bureau.

Garza is a graduate of Pleasanton High School (Texas), as well as St. Edward's University (Austin). Additionally, he studied at the Universidad de Belgrano (Buenos Aires) and earned a professional certificate through the Governor's Executive Development Program from The University of Texas at Austin.

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Turner Brown

Turner Brown

Chief Compliance Officer

Turner is TSC’s Chief Compliance Officer and monitors agency compliance with statutory requirements and conflict of interest rules...

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Turner is TSC’s Chief Compliance Officer and monitors agency compliance with statutory requirements and conflict of interest rules. He also oversees TSC grant programs, ensuring that grant applications comply with applicable statutes and rules and that grantees comply with their terms of their grant awards.

Turner previously served as the State of Texas as an attorney for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (CPA). At TCEQ he specialized in advising on major grant programs, including a statewide program related to the Clean Air Act. At CPA he worked on major software procurements and served as the primary attorney for the Broadband Development Office, assisting in the development and implementation of multiple grant programs for distribution of over $4 billion in state and federal funds.

Turner holds a J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center and a Bachelor of Arts from The University of Texas at Austin.

Andres Ramos

Andres Ramos

Communications Director

Andres M. Ramos serves as the Director of Communications for the Texas Space Commission, where he leads communications strategy, brand management, design, marketing, and stakeholder engagement for the agency...

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Andres M. Ramos serves as the Director of Communications for the Texas Space Commission, where he leads communications strategy, brand management, design, marketing, and stakeholder engagement for the agency.

A U.S. Army infantry officer and former public school teacher and nonprofit executive, Andres has dedicated his career to advancing public service by equipping executive teams with the tools to drive and communicate organizational impact. His work spans space, education, defense, and community organizing, with a focus on translating complex ideas into clear, actionable strategies that strengthen public trust and collaboration.

Originally from Los Angeles, CA, Andres is passionate about using communications as a force for opportunity and is motivated by working alongside others who want to make an impact on the world around them.

Sylvia Anguiano

Sylvia Anguiano

Executive Assistant

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Sylvia Anguiano is an Austin, Texas native with more than 15 years of experience serving in Texas state government. Throughout her career, she has built a strong reputation for dedication, reliability, and a deep understanding of public service operations. Her work reflects a commitment to supporting her community and contributing to the effective functioning of state initiatives.

Outside of her professional life, Sylvia enjoys spending time with her two dogs, Daisy and Rosie, who keep her active and entertained. Grounded in her hometown roots, she brings both experience and heart to everything she does.

Mitrah Avini

Mitrah Avini

Senior Researcher

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Mitrah is a space policy expert who joined the Texas Space Commission in February 2025. She currently serves as a senior research specialist and conducts legislative analysis, monitoring state and federal legislation impacting the space industry.

She previously served as a space, workforce and broadband policy advisor and lobbyist at Texas 2036, where she led the Digital Texas Coalition to expand broadband internet in the state. In the 88th Texas Legislature, her lobbying efforts and testimonies before House and Senate committees helped support the passage of House Bill 3447, creating the Texas Space Commission, and House Bill 9, establishing a $1.5 billion constitutionally-dedicated Broadband Infrastructure Fund.

Mitrah completed her undergraduate education at Yale University, where she studied philosophy, political science, and international security, before earning a Master of Science from Oxford University, with a focus on government and policy. Prior to graduate school, Mitrah lived and worked in Manhattan, where she served as chief of staff, speechwriter, and policy advisor for a New York City mayoral campaign.

Born and raised in Austin, Mitrah comes from a long line of Texans with a history of commitment to public service. Mitrah's great grandfather was appointed Chief of Police to the Panama Canal Zone by President Roosevelt, while her grandmother served the Texas State Legislature for many years before finishing her career with service to the Texas Department of Human Services.

Kate Caldwell

Kate Caldwell

Senior Communications Specialist

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Kate is a creative professional with over 18 years working in strategic communications and content marketing roles for STEM focused organizations. She currently serves as the Senior Communications Specialist at the Texas Space Commission, supporting on strategy development and execution, brand development and implementation, digital presence, training, writing, and knowledge facilitation.

Kate's expertise includes digital storytelling and campaign leadership, content strategy development and implementation, social media and website management, and global communications and operations. She also has experience in creating and executing training programs, and holds a strong proficiency in managing reporting tools and analytics dashboards.

With a background rooted in performance and information sciences, Kate has found storytelling to be the natural intersection of these seemingly unrelated disciplines. She is passionate about storytelling and proud to further its critical role in science and tech focused communications, amplifying the A in STEAM.

Kim Calton

Kim Calton

Data Scientist

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Kimberly Calton serves as a Data Scientist for the Texas Space Commission. In this capacity, analysis of the Space Exploration and Aeronautics Research Fund grants and the identification of gaps within the skilled aerospace workforce drive critical innovation. Calton also spearheads the development of the Texas NASA Office of STEM Engagement Hub.

This work is informed by over two decades of leadership spanning military operations, academic instruction, and workforce development. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, Calton previously served as an Engineer Officer in the United States Army, managing over $28 million in assets. Following military service, a Master of Education in Mathematics was earned from the University of Texas at Austin.

As a former Educator and Department Head, Calton utilized data-driven analytics to achieve state exam pass rates of 95%. This background in rigorous instruction and disciplined leadership ensures that every data point serves the mission of advancing the Texas aerospace industry.

Gilberto Cedillo

Gilberto Cedillo

Grant Manager

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Gilberto grew up on the U.S.-Mexico border in Eagle Pass. After high school, he attended Southwest Texas State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree before joining the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) as a Child Protective Services Investigator. He later returned to San Marcos to earn his master’s degree. In 2000, shortly after completing his master’s degree, Gilberto was hired as the director for federal grants at the DFPS central office. He served in this role for five years before moving to the Office of Finance, Federal Funds Division.

In 2009, Gilberto moved to San Antonio, to serve as the contract director for the San Antonio and Rio Grande Valley regions. He later spent two years in the private sector, working in business development with Minority Owned construction companies while obtaining a license in residential construction.

Gilberto returned to state government in 2016 at the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), serving in budget and purchasing and as grants coordinator. He joined the Texas Space Commission in September 2025, bringing over 25 years of state agency experience to his role as TSC Grant Manager. Gilberto and his wife, Leslie, have called New Braunfels home for over 20 years, raising their family in the heart of the Texas Hill Country.

Melinda Krenek

Melinda Krenek

Senior Financial Analyst

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Melinda Krenek serves as a Senior Financial Analyst for the Texas Space Commission overseeing and conducting advanced analysis, reviews and evaluation of financial data and developing procedures in support of the Commission’s grant program and other TSC initiatives.

She brings a wealth of experience in both the private and public sector working more than 20 years in various roles in investment and financial analysis also holds an MBA in Finance.

She is also a member of the CFA Institute and CFA Society Austin.

Michael Mara

Michael Mara

Creative Media Designer

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Michael Mara is a multi-disciplinary creative specializing in brand design, design systems, and strategic communications. With experience across government, finance, international relations, and the space industry, he develops scalable solutions that align strategy, narrative, and visual identity to support mission-driven organizations.

His work focuses on translating complex initiatives into clear, cohesive brand and communication systems. He has contributed to projects spanning public sector programs, industry partnerships, and cross-sector collaborations, where he has led the development of brand platforms, digital experiences, and integrated communications.

Michael brings a systems-oriented approach to design, combining research, storytelling, and visual execution to strengthen organizational clarity and public engagement. His practice spans brand identity, UI/UX design, and creative direction, with an emphasis on building durable frameworks that can evolve alongside institutional growth.

He is particularly interested in how design can advance innovation, support public trust, and enhance the accessibility of complex information within emerging industries such as aerospace.

Chris McNeary

Chris McNeary

Web Developer

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Christopher McNeary is a web developer and administrator with more than two decades of experience in web development, search optimization, and digital platform management. His work focuses on building and maintaining reliable, accessible digital platforms that support effective communication and public engagement.

He currently serves as Web Developer and Administrator for the Texas Space Commission, working within the Communications team to support digital outreach initiatives, manage website infrastructure, and develop new web properties aligned with the Commission’s programs and initiatives. In this role, he collaborates with internal teams and partner organizations to ensure the Commission’s digital platforms remain secure, accessible, and effective in supporting cross-organizational efforts.

Throughout his career, Christopher has worked extensively with multiple web environments, combining technical development experience with a strong understanding of digital communication and user experience.

Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Christopher brings a grounded Texas work ethic and a thoughtful, solutions-oriented approach to his work within Texas Space Commission.

Carlos Navarro Perez

Carlos Navarro Perez

Data Scientist

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Carlos I. Navarro serves as a Data Scientist for the Texas Space Commission, applying a background in economics and academic research to evaluate the space industry. Primary responsibilities include designing analytical models, conducting strategic market analysis, and building economic indicators to track commercial space workforce growth. Carlos engineered a centralized data architecture to streamline grant evaluations for the Board of Directors and drafted the Commission's foundational survey data governance policy.

Raised along the Texas-Mexico border, Carlos brings a deep understanding of international trade, logistics, and bi-national markets. With over a decade of quantitative experience, Carlos specializes in separating true economic signals from market noise. Previous roles include Research Associate at the Center For Survey Research at the University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA), Senior Research Associate at the Private Enterprise Research Center at Texas A&M University (TAMU), and Data Analyst at Texas 2036, where Carlos designed economic indices, evaluated public policy, studied energy scenarios, and built workforce dashboards to inform legislative efforts.

Educational credentials include a Master of International Affairs from the Bush School of Government and Public Service at TAMU, a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from UTPA. Carlos ensures data-driven decision-making in high-stakes environments with academic rigor and focused analysis.

Zenon 'Zeke' Solis

Zenon "Zeke" Solis

Senior Planner

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Zenon “Zeke” Solis is an urban planner with more than 23 years of public service, including 22 years with the City of San Antonio. There, he worked in long-range planning, zoning, development review, urban design, and tax increment financing, helping guide sustainable growth and community development.

In February 2025, Zeke joined the Texas Space Commission as a Senior Planner, supporting Texas’s growing leadership in space operations and the commercial aerospace industry. He connects the planning and development community with the aerospace sector while providing GIS and mapping support. He also tracks development policy, reviews planning materials for compliance, and researches relevant regulations.

Zeke collaborates with agencies at all levels of government and helps oversee planning studies conducted by the Commission and its grant recipients, including feasibility studies, master plans, and development proposals.

Outside of work, he is a proud husband and father of three—and the devoted caretaker of three energetic huskies who often demand more attention than the kids.

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