Speakers

Dr. Ruth Stilwell is the Executive Director of Aerospace Policy Solutions LLC, adjunct faculty at Norwich University, and one of the world’s leading authorities on integrated space and aviation policy and governance. Her policy work focuses on accommodating new technologies and new entrants in civil airspace including the development of systems for upper class E traffic management (ETM) and Space Traffic Management (STM). Coauthor of Introduction to Spaceports: Runways to Space, and contributing author to Global Space Governance, Dr. Stilwell has also authored books on ATC Funding and the value of distributed infrastructure in risk mitigation. 

A 25-year air traffic controller, experienced labor leader and policy expert, Dr. Stilwell is also an accomplished researcher and lecturer. Her numerous publications and presentations, which cover a wide range of space and aviation, public safety, human factor, administration, financing, and industry reform topics, have influenced key U.S. legislation and in many cases been required reading for administration officials. Dr. Stilwell’s specific areas of expertise include: integrating commercial space operations in civil airspace; projecting air traffic controller retirement and staffing requirements; FAA funding and financing structures; workers’ rights and more. 

Dr. Stilwell served from 2010-2015 as the industry expert representing air traffic controllers on the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Air Navigation Commission. Her air traffic control experience includes 25 years of operational duty at the Miami Air Route Traffic Control Center, two years as liaison to the FAA Requirements Service, and six years as Executive Vice President of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association. 

The founding chairperson of the Air Traffic Services Committee of the International Transport Workers Federation, a position she held for four years, Dr. Stilwell currently serves on the International Academy of Astronautics Commission 5: Space Policy, Law, and Economics, the Technical Committee on Launch and Reentry Safety of the International Association for the Advancement of Space Safety.

Dr. Stilwell earned her BA in Labor Studies at the National Labor College and her MPA and DPA at the University of Baltimore.