SPADA Launch Signals New Momentum for Aerospace and Defense in Santa Clarita

The official launch of the Southern Pacific Aero-Defense Alliance, or SPADA, marked an exciting moment for Santa Clarita Valley’s aerospace and defense community. With nearly 200 attendees, the inaugural event brought together leaders from industry, education, government, and the broader community around a shared vision for the future of one of the region’s most important industry clusters. 

Hosted March 11 at the College of the Canyons Performing Arts Center in collaboration with College of the Canyons and the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation, the launch event formally introduced SPADA as a new regional alliance focused on collaboration, innovation, workforce development, and strengthening the U.S. defense industrial base.

The program featured remarks from College of the Canyons Interim Superintendent-President Dr. Jasmine Ruys, SCVEDC President & CEO Ondre Seltzer, and Los Angeles County Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger, underscoring the broad-based support behind the organization and its mission. The evening also featured keynote speakers OJ Sanchez, Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, and Congressman George Whitesides, with Chris Grapsas, VP of Business Development at Thaler Defense Systems, on the panel, who helped spotlight the importance of aerospace innovation, workforce resilience, and long-term regional competitiveness.
 

More than just a successful event, the launch made clear why SPADA’s mission matters. In its own public messaging, the organization has emphasized its commitment to maintaining the strength of the aerospace industry in the local community by strengthening the talent pipeline through workforce development and STEM outreach, creating stronger connections among industry leaders, and providing a platform for manufacturers, suppliers, and startups to unlock new business opportunities together.

That mission aligns closely with how SPADA describes itself publicly. On its website, the organization says it is advancing the Southern Pacific aerospace and defense ecosystem by uniting industry, government, academia, and community to drive innovation, develop a resilient workforce, and build shared regional prosperity. SPADA also describes itself as a nonprofit alliance designed to connect, collaborate, and grow a stronger, more unified aerospace community for Southern California and beyond.

For the Santa Clarita Valley, that mission is especially meaningful. Aerospace and defense continues to be one of the Valley’s defining industry sectors, supported by world-class manufacturers, specialized suppliers, technical talent, and strong educational and workforce partners. SPADA’s formation creates a new platform to bring those assets together, break down silos, and support regional coordination that strengthens supply chains, builds new partnerships, and opens future opportunities.

 SCVEDC is actively engaged with our board members who also serve on SPADA, and we were proud to support the launch of this important organization. SPADA represents a focused, regional approach to advancing the aerospace and defense industry by addressing both the opportunities and challenges facing the sector. Through this collaboration, SCVEDC helps align industry, workforce, and infrastructure to strengthen the aerospace cluster across our region. By leveraging our resources and partnerships, we work in tandem to support business retention, attraction, and expansion, helping ensure sustained growth and long-term competitiveness for the industry. 

SPADA’s board leadership reflects that same collaborative approach, and includes:

• Pennie Burnham -  SPADA CEO , and VP North America at Nycote Laboratories

• Marcie Washburn - SPADA founder, and CEO & Owner of Nycote Laboratories

• Calvin D. Hedman - Managing Partner at Hedman Partners LLP

• Julie Sims - VP, Marketing & Communications at Chromalloy

• Chris Grapsas -  VP of Business Development at Thaler Defense Systems

• Michele Starrs - President at TA Aerospace

• Eric Grupp - SVP & General Manager at Crissair 

• Stephanie English - Senior Field Deputy to Supervisor Kathryn Barger's Office

• Osei Appiagyei -  CEO at Aero TMF

• Bill Kirshenbaum -  Partner at Barnes & Thornburg LLP

• Jeannet Nakandakari - CEO at MyHR, LLC

• Etienne Lescure - Business Development Manager at Flamemaster Corp.

Together, that group brings experience spanning advanced manufacturing, aerospace and defense operations, public policy, finance, legal strategy, business development, and supply-chain leadership.

That depth of leadership matters because SPADA will be more than a one-time launch. They highlight ongoing opportunities for membership, sponsorship, and engagement, positioning the alliance as a long-term platform for businesses and partners that want to connect with industry leaders, expand their role in the aerospace and defense supply chain, and help shape the future of the region’s innovation economy.

For SCVEDC, the successful launch of SPADA is an encouraging sign that momentum is continuing to build around Santa Clarita Valley’s aerospace and defense sector. It reflects the value of strong partnerships between business, education, and government, and it reinforces the important role our region can play in supporting innovation, workforce development, and long-term economic growth.

This is just the beginning for SPADA, and its launch sent a clear message: Santa Clarita Valley is not only home to a strong aerospace and defense base, but also to the partnerships and leadership needed to help shape its future.

To learn more about SPADA, follow its updates, or explore opportunities to engage, visit the organization’s website and stay connected as this new alliance continues to grow.

Website: https://www.spadalliance.org/

LinkedIn: Southern Pacific Aero-Defense Alliance

IG: @spadalliance

The Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corp. is a unique private/public partnership representing the united effort of regional industry and government leaders. The SCVEDC utilizes an integrated approach to attracting, retaining and expanding a diversity of businesses in the Santa Clarita Valley, especially those in key industry clusters, by offering competitive business services and other resources. For more information, visit SCVEDC.org.