Development Advisory Team

Advisors from multiple business areas and medicine have been recruited to develop a broad base of knowledge and expertise to optimize every aspect of the CEHI platform.

CEHI is grateful to have a tremendous Advisory Team. Some provide assistance in taking advantage of aviation methodologies, some provide fundraising assistance, and others provide moral support.

CEHI is proud to have the following advisors on the development team (listed in alphabetical order):

George W.S. Abbey (NASA International Issues)

George Abbey is currently the Senior Assistant for International Issues for NASA. He served as the Director of the Johnson Space Center (JSC) and is widely recognized as a core contributor to the JSC and NASA space program for more than three decades. His honors include the Senior Executive Service Presidential Rank: Distinguished, two NASA Distinguished Service Medals, and the NASA Exceptional Service Medal. He was a member of the Apollo 13 Missions Operations Team which was presented the Medal for Freedom. Abbey is a retired U.S. Air Force officer and pilot.

Joseph P. Allen (former astronaut/Chairman Veridian)

Prior to his selection as an astronaut, Dr. Allen was a Nuclear Physics Laboratory Research Associate at the University of Washington. He served on the astronaut support crews for Apollo XV and the space shuttle's first orbital test, and was a staff science/technology consultant to the President's Council on International Economic Policy. He was an STS-5 mission specialist for the first fully operational flight of the Shuttle Transportation System, and he flew the STS 51-A. Dr. Allen has also served as NASA Assistant Administrator for Legislative Affairs in Washington. Currently, Dr. Allen is Chairman of Veridian, a knowledge application company that provide integrated solutions to customers in national defense, critical infrastructure, and essential business systems.

William "Bill" Anders (former astronaut)

Bill Anders was a crew member of Apollo 8 space flight which was the first manned flight around the moon. He is a retired Major General in the USAF Reserve. His special honors include: Distinguished Service Medals from the Air Force, NASA, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission; and, an Air Force Commendation Medal. He has served as Executive Secretary for the National Aeronautics and Space Council; Atomic Energy Commission; Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission; and, U.S. Ambassador to Norway. He was the former Chairman and CEO of General Dynamics Corporation.

Pat Boone (entertainer)

Pat Boone became a clean-cut pop star selling millions of albums during the 1950's. He became popular covering songs in genres from surf rock to country. By 1957 his popularity had skyrocketed, creating movie and television opportunities. He appeared in 15 films and hosted his own television series, The Pat Boone/Chevy Showroom. Throughout the 60's and 70's, the Boone Family toured as gospel singers recording many gospel albums.

Scott M. Carpenter (former astronaut)

Selected as one of America's original Mercury Seven astronauts, Scott Carpenter piloted the second manned orbital flight in his Aurora 7 spacecraft. He has the unique distinction of being the only human to penetrate both inner and outer space, thereby acquiring the dual title, Astronaut/Aquanaut. Carpenter continues to apply his knowledge of aerospace and ocean engineering as a consultant to industry and the private sector. He has written two novels about the Navy SEALS, "The Steel Albatross" and "Deep Flight".

Dollie Cole (venture capitalist/consultant)

Dr. Dollie Cole is chairman of the Dollie Cole Corporation, a venture capital and industrial consulting firm. She has served on the board of directors of HPSC Inc., Project HOPE, the World Health Organization, the National Captioning Institute for the Hearing Impaired, the Smithsonian, the President’s Club of the University of Michigan, Michigan State Chancellor’s Club - Oakland University, National Academy of Sciences President’s Circle, and the Myer Prentess Cancer Foundation. She serves as Vice Chairman of the National Air & Space Museum and is Chairman of the National Corvette Museum. She was once a Senior Editor for Curtis Publishing, has written a book called "Piston Power by Motor Mouth", has appeared in several movies shot at her Texas ranch, and received the Distinguished Women's Award in 1995 from Northwood University for recognition of exceptional leadership and achievement. Dr. Cole has donated a ranch to the Pegasus School for abused boys in Lockhart, TX in her husband’s name.

Leroy Gordon Cooper (former astronaut)

Selected as one of America's original Mercury Seven astronauts, Gordon Cooper piloted the Faith 7 spacecraft and was command pilot of the record-setting Gemini 5 mission with Charles "Pete" Conrad. Cooper applied his engineering and technical background after leaving NASA to auto and boat racing, design and development of telemetry, aerospace, and land and hotel development. Cooper is a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel whose special honors include the Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross, the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, and the NASA Distinguished Service Medal.

Hugh Downs (ABC 20/20 Program)

Hugh Downs has been co-anchor of ABC News' 20/20 prime-time weekly newsmagazine program for 17 years. He was a field reporter and commentator for 20/20 news features concentrating on issues of science, medicine, aging, adventure, the fine arts, and family. Mr. Downs hosted the NBC News' "Today" program for nine years and helped launch "The Tonight Show". He has been Chairman of the Board of Governors of the National Space Society; Chairman of the Board of the U.S. Committee for UNICEF; Trustee of the Menninger Foundation; and, member of the NASA Advisory Council. He chaired the Research and Education Committee of the Geriatrics Advisory Council of Mount Sinai Medical Center and a member of the Board of Overseers of the Brookdale Center on Aging of Hunter College.

Charlie Duke (former astronaut)

While an Air Force Brigadier General in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, Charlie Duke served as Lunar Module Pilot for Apollo 16 that included Commander John Young and Command Module pilot T.K. Mattingly. During their time on the lunar surface they drove a Lunar Rover over 16 miles. In 1975, Mr. Duke retired from NASA to enter private business. He is president of Charlie Duke Enterprises, Inc., and an active speaker and Christian lay witness.

Melissa Gilbert (actor/SAG Pres./AFL-CIO Exec. Council member)

In November 2001, Melissa Gilbert was elected Screen Actors Guild (SAG) President. Ms. Gilbert has been a SAG member since the age of two and has appeared in television shows, commercials, voiceovers, and film productions for the past 35 years. She is an Emmy nominee, has served as a director and executive producer, and is currently National Chair of the SAG Young Performers Committee. Most recognized for her role as Laura Ingalls Wilder in "Little House on the Prairie", Gilbert is the youngest person ever to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She serves as a member of the AFL-CIO Executive Council.

Richard "Dick" Gordon (former astronaut)

Dick Gordon was pilot of Gemini 11 mission and command module pilot of the Apollo 12 space flight. He is a retired Captain of the U.S. Navy. His special honors include: NASA Distinguished Service Medal; NASA Exceptional Service Medal; and, two Navy Distinguished Flying Crosses. He held a number of corporate leadership positions in the aerospace industry and is an active philanthropist. He was a Technical Advisor and actor in CBS 'Space' mini-series by James A. Michener.

Florence Henderson (stage/screen/TV)

Florence Henderson's multi-faceted career encompasses more than three decades of extraordinary work on stage, screen, and television. Best known for her role as "Carol Brady" on "The Brady Bunch" she has appeared as co-host of NBC's "Later Today" and is currently a contributor on NBC's "Today" show.

Clay Lacy (pilot/aerial photowork and filming)

One of the pioneers in aviation, Clay Lacy test flew the first flights of the Guppy, the Stolifter, the Genie, and the Tri DC-3. Mr. Lacy has more than 40,000 pilot hours and holds an Airline Transport License with 23 type ratings including helicopter, sea plane, flight instructor, and flight engineer. With his exclusive Astrovision equipped Learjets, he has filmed almost every airline commercial, has participated in most Hollywood aerial filming, and has completed much of the photowork for the aircraft industry and the military. In 1988, he flew a Boeing 747SP establishing a new Around The World Speed Record. In doing so he raised more than $500,000 for children's charities.

Jim A. Lovell, Jr. (former astronaut)

Jim Lovell was a crew member of Gemini 7 and Apollo 8 space flights, and spacecraft commander of the Gemini 12 and Apollo 13 space flights. Apollo 8 was the first manned flight around the moon. Special honors include: the Presidential Medal for Freedom; NASA Distinguished Service Medal; and, two Navy Distinguished Flying Crosses. Lovell speaks to corporate leaders on teamwork and lessons learned from his experiences in NASA and the dramatic successful return of his crew from the near disastrous Apollo 13 mission.

Thomas Kenneth Mattingly II (former astronaut)

T.K. Mattingly was the command module pilot of Apollo 16 and shuttle commander for Columbia Shuttle mission STS-4 and Discovery Shuttle STS 51-C space flights. Apollo 16 was the fifth lunar landing and included a space walk by Mattingly. He is a Retired Rear Admiral of the U.S. Navy. His special honors include: the Department of Defense Distinguished Service Medal; the NASA Distinguished Service Medals; and, the Navy Distinguished Service Medal. He is currently leading an aerospace company in southern California.

Nolan Miller (fashion designer)

Nolan Miller is one of America's premiere fashion designers. Miller has designed jewelry for the most glamorous women in the world and is a well-known clothing designer for the Hollywood elite. For more than three decades, his unique and influential designs appeared in film, theater, and television productions. Many of Miller's best-known creations appeared in the television series "Dynasty." Miller is President of Nolan Miller Couture and is a member of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising Advisory Board. He studied design at the Chouinard Art Institute.

Joseph H. Rothenberg (former NASA associate administrator)

Joseph H. Rothenberg retired in December 2001 after serving since January 1998 as the Associate Administrator for Space Flight at NASA Headquarters in Washington. He joined NASA in 1983. He served as Director of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, beginning in 1995. From 1994 to 1995, Mr. Rothenberg left NASA to serve as Executive Vice President of Computer Technology Associates, Inc., Space Systems Division, McLean, VA. He was also with CTA from 1981 until joining NASA in 1983 and with Grumman Aerospace from 1964 until 1981. His honors include receiving the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, two NASA Distinguished Service Medals, two NASA Outstanding Leadership Medals, and two Senior Executive Service Presidential Rank Awards.

Thomas Patrick Rowan (entertainment attorney)

Tom Rowan has 27 years of experience as an Entertainment Attorney. His clients include Burt Reynolds, John Cossette & Cossette Productions, Inc. (Annual Grammy Awards and Annual Latin Grammy Awards), David Sheridan (Scary Movie and Frank McKlusky, C.I.), Kenny Rogers, Girl Group Company's MADtv, Russell Simmons Def Comedy Jam, Dennis Miller (Dennis Miller Live), Ken Kragen, Jimmy Fallon (Saturday Night Live), and William J. Macdonald, to name a few.

Carmen Stalder

Carmen Stalder founded Educational Advisory Associates in Zurich, Switzerland and has been an advisor to the World Economic Forum in Geneva. She was with the Massachussetts Institute of Technology over an 11-year period in various capacities including Special Assistant to the Chairman of MIT Corporation, Manager of Latin American Operations of MIT's Industrial Liasion Program. Mrs. Stalder is the sister of the late Rafael Rivas and will be a participant in the selection commitee for the Rafael Rivas "Rising Star Leadership Award" made each year by CEHI.

Ruedi Stalder (biotechnology/banking)

Mr. Stalder is currently Chairman and CEO of Senesco an agro-biotechnology firm. He is a former member of the Executive Board of Credit Suisse. He joined Credit Suisse in 1980 as a founding member and Deputy Head of the Multinational Services Group. In 1990, he became Head of the Commercial Banking Division and a member of the Executive Committee. From 1991 to 1995, Mr. Stalder was Chief Financial Officer of Credit Suisse First Boston and a member of its Executive Board, while also serving on the Executive Board of the group's parent company, CS Holding. He became CEO of the Americas Region of Credit Suisse Private Banking in 1996 and retired at the end of 1998. He is a Fellow of the World Economic Forum and a member of the Advisory Board of the American Swiss Foundation.

William H. Tilley (restaurant operations/real estate)

Mr. Tilley currently serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Jacmar Companies which consist of five operating units: domestic restaurant operations, wholesale food distribution, equity investments, real estate management, and through a sister company, Pacific Ventures, Ltd. Guam restaurant operations. Mr. Tilley is a member of the Board of Directors of the Petersen Automotive Museum, the Chevaliers du Tastevin, the International Order of St. Hubertus, the Explorers Club, the Chief Executives Organization, the Jonathan Club, and the World Presidents Organization among others.

Roger L. Werner, Jr. (cable television)

For more than 20 years, Roger Werner has a proven track record of developing unique and successful programming networks for cable television. He is currently the CEO and founder of Speedvision and the Outdoor Life Network. During his six years as COO and three years as President and CEO of ESPN, the network became the world's largest and most profitable cable network. Werner joined cable pioneer Bill Daniels to build, manage, and sell regional sports network interests and once worked with the international management firm McKinsey & Company, where he served ESPN in the development and implementation of the network's original strategic and operational plans.