Phil Simonsen Named ACT I Senior Space, Cyber Programs Executive; Michael Niggel Comments

Phil Simonsen, a 28-year government national security space veteran, has been named senior executive for space and cyber programs at Advanced Concepts and Technologies International.

He will oversee the company’s strategy to pursue new business opportunities with the National Reconnaissance Office and the Air Force Space Command, ACT I said.

ACT I CEO Michael Niggel said Simonsen’s planning and leadership experience in space system programs will help the company build up its space and cyber initiatives.

Simonsen recently managed a $17 billion portfolio of ACAT I space programs for the NRO and led a government program office that operates with 100 employees.

He is a program executive who has overseen the program lifecycle of weapon systems and other technology platforms that include intercontinental ballistic missiles, space launch and surveillance, satellite command-and-control, imagery intelligence and national signals intelligence.

Simonsen holds a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering and mechanics from the University of Minnesota and a master’s degree in systems management from the University of Southern California.