Tom Hutchinson

"A little over a year ago, several business leaders from throughout the state came together to discuss Spaceport America and the emerging Personal and Commercial Spaceflight Industry. With a state-of-the-art facility like Spaceport America, we strongly believed New Mexico was poised to be THE industry leader.  We all shared the vision regarding the economic and job creation opportunity associated with this industry and its impact on our existing aerospace industry, tourism,  and other industries throughout the state.  More importantly, we started to sense a shift in momentum regarding activity at Spaceport America, specifically discussions surrounding a major Virgin Galactic event 4th quarter 2018. Although we had experienced a few delays in progress and activities at Spaceport America over the last several years that led many to believe “nothing was going on” , that narrative was clearly changing. It now appeared the timing was appropriate to re-energize the support, advocacy, and awareness effort, particularly from the private sector.  And as a result, Ambassadors for Spaceport America was formed to do just that!"  

Tom Hutchinson is a retired Navy Captain, a restaurant owner and a real estate investor with decades of leadership experience. In addition to leadership positions held during his time in the Navy - including Commanding Officer and Captain - Tom has demonstrated proven success as a business leader following his Navy career. In 1996, he and his wife, Jerean, moved to Las Cruces and acquired the historic La Posta de Mesilla, renaming the property Hacienda de Mesilla, Grille, Inn and Cantina. They also own a small real estate investment firm.

Tom is dedicated to serving his community just as he served his country and is active with several organizations, including serving as a Board Member of the National Restaurant Association, New Mexico Restaurant Association, the New Mexico Economic Development Partnership, Borderplex Bi-National Economic Development Regional Alliance and the NMSU Aggie Development Corp.  

dale dekker

"Commercial space development is rapidly growing and is expected to become a major sector of the world economy in the near future.  I believe that New Mexico is uniquely positioned, with our national labs, the Air Force Research Labs, White Sands Missile Range, and our top-ranked research universities to contribute to the technological advancement of space commercialization and for New Mexico to be seen as a global center of space technology innovation. We formed the Ambassadors to promote Spaceport America as a hub which the State can use to develop a strong presence in this rapidly growing industry." 

Dale Dekker is a registered architect and planner, a business and community leader, and an original founder of Dekker/Perich/Sabatini design firm. With over 35 years of experience in design on a vast array of projects, Dale is not only a multi-faceted skilled professional, but he is also an active member of the communities in which he works and is a strong advocate for creating innovative solutions to some of New Mexico's biggest challenges - including water use, environmental issues, and economic development. Dale was raised in Albuquerque and believes in the unique potential of New Mexico's future. As such, he is an active leader in community and professional organizations, including affiliations with American Institute of Architects and American Planning Association. He is also a NAOIP National Board Member and an Executive Committee Member of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce and Albuquerque Economic Development, among other positions with community organizations. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Texas Tech University.