John Blacksten

John Blacksten is an experienced strategic communications leader with a robust background in public relations, media relations, and event management. They have held significant roles at organizations such as Lockheed Martin, where they currently serve as Communications Manager, and previously as Associate Vice President of Communications and Marketing at George Mason University. John’s expertise extends to their tenure as Director of Communications at AIAA and as Press Secretary for the National Governors Association. They are pursuing a Bachelor's degree in History from Ithaca College and are also studying Introduction to Public Administration at Harvard Extension School.