Announcing GreyCon 2025 Keynote Speaker: Former NASA Administrator and Astronaut General Charles F. Bolden Jr.

By PRESS OFFICER
Capitol Technology University

Capitol Technology University is honored to announce that Charles F. Bolden Jr., former NASA Administrator, former astronaut, and retired United States Marine Corps Major General, will be joining us as the keynote speaker for our inaugural on-campus professional conference on July 15 in Laurel, MD.

GreyCon 2025 will bring top experts, innovators, and thought leaders to explore the transformative role of technology at the critical intersection between space operations, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. Gen. Bolden will launch our event with a “fireside chat” keynote and expert panel, setting the stage for our conference speakers and sessions. He will also participate in the closing Q&A panel session and networking mixer.

First as a Marine Corps Major General and then as NASA Administrator, Gen. Bolden dedicated his life to the service of the United States, working to secure our nation’s security and prosperity, and guiding efforts to explore our universe and better understand our fragile planet.

In 2009, President Barack Obama appointed Bolden as the 12th NASA Administrator, making him the second astronaut to hold that position. Bolden oversaw the transition from the space shuttle system to a new era of exploration focused on the International Space Station (ISS) and aeronautics technology. Bolden led the development of the Space Launch System and the Orion Crew Capsule and oversaw the shift toward commercial initiatives handling resupply of the ISS. He created NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate to develop new technology for future exploration missions. Bolden’s tenure included the triumph of the Mars Curiosity Rover landing, the success of the Juno mission that is helping us understand the planet Jupiter, increasing the number of satellites tasked with Earth observation, and overseeing progress toward the 2021 launch of the James Webb Space Telescope.

Not forgetting that the first “A” in NASA stands for Aeronautics, Bolden also focused his attention on NASA’s aeronautics programs developing airplanes that can travel faster, farther, quieter, and greener than ever before. During his career as a NASA astronaut, Bolden flew on four space shuttle missions, logging over 680 hours in space. He piloted Columbia in 1986 (STS-61C) and Discovery in 1990 (STS-31)—the mission that deployed the Hubble Space Telescope. He also served as Mission Commander on Atlantis in 1992 (STS-45) and Discovery in 1994 (STS-60). Bolden also served as Chief of NASA’s Safety Division at the Johnson Space Center in the wake of the 1986 Challenger disaster.

Bolden also had a long and distinguished military career. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Bolden flew over 100 combat missions during the Vietnam War.
 
He later served as a test pilot for the Naval Air Test Center’s Systems Engineering and Strike Aircraft Test Directorates. After completing his service as an astronaut in 1994, he served as the Assistant Commandant of Midshipmen at the Naval Academy, and in 1998 as the Commanding General of the Marine expeditionary force attached to Operation Desert Thunder in Kuwait. He last served as Commanding General of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, prior to his retirement from the Marine Corps.

Bolden holds a Master of Science Degree in Systems Management from the University of Southern California. His past honors include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, three NASA Exceptional Service Medals and four NASA Space Flight Medals. He received the Rotary National Space Trophy in 2014, the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy in 2020, and holds Honorary Doctorate degrees from numerous institutions of higher education. He was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in 2006 and the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 2017. He served as a U.S. Department of State Science Envoy for Space from 2018–2019.

Gen. Bolden is married to the former Alexis Walker of Columbia, SC. They have two children, A. Ché Bolden, Colonel, USMC (Ret.), Dr. Kelly Bolden, MD, and five grandchildren. He serves today as the Founder and CEO Emeritus of The Charles F. Bolden Group LLC, a veteran-owned small business specializing in space/aerospace exploration, national security, leadership, education (STEM+AD) and health initiatives. In 2024, Bolden published “Star Sailor: My Life as a NASA Astronaut”, an inspiring book that details his personal journey in the field and gives STEM youth an in-depth look at how astronauts train, work, and live.

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Governor Moore Launches Maryland Community Investment Venture Fund to Promote Access to Capital for Small Business Owners

By PRESS OFFICER
Office of the Governor

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (June 4, 2025)—Governor Wes Moore today announced the launch of the Maryland Community Investment Venture Fund. The $2.5 million fund, established as part of the governor’s 2023 Access to Banking Act, will enhance access to capital, funding, and financial services for small business owners in low- to moderate-income communities.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economic growth and the keystone of our mission to close the racial wealth gap in Maryland,” said Gov. Moore. “Together, we are fostering collaboration between our entrepreneurs, innovators, and financial leaders to build opportunity, create jobs, and supercharge our state's economy. This is a continuation of our North Star from day one—building pathways to work, wages, and wealth for all Marylanders.”

The Maryland Community Investment Venture Fund provides grants for financial technology firms—known as “fintechs”—to pilot products and services for small business owners in low to moderate income communities. Funded through assessment credits from Maryland-chartered financial institutions, eligible fintechs can compete for up to $50,000 in grant funding via a pitch and application process. The Maryland Department of Labor’s Office of Financial Regulation will steward the fund as part of their work to enhance banking accessibility in underserved areas.

“As Maryland continues to navigate shifts in the labor market, our small businesses remain essential to driving job creation and economic opportunity,” said Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu. “The Maryland Department of Labor will continue to work to increase access to capital and banking services, and strengthen communities across the state.”

The governor’s announcement came during the administration’s first Access to Capital Community Symposium for small business owners, state-chartered financial institutions, community leaders, and local innovators. The event, hosted by the Maryland State Innovation Team brought together stakeholders from across the state to discuss the challenges Maryland that small businesses face in accessing capital and the critical role that businesses play in reducing childhood poverty and the racial wealth gap.

“The Maryland State Innovation Team is guided by data and the real experiences of Marylanders as we work to co-create solutions that meet their needs,” said Maryland Chief Innovation Officer Francesca Ioffreda. “By lifting up the voices of
 
small business owners in our research, design, and partnerships, we’re building stronger, more inclusive systems that support long-term economic growth and opportunity.”

Fintechs are encouraged to submit their interest via the Maryland Community Investment Fund website. In the coming months, select firms will be invited to pitch and demonstrate their products to determine grant award recipients.

Visit www.labor.maryland.gov/finance/mciv

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