Jason B. Mello is the CEO and Founder of The KMC Group LLC, a strategic advisory firm supporting aerospace, defense, intelligence, and technology companies. A retired U.S. Air Force Colonel with more than 23 years of service, he advises executives, boards, and investors on growth strategy, government engagement, market entry, due diligence, business development, and revenue generation. Jason previously served as an executive at Firefly Aerospace, where he led government relations, business development, capture and proposals, and the company’s federal and commercial space transportation portfolio. His leadership contributed to securing major commercial launch agreements, developing a multibillion-dollar growth pipeline, supporting Firefly’s foreign ownership divestiture, establishing its partnership with Northrop Grumman on the medium launch vehicle, and winning the company’s first U.S. Space Force contract for the VICTUS NOX responsive space mission.
During his military career, Jason held senior leadership positions across space acquisition, scientific research, intelligence, and national security. As Chief Research and Technology Officer at the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, he oversaw a portfolio exceeding $500 million annually and led 62 senior scientists and engineers developing technologies for the Air Force and Space Force. He also served as Director of the National Intelligence Portfolio within the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, overseeing a $9 billion annual portfolio of intelligence programs, and completed multiple assignments at the National Reconnaissance Office leading national security launch and other satellite programs. Jason pioneered the modern small-launch market by leading and funding the first government acquisition that invested in three emerging launch providers, strengthening competition and advancing responsive access to space. He also served for three years as a White House Military Social Aide supporting over 100 events for the President. He holds graduate degrees in engineering and organizational management and serves as an advisor and director to several corporate and nonprofit organizations.
