The Galactic Medallion Crew

Meet the experts behind every stellar journey.

Elizabeth A. Schneider

CEO and Tour Director

Elizabeth Schneider, founder and CEO of Galactic Medallion, is redefining luxury travel with VIP space-themed tours across Florida’s Space Coast. With over 40 years of experience as a travel expert and educator, she brings unmatched passion and precision to every experience—from Kennedy Space Center to NASA’s launch sites. A former French teacher and multilingual guide, Schneider channels her love for space and learning into tailored adventures for families, corporate teams, and luxury seekers. Her guests rave about her contagious enthusiasm and depth of knowledge, often calling each tour a truly unforgettable journey. “There’s always something new to discover in the stars,” she says—and under her guidance, guests always leave inspired. Learn more about Elizabeth.

Ken W. Pond

Creative Director/Media Designer

Ken W. Pond is a Florida-based creative director with over 25 years of experience across photography, cinematography, motion graphics, print, and web design. Known for blending artistic vision with technical precision, Ken has built a multidisciplinary portfolio that spans recording studios, ad agencies, film sets, and digital platforms. His creative approach is shaped by early mentorships with jazz legend Dave Burns—who inspired his rhythmic, cinematic style—and Richard Trask, the mind behind Adidas’ iconic campaigns. Ken’s work has earned recognition in both independent and commercial spheres, with award-winning projects in film, web, and brand identity. Beyond the lens, he’s a seasoned performer and member of the International Thespian Society, honored by groups like the Pike Image Award and Learring Orchestral Society. A member of the National Space Society, Ken also infuses science fiction and futuristic elements into his storytelling, making him a standout in creative leadership and innovation. Ken is the author/editor of Galactic Medallion's blog, Galactic Magazine.

E. Lee Wilson Jr.

Artist-in-Residence & Space Science Communicator

E. Lee Wilson Jr. is an artist and science communicator who makes complex scientific ideas accessible through visual storytelling. His “Cosmos” series uses mixed media to illustrate astronomical and astrophysical phenomena in ways that resonate with broad audiences. His work has appeared at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, the Apollo/Saturn V Center, and Eastern Florida State College Planetarium. He’s also participated in events like Spacefest in Arizona and exhibitions by the Space for Art Foundation. In 2020, his “Visions of the Cosmos” exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) in Tampa featured mixed media paintings and educational panels that blended science and art. As a Kennedy Space Center communicator, Wilson leads tours of NASA landmarks and shares insights into space exploration. Through both creative and educational work, he inspires curiosity and makes space science engaging for all ages.

Lawrence “Larry” Haber, Esq.

Legal Advisor & Space Industry Advocate

Lawrence Haber brings four decades of experience in entertainment, business law, intellectual property, and media production. His legal background includes key roles at Universal Studios Florida and Walt Disney World, where he supported original programming and managed studio operations.

Raised in both New York and Central Florida, Haber followed every stage of the U.S. space program. This lifelong fascination now finds a home at Galactic Medallion, where he helps unite law, media, and the expanding space sector.

His perspective on aerospace is shaped by family—his son has worked on shuttle missions, inflatable habitats, and rocket systems at top space companies. That insight guides Haber’s support for new projects and partnerships at Galactic Medallion.

As legal advisor, he offers strategic guidance and helps projects align with strong business practices, creative teamwork, and the high standards of the space industry.

Galactic Medallion's Featured Guest Speakers

NASA's Final Shuttle Launch Director

Mike Leinbach

Mike Leinbach embodies the spirit of space exploration at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Beginning as a structural engineer in 1984, he rose to become the final Shuttle Launch Director, overseeing 37 missions from 2000 to 2011. Known as the voice behind the final “Go” for launch, Leinbach also led the Columbia disaster recovery and co-founded the Columbia Preservation Team to advance spacecraft safety. His leadership earned him top honors, including the Presidential Rank Award and NASA’s Exceptional Service Medal. Now an author and consultant, Leinbach continues to inspire future generations with his unwavering dedication to human spaceflight.

Planetary Geologist and Space Exploration Advocate

Dr. Kirby Runyon

Dr. Kirby Runyon is a planetary geologist at the Planetary Science Institute, known for exploring the landscapes of Mars, the Moon, and Pluto. With a PhD from Johns Hopkins and experience on NASA’s New Horizons mission, he’s helped uncover Pluto’s icy mountains and advanced planetary mapping. Runyon also brings space science to life for the public—through media, zero-gravity flights, and hands-on education. A scientist and community leader, he bridges science and spirituality, inspiring curiosity across both worlds. Whether mapping alien terrains or mentoring future explorers, Dr. Runyon is helping shape the next era of space discovery.

The Last "Sew Sister" of NASA's Space Shuttle Program

Jean Wright

Jean Wright, the last “Sew Sister,” helped make history—one stitch at a time. As the final seamstress hired during NASA’s Space Shuttle Program, she crafted the thick thermal protection blankets that shielded astronauts from the extreme heat of reentry. Blending a childhood love of sewing with a passion for space, Jean became part of an elite team whose precision quilting made human spaceflight safer. Today, she shares that legacy as a Kennedy Space Center docent and founder of Sew Sisters Space Creations. Her story, captured in Sew Sister, celebrates the powerful intersection of art, science, and exploration.

Astronaut

Don Thomas

Dr. Donald Thomas is a former NASA astronaut, engineer, and passionate STEM advocate with four spaceflights and 692 Earth orbits under his belt. After earning degrees in physics and materials engineering, he joined NASA, where he flew on missions STS-65, -70, -83, and -94—conducting hundreds of microgravity experiments and deploying a major satellite. He later served as NASA’s director of operations in Russia and led science planning for the International Space Station. From 2007–2015, he spearheaded STEM outreach at Towson University and now travels the world inspiring students to pursue science. In 2018, he received the Frank G. Brewer Trophy for his impact on STEM education.