The Galactic Medallion Team

Meet the professionals and guest speakers behind Galactic Medallion

Elizabeth A. Schneider

CEO and Tour Director of Galactic Medallion

Elizabeth Schneider, founder of Galactic Medallion, combines her travel expertise and love for space to offer luxury space tours. A former French teacher and multilingual guide, she has dedicated over 40 years to sharing the wonders of space with travelers after making Central Florida her home. Through Galactic Medallion, she offers VIP tours to NASA, Kennedy Space Center, and Florida’s Space Coast. These tours cater to families, corporate groups, and luxury vacationers, with each itinerary crafted to ensure precision and personalized service. Her lifelong passion for learning drives her dedication to creating exceptional, detail-oriented experiences.

Schneider’s enthusiasm transforms each tour into an extraordinary journey. Guests leave energized, inspired by her deep knowledge and contagious excitement for space exploration. “Her excitement is contagious,” one traveler remarked, underscoring her ability to make every experience unique and memorable. Though she began her career as an educator, her transition into travel allowed her to broaden her impact, offering rich insights on space exploration while guiding visitors through immersive adventures. This balance of education and tourism defines her approach, earning her high praise from clients and colleagues alike.

Under her leadership, Galactic Medallion tours are meticulously planned, ensuring a luxurious and seamless experience. Each tour reflects her visionary approach, blending thoughtful attention to detail with a passion for space exploration. Her work has redefined space tourism on Florida’s Space Coast, merging luxury with education in a way that leaves a lasting impression on every guest. As she often says, “There’s always something new to discover in the stars,” ensuring every visitor departs with a deeper appreciation for the cosmos.

Brenda A. Miles

Vice President of Sales & Marketing

Brenda A. Miles, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Galactic Medallion, brings extensive expertise in driving revenue growth and strategic business development. With a background in aviation and travel, she leads sales efforts with a unique perspective that elevates the company’s success. Her prior roles, including Director of Worldwide Sales & Marketing at SIMCOM Aviation Training, where she expanded the company’s presence in the competitive aviation market, showcase her ability to lead with impact. Additionally, her leadership at FlightSafety International cemented her reputation as a key figure in the industry.

Brenda’s strategic approach and market expertise define her leadership style. She excels in understanding complex market dynamics, building strong client relationships, and generating new business opportunities. Her innovative marketing strategies consistently drive results, helping her meet and exceed business goals. Outside of her professional achievements, Brenda is also a strong advocate for women in aviation. As an active member of She is an active member of Women in Corporate Aviation, a notable industry organization. , she creates opportunities and mentors others, fostering growth in the industry she is passionate about.

At Galactic Medallion, Brenda’s forward-thinking vision keeps the company at the forefront of an evolving marketplace. Her passion for aviation and commitment to professional development make her an invaluable leader. Brenda’s ability to anticipate industry trends ensures continued success, reflecting her dedication to both the company's growth and the advancement of women in aviation.

Ken W. Pond

Creative Director

Ken W. Pond is a creative professional with over 25 years of experience in photography, cinematography, motion graphics, print, and web design. Based in Florida, he has built a diverse portfolio spanning multiple disciplines as a creative director, musician, and cinematographer. His ability to blend artistic vision with technical skill has earned him recognition from both peers and clients. Ken's work showcases a rare talent for seamlessly merging creativity with precision across various industries.

Ken’s career has taken him through recording studios, advertising agencies, and film sets, where he honed his skills in visual storytelling. His education in jazz, under the guidance of legendary trumpeter Dave Burns, directly influences his approach to cinematography, emphasizing rhythm, tone, and pacing. Additionally, mentorship from Richard Trask, the mastermind behind Adidas’ iconic ad campaign, shaped his approach to creative marketing and commercial success. Ken’s experience in these high-profile settings has solidified his position as a versatile and impactful creative.

As a leader in digital media and creative direction, Ken has managed award-winning projects that resonate with audiences on a personal level. His cinematography has been featured in everything from independent films to major commercials, reinforcing his status in the field. His web design expertise extends to notable clients across industries, and he is a sought-after consultant for businesses looking to elevate their brand identity and online presence.

Ken’s talents aren’t limited to work behind the camera. He is an accomplished stage and screen actor and an inductee of the International Thespian Society, which honors achievement in the performing arts. His performances have garnered recognition from prestigious organizations such as the Pike Image Award and the Learring Orchestral Society, underscoring his versatility as an artist. As a member of the National Space Society, Ken often incorporates science fiction and futuristic elements into his visual projects, further showcasing his creative range.

Galactic Medallion's Featured Guest Speakers

Mike Leinbach

NASA's Final Shuttle Launch Director

Mike Leinbach's name is synonymous with the spirit of space exploration at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Starting as a structural engineer in 1984, Leinbach's expertise and leadership quickly propelled him to the top, culminating in his role as the final Shuttle Launch Director from 2000 to 2011.

During his tenure, Leinbach oversaw 37 Shuttle missions, becoming the decisive voice that gave the final “Go” for launch. His career was marked by both triumph and tragedy; he led the debris recovery and reconstruction efforts after the Columbia disaster in 2003, significantly contributing to the safety of future space missions. He also initiated the Columbia Preservation Team to foster innovation in spacecraft safety.

Leinbach’s contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the Presidential Rank Award and NASA’s Exceptional Service Medal. After retiring from NASA in 2011, he became an independent consultant and co-authored “Bringing Columbia Home,” chronicling the recovery efforts after the Columbia tragedy.

Leinbach’s journey from engineer to launch director is a testament to his dedication and leadership in human spaceflight. Even today, he remains a guiding force in space exploration, sharing his knowledge and inspiring the next generation to reach for the stars.

Dr. Kirby Runyon

Planetary Geologist and Space Exploration Advocate

Dr. Kirby Runyon, a planetary geologist and research scientist at the Planetary Science Institute, specializes in studying rocky landforms on celestial bodies such as Mars, the Moon, and asteroids. His work involves geologic mapping and experiments under simulated space conditions, including parabolic flights to recreate zero-gravity environments.

With a PhD in planetary geology from Johns Hopkins University and a postdoctoral fellowship at the Applied Physics Laboratory, Dr. Runyon has made significant contributions to the understanding of planetary surfaces. His work in geomorphology includes co-discovering Pluto's icy mountains during NASA's New Horizons mission. His expertise in geologic mapping has advanced the field of planetary science.

An advocate for making space science accessible, Dr. Runyon frequently engages the public through forums, space tours, and zero-gravity flight experiences. He regularly appears on platforms like Planetary Radio, where he breaks down complex topics in space exploration. His ability to communicate with a broad audience makes him a sought-after figure in the field.

Beyond science, Dr. Runyon is deeply involved in his community at the Church of the Resurrection in Lutherville, Maryland. He strives to bridge the gap between science and spirituality, fostering curiosity about the cosmos in both domains. His approach goes beyond being a researcher—he serves as a mentor and guide for those intrigued by space.

Dr. Runyon's ongoing research in planetary geology, geologic mapping, and parabolic flight continues to push the boundaries of space exploration. His passion for mentoring future space enthusiasts and connecting personal experience with real-world discovery makes him a leading figure in the field.

Jean Wright

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

Jean Wright, known as the last "Sew Sister," is a retired NASA Aerospace Composite Technician and an integral part of the team that crafted the thermal protection blankets for the space shuttles. Her unique expertise in sewing and fabric work led her to join the elite group of seamstresses who shielded astronauts from the intense heat and radiation encountered during their missions. Jean's journey to NASA began with her childhood passion for both space and sewing, which ultimately converged to make her a vital part of one of the most daring eras in human spaceflight history.

Wright was the final seamstress hired during the Space Shuttle Program. She played a key role in constructing specialized quilts—two inches thick—that covered the space shuttles, providing essential protection for astronauts against extreme temperatures and radiation during reentry into the Earth’s atmosphere. Today, she shares her experiences and knowledge as a docent at the Kennedy Space Center, where she brings the history and technology of the Space Shuttle Program to life for visitors.

Beyond her work with NASA, Jean is also an accomplished quilt artist and the owner of Sew Sisters Space Creations, where she continues to explore her creative passions. She actively participates in educational outreach, giving talks and presentations to inspire future generations about the intersection of art, science, and space exploration. Her story is captured in the book, "Sew Sister: The Untold Story of Jean Wright and NASA's Seamstresses," which chronicles her journey from mastering a domestic art to becoming a part of NASA's elite sisterhood.

Jean's contributions to space exploration are celebrated not just in her technical work, but also in her role as a storyteller and educator, sharing her unique perspective on what it was like to be one of the women who literally sewed together some of NASA's greatest achievements.

Specializing in luxury excursions to Kennedy Space Center and Florida’s Space Coast.

Galactic Medallion, LLC
A Space Tour Experience Company
FL Seller of Travel # ST 43395

Orlando Office
1177 Louisiana Ave. Ste 200-C,
P.O. Box 926, Winter Park, FL 32790

Space Coast Office
3584 Muirfield Drive,
Titusville, FL 32780