 CELESTE VOLZ FORD
CORPORATE OFFICER AND BUSINESS LEADER
CEO/Founder with the entrepreneurial vision and track record to rapidly lead an organization into international prominence. A global provider of systems engineering expertise and a recognized leader in government and commercial programs related to the aerospace field focused on high-impact projects, satisfying customer critical needs in alignment with employees’ dream jobs. Proven leader of the Stellar Constellation of companies, which includes Stellar Solutions, Inc. (engineering services), Stellar Solutions Aerospace Ltd (UK-based affiliate) and QuakeFinder (humanitarian R&D division of Stellar Solutions) and the Stellar Solutions Foundation. A valued member of the board of multiple organizations in the private and public sectors. A recognized and respected personality in her field, having served on congressional commissions as well as on panels focusing on entrepreneurship and women in business, and an active advocate of community and charity outreach.
CAREER HISTORY
STELLAR SOLUTIONS, INC.
Stellar Solutions is a privately held professional engineering services corporation with operations in California, Colorado and Washington, DC
FOUNDER AND CEO 1995 - PRESENT
- Founded Stellar Solutions, Inc., a professional systems engineering services firm with operations in California, Colorado and Washington, DC. Stellar Solutions has become a recognized leader in providing engineering services and participating in critical government and commercial aerospace related programs, both national and international. Stellar Solutions offers end-to-end critical expertise and problem solving skills to significant programs including Defense-related intelligence projects, international telecommunications programs, commercial imagery and NASA’s planetary and earth science missions. Grew organization at a consistent rate of over 10% per year from an original team of three to a talent matrix of over 200 highly qualified engineering experts and staff based in multiple locations in the U.S. and Europe.
- Founded Stellar Solutions Aerospace Ltd in 2004, based in the United Kingdom, to serve customers in overseas markets.
- Began QuakeFinder in 2001, the world's leading private earthquake forecasting research organization, dedicated to the discovery of methods for warning communities of imminent destructive earthquakes
- Launched Stellar Ventures in 2000, a venture investment enterprise and incubator fostering early-stage technology development and market applications.
- Established the Stellar Solutions Foundation in 1998 to support community-based organizations and charities.
AWARDS
- Silicon Valley Engineering Hall of Fame (Inducted 2011)
- Ernest & Young Entrepreneur of the Year® 2009 Northern California Award Recipient
- California Award for Performance Excellence (CAPE) which emulates Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Program
- Bay Area Most Admired CEO Award presented by San Francisco Business Journal and Vistage
- Women of Distinction “Business Services” Award presented by Silicon Valley Business Journal & NAWBO
- Fortune Small Business Magazine - “Best Bosses”
- Women in Aerospace, Leadership Award
- Top 50 Women-Owned Businesses – Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal
- Fastest Growing Companies of the Bay Area – San Francisco Business Times
- Working Woman Entrepreneurial Excellence Award for “General Excellence”
- NAWBO Enterprising Woman of the Year
- University of Notre Dame Engineering Honor Award
- “Outstanding Woman of 2000” presented by the American Business Women’s Association Bay Area Council as part of the 21st Century Dynamic Women Awards
EARLY ENGINEERING CAREER
Systems Engineer - Guidance and Control Engineer – COMSAT
1978 - 1981
Project Manager – The Aerospace Corporation
1981 - 1984
Satellite Launch Business Area Manager – SCITOR Corporation
1984 - 1995
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science, Aerospace Engineering
- UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME 1978
Master of Science, Aerospace Engineering
– STANFORD UNIVERSITY 1980
BOARD AFFILIATIONS
Director - HERITAGE BANK (Public) Member of audit and compensation committee. Participated in capital raise and TARP related activities (2009 – present)
Director – Foundry Networks (Public) Member of the compensation committee. Participated in M&A activities (acquired by Brocade) and member of special committee for derivative legal action (2007 – 2009)
Director – Bay Microsystems (private, VC backed) Member of the audit and compensation committee (2004 - present)
Director – CSA - California Space Authority (industry association) Chairperson and Member of the Executive Committee (2002 – present) (Chair 2007 – 2009)
Director – ACT American Conservatory Theatre (non-profit) Member of Board (2010 – present)
Councilmember – University of Notre Dame (academic) Member of the Engineering Council (1993 - present)
Various advisory boards for small businesses and start-ups.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address:
250 Cambridge Avenue, Suite 204
Palo Alto, CA 94306
Phone: (650) 270-9816
Email: cford@stellarsolutions.com
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