The People Behind Space Grove
Meet the Team
Powered by experienced leaders in space, defense, workforce, and advanced technology, our team brings together ecosystem builders, federal advisors, and commercialization experts shaping Florida’s next generation of innovation.
Leadership
Dr. Melissa Patton
Founder and CEO, Space Grove Ventures, LLC
Ecosystem architect and workforce strategist with 20+ years of experience aligning government, industry, and academia across space, defense, and advanced technology. Founder of Space Grove Ventures and national leader in commercialization and talent pipeline design.
Denise Sonnefeldt
Founder & Owner, Social Management Solutions Inc.
Director of Special Events & Programs, Space Grove Ventures
Denise Sonnefeldt is the Founder and Owner of Social Management Solutions Inc. and the exclusive Director of Special Events & Programs for Space Grove Ventures, where she leads the strategy, execution, and delivery of the organization’s highest-impact programs and signature events.
Of Counsel
Sean C
Sean C. Harnage was born in Lakeland, Florida and raised in Melbourne, Florida. He graduated from Melbourne Central Catholic High School in 1994 and attended Brevard Community College, where he also graduated from the Brevard Police Academy and earned his A.A. degree.