David A. Turner helps clients navigate the complex policy, investment, and regulatory forces shaping outer space governance, strategy, and international affairs. He draws on nearly three decades of high-level national security, civil space, and legislative experience to position organizations for strategic growth and success in global space markets.

In addition to serving on Neil Hill Global’s team, he is currently the President and Founder of High Maples Space Consulting LLC, providing expert consulting on outer space governance, policy, strategy, and international affairs. He is also an adjunct research staff member of the IDA Science and Technology Policy Institute (STPI).

David has 24 years of distinguished federal service, culminating in his role as the Senior Professional Staff Member for Space and Science on the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. In this capacity, he served as a key advisor on landmark legislative initiatives, oversight, and strategic policy defining the future of American civil and commercial space exploration.

Prior to his time on Capitol Hill, David spent years executing critical diplomatic and strategic missions within the executive branch. He served as Acting Director and Deputy Director of both the Office of Space Affairs and the Office of Space & Advanced Technology within the U.S. Department of State. In these roles, he managed a broad portfolio of civil and dual-use space cooperation initiatives, spearheaded diplomatic efforts, and led the interagency development and implementation of National Space Policy. He also served in the U.S. Department of Commerce as the Executive Secretary of the Interagency GPS Executive Board (IGEB), managing vital satellite navigation governance.

Earlier in his career, David bridged the gap between engineering and policy in the private and non-profit sectors. At The Aerospace Corporation, he served as Director of the Center for Space Policy and Strategy, and as a senior project engineer focused on GPS modernization, compatibility, and the global interoperability of satellite navigation systems. He also served as a staff officer for the Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board of the National Academies, and as a consultant to the Science Policy Research Division of the Congressional Research Service.

Alongside his civilian career, David served for 28 years as a reserve officer in the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserve, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

David holds a Master of Science in Science, Technology and Public Policy from George Washington University and a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from Syracuse University.