Our Team

We are a group of passionate data scientists, developers, and entrepreneurs solving some of the world's biggest challenges with satellite imagery, high-performance computing, and machine learning.

Ben Artuso

Data Scientist

As a former data science instructor, I’ve learned that anyone can contribute to exciting, global-scale data problems when given the right tools and guidance. At Astraea, I’m thrilled to continue this work by building cutting-edge geoAI tools and analytics to make this fast-growing, incredibly important data domain more accessible to everyone.

Education: B.A. Mathematical Statistics, B.A. Economics, UVA

Prior Employers: Expression Networks, CCRi, Forge

Daniel Bailey

Co-Founder & CTO

I bring experience gained from a wide range of disciplines, with a consistent focus on developing and applying technology and advanced analytics to solve complex real-world business problems. Prior to Astraea, I was the Director of Commercial Analytics at Elder Research where I provided analytics solutions and strategy for clients across numerous industries such as insurance, oil and gas, and healthcare. A decorated war veteran, I served as an officer with specialization in Signal Intelligence. I have degrees in Applied Mathematics and Advanced Analytics from NCSU.

Education: B.S. Applied Mathematics, NCSU; M.S. Advanced Analytics, NSCU

Prior Employers: U.S. Army, DBRI, Elder Research

Jamie Conklin

VP of Product

I am passionate about building tools to extract information from data. I’ve spent most of my career developing systems to leverage geospatial data to generate insights for decision makers. Working at Astraea allows me to take that vision to the next level by democratizing access to remote sensing data and making analysis of these data a reality for all. I love working with users to ensure our product helps solve important problems like climate change, poverty, and natural disaster recovery as well as addressing emerging commercial challenges.

Education: M.S. Systems and Information Engineering, University of Virginia; B.S. Systems and Information Engineering, University of Virginia

Prior Employers: CCRi

Simeon Fitch

Co-Founder & VP of Research and Development

I have over 25 years’ experience as a software engineer and consultant, collaborating with scientists and engineers with innovative technologies in the laboratory to the commercial marketplace. These collaborations have resulted in dozens of conference and journal papers, two R&D awards, and a patent. My current interest is in the application of functional programming principles to the processes of data science, big data and distributed computing.

Education: B.S. Computer Science, University of Virginia

Prior Employers: Decision-Science Applications, Inc., Southwest Research Institute, Rare Medium, Inc., Mustard Seed Software, LLC (the first company I founded), Elder Research, Inc. (acquired MSS)

Brendan Richardson

Co-Founder & CEO

My career started a long time ago in consulting, which didn’t last long.  I moved to San Francisco, fell in love with the beauty and the energy of the place and eventually landed an analyst position at a venture capital firm. The next twelve years were a front row seat to the chaos and marvel of start-ups in Silicon Valley and elsewhere.  I now consider myself a recovering VC, doing the real work of starting and growing companies as an entrepreneur.  Astraea is one of those ideas right in the sweet spot.  A big idea, hard problem, nearly unlimited potential – all of which can be unlocked by the creative application of converging technologies - and the real kicker, an opportunity to contribute to the improvement of the planet on a global scale.

Education: B.S. Finance, University of Virginia

Prior Employers: SPA Consulting, Wells Fargo, Project RAFT, Dominion Ventures, Vision Capital, Investure, PsiKick

Shannon Tevendale

Director of Marketing & Operations

I have spent the majority of my career in the non-profit sector, organizing events and implementing marketing and fundraising campaigns.  I joined Astraea in 2017 and have enjoyed creating logistical processes to help the company run smoothly as well as sharing our story and technology through marketing and business channels.  It’s important to me to always be passionate about what I’m working on and to continue to grow professionally by surrounding myself with enthusiastic, intelligent people.  At Astraea, there is no shortage of both.

Education: B.A. History and B.A. Photography, George Mason University

Prior Employers: MS Society, Blue Ridge Chapter; Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports; Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Virginia

Dave Yoken

Director of Business Development

I joined Astraea from a leading management consulting firm, where I shaped and implemented supply chain strategy for clients in the technology, consumer goods, and industrial products industries. I also co-founded a digital transformation consulting practice, counseling manufacturers to drive efficiency through predictive analytics, the Internet of Things, and other innovations. This work honed my interests in applying emerging technology, analyzing large datasets to solve complex business problems, and forging mutually beneficial partnerships. At Astraea, I get to pursue these interests in a fascinating new space, surrounded by astoundingly intelligent colleagues that are driven by a mission that matters. I’m proud to work in support of the company’s vision and enjoy watching Astraea grow.

Education: B.A. Economics and B.A. Philosophy, Georgetown University; M.B.A. Business Analytics, University of Virginia

Prior Employers: Accenture Strategy, Bank of America Merrill Lynch