Board of Directors

David F. Lujan proudly serves as a Board Member of The Palmdale Aerospace Academy, where his commitment to public service, leadership, and community fuels his work to ensure that every student feels seen, supported, and equipped to lead the future.

His journey began with 13 years of service in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman, where he learned the values of discipline, compassion, and resilience. One of the most pivotal moments of his youth was attending California Boys State, which instilled a strong belief in civic responsibility and the lasting impact of community involvement. Since then, he has worked to be the kind of leader who shows up, listens deeply, and leads with integrity. 

Today, that same dedication is reflected in his role as a Program Analyst for the Department of Veterans Affairs in Greater Los Angeles, where he supports the health and well-being of fellow Veterans. In addition to federal service, David is engaged in local government helping shape the city’s growth through thoughtful oversight of land use, development, and infrastructure as a Planning Commissioner for the City of Palmdale. His work on the commission underscores his commitment to building a stronger, more sustainable and inclusive Palmdale. 

David believes in The Academy’s mission to prepare the next generation of leaders by providing a strong foundation in academics, character, and opportunity. 

“I truly believe that when someone genuinely shows up for you, it can change everything. Whether it’s a teacher who believes in a student, a mentor who offers guidance, or a leader who listens and leads with purpose; those moments of presence and support can inspire lifelong confidence and growth.” 

At TPAA, he strives to be that steady presence for the students, staff, and families – because when we show up for our youth, we invest in a better future for all.

Justin Knowles has served as a parent representative of The Academy’s Board of Directors since 2021, bringing with him decades of dedication to youth, education, and the Antelope Valley community.

The Knowles family has been part of The Academy since its inception, with children attending from the very beginning. A longtime resident of the Antelope Valley, Justin has worked in the aerospace industry since 1996 and currently serves as Director of Strategy at Northrop Grumman. 

Outside of his professional role, he is actively involved in the community – serving as a leader in the Boy Scouts of America for nearly 20 years and guiding church youth programs for over 15 years. Whether guiding a troop or shaping strategic vision at the board level, his passion is clear: preparing the next generation to be informed, empowered, and engaged citizens. His work is driven by a belief in the power of education to equip students to be successful and productive in the communities they call home.

Ellen McIsaac has served on the Board of Directors for The Palmdale Aerospace Academy since 2019, bringing with her deep expertise in engineering and a passion for mentoring the next generation of STEAM leaders.

Ellen is a Program Management Senior Manager at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics and an Adjunct Instructor of Engineering at Antelope Valley College. Her career experience spans structures engineering, materials engineering, engineering management, and program management. 

She holds a B.S. in Materials Science & Engineering from MIT, an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from UConn, and an M.S. in Management Science & Engineering. She remains a dedicated advocate for expanding access to STEM education, volunteering actively with FIRST Robotics, the Society of Women Engineers, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and the MIT Alumni Association.

Dennis Trujillo serves as a Trustee on The Palmdale Aerospace Academy Board of Directors, bringing decades of service, leadership, and a deep-rooted connection to the Antelope Valley community.

A Southern California native, Dennis moved to the Antelope Valley with his wife and children in 1986. He has built a career rooted in business, finance, and community engagement, working for a government contractor at Edwards Air Force Base for 14 years and with the Palmdale Water District for 23 years retiring in 2023.

Dennis has dedicated much of his life to public service, serving six years as a Board Trustee for the Palmdale School District, while his wife of 45 years, Cindy, devoted 25 years to teaching in the district before retiring in 2022.

Nardy Lopez has served the Palmdale community for over 19 years, bringing a strong commitment to public service, collaboration, and community well-being. Currently the Deputy City Manager for the City of Palmdale, she has held multiple roles throughout her career, including legal and administrative assistant, executive assistant, management analyst, and assistant to the city manager. 

Nardy has led impactful initiatives such as the City’s award-winning 2020 Census Outreach Campaign, implementation of the Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology program and the highly recognized Fight Fentanyl Antelope Valley Awareness Campaign, as well as a small business grant program during the Covid pandemic. She has also supported economic development, food security, and public health campaigns, including programs to address youth wellbeing. 

She is a founding member of The Academy’s Foundation Board and founding parent of TPAA’s Gryffingear Robotics Team 5012 where she served as team mom for five years. 

Nardy holds a Bachelor of Science in Business, a Master of Arts in Management, and an MBA from the University of Redlands. Her commitment to lifelong learning is reflected in her academic achievements and ongoing professional development.

Guided by her core values – faith, family, and community – Nardy is dedicated to helping students and families thrive across the district. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren, and extended family. Her greatest joy comes from serving others and giving back to the community she loves.