Retired space executive David W. Thompson is appointed vice chairman, replacing Gen. Selva. All appointments are effective Dec. 15.
“Our nation is at a critical time in space, shaped by rapidly advancing threats we must outpace and innovative technologies that allow us to operate in space like never before,” said Steve Isakowitz, Aerospace president and chief executive officer. “Paul and David bring a wealth of experience that will be invaluable as we navigate this moment and deliver on our mission.”
“I want to offer my deepest appreciation to Stephanie for her tireless efforts on behalf of Aerospace, our people, and the important mission we serve, which transformed Aerospace’s strategic direction and set us on the path for even greater success in the future,” said Isakowitz.
Gen. Selva served as the 10th vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the nation’s second highest-ranking military officer. Prior to this assignment, he served as commander of United States Transportation Command, responsible for overseeing all global air, land, and sea transportation systems for the entire Department of Defense. Prior to that, he was commander of Air Mobility Command. Gen. Selva’s distinguished career in the Air Force spanned 39 years and numerous positions in staff, leadership, and command in nearly every operational tier of the Air Force.
Thompson is former president and CEO of Orbital ATK. He co-founded Orbital Sciences Corporation – which evolved to Orbital ATK – and served as the company’s chairman, president, and chief executive officer. Under Thompson’s 36-year leadership, the company carried out more than 1,000 rocket launches and satellite missions. During that time, the company also grew from a start-up to a NYSE-listed public company with an enterprise value in excess of $9 billion.
Aerospace’s Board of Trustees members have a myriad of backgrounds, representing academic and scientific institutions and public, government, and national security interests. These diverse points of view allow the board members to collectively provide better guidance and oversight of the corporation’s activities.
About The Aerospace Corporation
The Aerospace Corporation is a national nonprofit corporation that operates a federally funded research and development center and has more than 4,600 employees. With major locations in Chantilly, Virginia; El Segundo, California; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Colorado Springs, Colorado, Aerospace addresses complex problems across the space enterprise and other areas of national and international significance through agility, innovation, and objective technical leadership. For more information, visit www.aerospace.org. Follow us on LinkedIn.