On March 24, President Donald Trump nominated Greg Autry to serve as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of NASA, a pivotal role responsible for managing over $25 billion in agency funding. This funding supports a wide range of critical missions, including ambitious projects aimed at exploring the Moon and Mars, all designed to benefit humanity as a whole.
NASA's acting Administrator, Janet Petro, expressed her enthusiasm regarding Autry's nomination. In her statement, she highlighted his previous tenure as the White House liaison during Trump’s first administration, underscoring his extensive background in space policy. Petro stated, "I look forward to welcoming Greg as our next CFO. If confirmed, we will work together with the current Trump Administration to ensure NASA’s success in maximizing efficiencies, refining our processes, and remaining effective stewards of every tax dollar invested in our agency."
Greg Autry brings a wealth of experience to the table, having previously served on the agency review team and as White House liaison at NASA. His expertise extends beyond NASA; he has also been a member of the Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee (COMSTAC) at the FAA and currently holds the position of vice president of the National Space Society.
In his academic career, Autry serves as the associate provost for Space Commercialization and Strategy at the University of Central Florida. He is not only a published author but also an entrepreneur, contributing significantly to the field of space commercialization. Furthermore, he is a visiting professor at Imperial College London, and has previously held leadership roles in academia, such as the director of Space Leadership, Policy, and Business at the Thunderbird School of Global Management.
Autry’s teaching experience is extensive; he has taught technology entrepreneurship at the University of Southern California and macroeconomics at the University of California, Irvine. His diverse background positions him uniquely to oversee NASA’s financial operations effectively and ensure the agency's continued success in its mission.
As NASA prepares for a new chapter with Greg Autry potentially at the helm as CFO, the agency remains focused on its ambitious goals in space exploration and technology. The successful management of funding is crucial for advancing projects that significantly impact both national interests and global scientific endeavors.
For more information about NASA’s ongoing missions and initiatives, please visit NASA’s official website.
