The Aerospace Corporation (Aerospace) announced today a series of new leadership promotions and appointments to support its strategies for future innovation and growth. These personnel changes strengthen the company’s continuous role to provide mission assurance and novel solutions across national security, civilian and commercial space sectors.
“The promotion of these proven visionary leaders validates their exceptional track record of anticipating and fulfilling our customers’ needs as they advance the space enterprise,” said Steve Isakowitz, Aerospace president and CEO. “At the same time, our leaders are taking the necessary steps to advance our new corporate initiatives.”
Among Aerospace executive changes, Ed Swallow was promoted from vice president to senior vice president of Civil Systems Group (CSG). This division operates in the national security interests of the U.S. and its allies. It also identifies new opportunities outside of space to apply the company’s intellectual property and unique technical expertise.
Aerospace Fellow Tammy Choy has become general manager of Enterprise Information Services and deputy chief information officer. She assumes the role following the promotion of Dr. Willie Krenz to senior vice president and Chief Velocity Officer.
Dr. Craig Heatwole has been promoted to general manager of the Imagery Programs Division, following the promotion of Kevin Bell to vice president, Space Program Operations. Previously, Heatwole served as principal director of Reconnaissance Systems in that division.
Dr. Jeff Emdee will move from general manager of Launch Systems Division to general manager of the Space Based Sensing Division, upon the retirement of Russ Averill. He will remain as acting general manager of Launch Systems Division until that position is filled.
Andrew Dawdy is the general manager of the new Space Defense Division within the Defense Systems Group. His organization supports the Space Defense Task Force for the U.S. Air Force’s Space and Missile Systems Center. He will remain as acting director for Advanced Development and Planning (ADP) until that position is filled. As part of the Aerospace organizational change, the general manager position for ADP will be relocated to Albuquerque, N.M.
Dr. Randy Villahermosa has been appointed executive director of Innovation and assistant general manager. Rob Sherwood is the new deputy executive director of Innovation and joins Aerospace from Pure Style LLC, where he was formerly the chief technology officer. Prior to this position, Sherwood was manager of strategic alliances at Dreamworks Animation and worked at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory for 20 years on a variety of missions.
Izakowitz added, “I’m excited to see how my colleagues leverage their new roles to open new chapters in space and expedite the flow of critical innovations at a compelling value for our customers.”
All appointments are effective immediately, with the exception of Swallow, whose promotion is effective July 1; and Emdee, who will assume his new role on July 17.
About The Aerospace Corporation
The Aerospace Corporation is a California nonprofit corporation that operates a federally funded research and development center and has approximately 3,600 employees. It provides guidance and advice to military, civil and commercial customers to ensure the success of complex, technology-based programs. The Aerospace Corporation is headquartered in El Segundo,
