Space Foundation Selects Richard B. Cooper for New Strategic Communications & Outreach VP Position at its Washington, D.C., Office

The Space Foundation announced today it has added a second new vice president at its Washington, D.C., office. Richard B. “Rich” Cooper has been hired for the newly-created position of Vice President – Strategic Communications & Outreach, effective Sept. 28, 2018.

“Rich’s decades of experience and ability to shape messages, communicate complex issues and inform and inspire diverse stakeholders will be a welcome addition to the Space Foundation,” said Space Foundation Chief Executive Officer Thomas E. Zelibor.

Most recently, Cooper was the Senior Principal Policy Advisor for Homeland Security and Justice at the SAS Institute, INC. In that role, he provided subject matter expertise, thought leadership, strategic planning and management for national security and public safety functions utilizing data, analytics and related innovative solutions.

Previously, he was Vice President for Emerging Issues & Research at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Business Liaison Director for Science & Technology and Emergency Preparedness at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Cooper also served as Senior Policy Analyst, Special Assistant to NASA Administrator and Chief of Staff at NASA Headquarters. In that role, he shaped the design, operation and implementation of the Educator Astronaut program. He also directed policy guidance, research, testimony development and planning for NASA’s transition efforts, daily operations, congressional engagement, STEM education programs, media outreach and strategic plans for major programs and initiatives, including the Agency’s 9/11 response and the Shuttle Columbia accident.

Cooper earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and religion from Mary Washington College with graduate and executive education at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Harvard’s JFK and School of Public Health and the University of Southern California.

Earlier this month, the Space Foundation announced the hiring of Col. Thomas Dorame, USA (Ret.), as Vice President – Strategic Operations, at its Washington, D.C., office.

About the Space Foundation

Through its Washington, D.C., office, the Space Foundation provides key administration and congressional officials and staff with educational information and testimony in support of civil, commercial and national security space policies.

Founded in 1983, the Space Foundation is a 501(c)(3) and the world’s premier organization to inspire, educate, connect, and advocate on behalf of the global space community. It is a nonprofit leader in space awareness activities, educational programs, and major industry events, including the annual Space Symposium. Space Foundation headquarters is in Colorado Springs, Colo., USA, and has a public Discovery Center, including El Pomar Space Gallery, Northrop Grumman Science Center featuring Science On a Sphere® and the Lockheed Martin Space Education Center. It publishes The Space Report: The Authoritative Guide to Global Space Activity, and through its Space CertificationTM and Space Technology Hall of Fame® programs, recognizes space-based innovations that have been adapted to improve life on Earth. Visit both of our websites – www.SpaceFoundation.org and DiscoverSpace.org – and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.