The finalists for WashingtonExec’s Pinnacle Awards were announced Oct. 11, and we’ll be highlighting some of them until the event takes place live, in-person Nov. 30.
Next is Space Industry Executive of the Year (Public Company) finalist Clint Crosier, who’s director of aerospace and satellite at Amazon Web Services. Here, he talks career inflection points, proud career moments, career advice and more.
What was a turning point or inflection point in your career?
The first time I commanded a satellite was a turning point in my career. Knowing that I was operating a spacecraft that was orbiting our plane, providing communications capabilities for people on the other side of the world, was a surreal experience. That experience is the one that I look back on as the moment that solidified my passion for the space industry.
What are you most proud of having been a part of in your current organization?
As part of my role as the leader of the Amazon Web Services Aerospace and Satellite business segment, I am proud of the role that my global team plays in helping space organizations of all sizes unlock extraordinary new innovation. The way our global partners are applying advanced cloud-based technology to their unique space missions is helping to usher in a revolutionary new era in this industry.
Looking back at your career, what are you most proud of?
A highlight of my career was being entrusted by the president to be the lead planner and architect for the creation of the U.S. Space Force. I’m proud that we were able to establish the first new U.S. military service in 72 years, one that has grown to become an organization that now supports the U.S. and its allies in its endeavors to preserve the global space commons, the shared natural resource that is the international space domain.
What’s your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
My advice is to find a mission or field that you are passionate about, and then learn as much as you can about it. When you love what you do, work hard and focus your efforts to master it, you can achieve great things.