The Aerospace Corp. has appointed Tanya Pemberton as its next president and CEO, succeeding Steve Isakowitz, who will retire after nine years leading the organization.
Pemberton takes on the role at a time of rapid change across the space enterprise, as Aerospace works on national priorities including layered missile defense, space warfighting and space exploration. The leadership transition ensures continuity as the company continues to address some of the nation’s most complex technical challenges.
Paul Selva, chair of Aerospace’s Board of Trustees, said Pemberton’s deep experience with customers and mission priorities, as well as her focus on the role of space-based capabilities in countering emerging threats, made her the right choice to lead the company.
“Her deep commitment to Aerospace’s people and our mission clearly made her the right choice to serve as Aerospace’s next CEO,” he added. “I speak for the entire Board of Trustees when I say we are all excited to work with Tanya to sustain and deepen Aerospace’s impact for the nation’s space program into the next decade and beyond.”
Pemberton served as Aerospace’s executive vice president for the past two years, working with Isakowitz to lead the company’s 4,800 staff in advancing capabilities critical to national security and delivering solutions to end users.
“Aerospace is indispensable to the space enterprise, and I am honored to have the opportunity to lead this team forward as we deliver on our critical mission for the nation,” she said. “Together, we will continue to broaden our impact across defense, intelligence, civil, commercial, and international partners, while never losing sight of the deep technical expertise that sets us apart. I want to thank the Board of Trustees for entrusting me with this opportunity, and Steve for his leadership that has put Aerospace in such a strong position to continue making a difference for the nation.”
Pemberton joined Aerospace in 2019 as senior vice president of the National Systems Group, where she oversaw support to the national security space and intelligence communities in acquiring, launching and operating advanced space systems and their ground infrastructure.
She brings decades of experience in both government and industry, including more than 20 years in the intelligence community. She served as chief information officer and director of information technology services at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and held senior roles at the National Reconnaissance Office, where she led acquisitions and development for multiple technical programs.
Her government career also included assignments as chief of staff, associate deputy director for science and technology and director of the intelligence community’s Open Source Center.