Tanya Pemberton has been named the next President and CEO of The Aerospace Corporation, succeeding Steve Isakowitz, who will retire after nine years in the role. The transition comes as the organization continues to adapt to significant changes in the space sector.
Paul Selva, chair of Aerospace’s Board of Trustees, commented on the appointment: “Tanya brings extensive experience with Aerospace’s customers and their missions, as well as a continued focus on the critical role of space-based capabilities in staying ahead of emerging threats and keeping our nation safe. Her deep commitment to Aerospace’s people and our mission clearly made her the right choice to serve as Aerospace’s next CEO. 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."
Selva also acknowledged Isakowitz's contributions: “I also want to thank Steve for his transformative leadership at Aerospace over the past nine years. Throughout his tenure, Steve demonstrated a clear vision for where the space industry is heading and put in place a strategy that allowed Aerospace to lead at the forefront of this change. By every metric, Aerospace is in a stronger position today than it has been at any point in its history.”
Pemberton most recently served as Executive Vice President at The Aerospace Corporation, working closely with Isakowitz over two years to guide more than 4,800 staff members focused on national security needs.
“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. 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,” Pemberton said. “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.”
Since joining The Aerospace Corporation in 2019 as senior vice president of its National Systems Group, Pemberton has overseen support for national security space initiatives including acquisition, launch operations, and advanced technology systems. She brings decades of experience from both government service—including roles at agencies such as National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and National Reconnaissance Office—and industry positions related to major space development programs.
Under Isakowitz's leadership—with Pemberton contributing—the corporation increased its efforts toward rapid acquisition and deployment of military capabilities designed to address evolving threats. The organization also expanded collaborations across government agencies and commercial partners within the broader space industrial base.
The succession plan was initiated earlier this year when Isakowitz announced his retirement plans in March 2025. Pemberton will assume her new responsibilities officially on October 18.
