Gregory Robinson

Gregory Robinson is a widely respected figure in the field of aerospace engineering, formerly serving as the director of NASA's "James Webb Space Telescope" (Webb). Over a distinguished 33-year career at NASA, Robinson has made significant contributions to space exploration, particularly through his transformative leadership on the Webb project, which he led to a dramatic turnaround, improving its efficiency from 55% to 95%. Before his pivotal role with the Webb, he was the Deputy Associate Administrator for Programs in NASA's Science Mission Directorate, where he played a critical role in optimizing program integration and testing efficiencies.

His tenure at NASA included multiple high-profile positions such as Deputy Center Director at NASA's Glenn Research Center, where he was a key figure in managing the center’s contributions to aeronautics and space research. From 2005 to 2013, Robinson served as NASA's Deputy Chief Engineer, ensuring technical excellence across all of NASA's missions. He also played a vital role in overseeing 114 missions for the Science Mission Directorate and was involved in 21 shuttle launches following the Columbia Shuttle accident.

In addition to his extensive career at NASA, Robinson has contributed significantly to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), serving as the acting Deputy Assistant Administrator for the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service. Here, he was instrumental in the acquisition and management of NOAA's satellite systems, optimizing their effectiveness for environmental monitoring and data collection. Currently, Robinson is a faculty member at Columbia University, where he lectures on information and knowledge strategy and the management of large, complex projects. His career is a testament to his expertise in satellite systems, engineering management, and space mission oversight, underscoring his impact on innovation in space exploration and leadership in managing challenging aerospace projects.