Maj. Gen. Charles Frank Bolden, Jr.

Nominated by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, retired Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Charles Frank Bolden, Jr., began his duties as the twelfth Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on July 17, 2009. As Administrator, he led the NASA team and managed its resources to advance the agency's missions and goals, focusing on new forms of international cooperation and partnerships between the public and private sectors. His tenure marked him as the first African-American to serve as NASA's Administrator.

During his military career, Bolden was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy by then-President Lyndon B. Johnson, a significant achievement given the racial barriers of the era. He flew over 100 combat missions in North and South Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, while stationed in Namphong, Thailand, from 1972-1973. He graduated with a bachelor of science degree in electrical science in 1968, and after completing flight training in 1970, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps. His 34-year career with the Marines included roles that capitalized on his leadership and technical expertise, culminating in his promotion to major general in July 1998.

Bolden's NASA astronaut career included four spaceflights, where he orbited the Earth on multiple occasions as both a pilot and commander of the NASA Space Shuttle. These missions were pivotal in deploying the Hubble Space Telescope and executing the first joint U.S.-Russian shuttle mission, which featured a cosmonaut as a member of his crew. After his final space shuttle flight in 1994, he retired from NASA and returned to active duty with the Marine Corps, later serving in significant command roles until his retirement in 2003.

Today, Bolden emphasizes the importance of grit, determination, and American ingenuity in human space exploration. He shares personal stories and insights into transforming ideas into tangible projects for future exploration of Mars and beyond. His presentations inspire audiences to dream big and consider the potential achievements in space exploration through collaboration. He speaks on various topics, including leadership, motivation, and the importance of legacy, emphasizing the role of current students in future space exploration. Through his engagements, he encourages audiences to reflect on past accomplishments and envision future possibilities in space exploration.