SPACE SYMPOSIUM SPEAKERS

Rich Cooper

Richard B. Cooper

Vice President – Strategic Communications & Outreach
Space Foundation

Rich Cooper joined the Space Foundation in September 2018 and is based at its Washington, D.C., office. He oversees all strategic communications for the Space Foundation and leads the team that is telling the story of the next human adventure in space. His team includes Communications, Research & Analysis, Creative Services, Space Certification and the Space Technology Hall of Fame.

Most recently, Cooper was the Senior Principal Policy Advisor for Homeland Security and Justice at the SAS Institute, INC. In that role, he provided subject matter expertise, thought leadership, strategic planning and management for national security and public safety functions utilizing data, analytics and related innovative solutions.

Previously, he was Vice President for Emerging Issues & Research at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Business Liaison Director for Science & Technology and Emergency Preparedness at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Cooper also served as Senior Policy Analyst, Special Assistant to NASA Administrator and Chief of Staff at NASA Headquarters. In that role, he shaped the design, operation and implementation of the Educator Astronaut program. He also directed policy guidance, research, testimony development and planning for NASA’s transition efforts, daily operations, congressional engagement, STEM education programs, media outreach and strategic plans for major programs and initiatives, including the Agency’s 9/11 response and the Shuttle Columbia accident.

Cooper earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and religion from Mary Washington College with graduate and executive education at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Harvard’s JFK and School of Public Health and the University of Southern California.

Related Sessions

Space Technology Hall of Fame Dinner

Thursday, April 11, 2024

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

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