Breaking: UCF Professor Tapped to Lead NASA's Financial Future!

In a significant move for the space agency, President Donald Trump has nominated Greg Autry, a prominent faculty member at the University of Central Florida, to be NASA's new Chief Financial Officer. This appointment is poised to influence the future of space exploration and innovation as Autry brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table.

As the associate provost for Space Commercialization and Strategy at UCF, Autry has gained national recognition for his pioneering work in space research, particularly in navigating the rapidly changing landscape of the space industry and enhancing public-private partnerships in this vital sector. His role as NASA’s CFO will involve critical responsibilities including ensuring fiscal efficiency, managing strategic projects, and allocating resources effectively to support NASA's diverse programs and operations.

"I am excited about the possibility of joining the incredible team at NASA," Autry expressed in a formal statement. "We are embarking on a transformative journey for humankind by improving countless lives, safeguarding our planet, bolstering national security, and creating numerous job opportunities in the process."

Autry is no stranger to the federal space sector, having collaborated with the Trump administration on various initiatives. He previously contributed as a member of the national review team for NASA in 2016 and also served as the White House liaison at the agency. His past nomination for the CFO position in 2020 highlights his long-standing connection with NASA, despite not being confirmed at that time.

Moreover, in a conversation with Central Florida Public Media's "Are We There Yet?" last November, Autry laid out his ambitious goals for NASA. He emphasized the urgent need to realign the Artemis moon mission and eliminate inefficiencies within the agency's budget, advocating for a redirected focus on critical space exploration and development projects.

"Someone has to dig deep and tackle these challenges," Autry remarked. "There’s significant work ahead, particularly with getting Artemis back on track and resolving issues with NASA’s scientific programs and budget."

His extensive background also includes leadership roles on the Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee and at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Autry's credentials are further bolstered by his role as the current vice president of the National Space Society and his previous directorship at Arizona State University, coupled with professorial duties at prestigious institutions such as Imperial College London, the University of Southern California, and the University of California, Irvine.

As Autry’s nomination heads to the U.S. Senate for confirmation, the anticipation grows over how his leadership will shape the future of NASA and its groundbreaking endeavors in space exploration.

Stay tuned as this story develops!