President, Chief Executive, Aerospace Corp.
Isakowitz has led Aerospace Corp. since 2016. With his guidance, Aerospace’s national workforce of more than 4,600 employees provides objective technical expertise and thought leadership to the Department of Defense. Isakowitz’s 30-year career includes stints as president of Virgin Galactic and as chief financial officer for the Department of Energy where he supported basic scientific research and advanced energy technologies in the national security and civil sectors, while managing a budget of nearly $30 billion. He also served as deputy associate administrator for the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate at NASA and as the as science and space programs branch chief at the White House Office of Management and Budget where he oversaw $50 billion in federal science and technology programs, which included NASA, NOAA, and the National Science Foundation.. An MIT graduate, he serves on advisory boards at both MIT and Cal State Long Beach. In recognition of his achievements, Isakowitz has received numerous awards and citations, among them NASA’s Outstanding Leadership Medal and the Presidential Distinguished Rank Award.
What’s the best advice you ever got?
The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.
What’s your favorite movie, all time and in any category?
“Rocky.”
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
Getting humans to Mars.
What was your first car?
Oldsmobile Starfire.
Like to have it back?
No way!
What’s the best thing about living in Los Angeles?
Easy: the sunny weather!
YEARS ON LA500: 8
