David Radzanowzki

* Bachelor of Science (BS in Astronomy-Physics (1983 - 1988)), University of Wisconsin-Madison.
* Master of Science (MS in Public Management and Analysis from (1988 - 1990)), Carnegie Mellon University
Profession:
Government Official, Space Policy Expert, Financial Executive
Known for:
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of NASA, Expertise in Space Policy Leadership.
David Radzanowski is an American public servant with extensive experience in space policy and financial management. Best known for his role as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of NASA where he managed $12B annual funding. Radzanowski has had a long and distinguished career in both public service and space policy. His work, particularly within NASA, has had a lasting impact on the agency’s financial and operational structures. David Radzanowski earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He later pursued a Master of Science degree from Carnegie Mellon University, where he specialized in public policy and management. This academic background provided him with the foundational knowledge that he would later apply to his extensive career in governmental financial management and space policy.
==Career in Public Service==
===Congressional Research Service (CRS)===
Radzanowski’s early career involved serving as a space policy analyst at the Congressional Research Service (CRS), an organization that provides research and analysis for the U.S. Congress. During his tenure at CRS, he gained experience in the complexities of U.S. space policy, budgeting, and legislative processes, establishing a reputation as a knowledgeable and reliable analyst​.
===Office of Management and Budget (OMB)===
After his time at CRS, Radzanowski transitioned to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), where he served as Branch Chief for Science and Space. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing and managing budgets related to scientific research and space exploration programs. His work at OMB further solidified his expertise in financial management, particularly concerning large-scale, government-funded programs​.
==NASA Career==
Radzanowski joined NASA in 2006 and held several critical leadership positions, culminating in his role as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in 2013. Over his decade at NASA, Radzanowski navigated complex financial challenges, ensuring the smooth operation of the agency through budget cuts and strategic realignments.
===Chief Financial Officer (2013-2017)===
As CFO, Radzanowski was responsible for managing NASA's budget, which neared $20 billion. He oversaw the agency's financial operations, including budget planning, appropriations, and strategic allocation of funds across NASA's diverse missions. His efforts ensured that NASA remained fiscally responsible, despite the fluctuating political and budgetary landscapes​. Radzanowski coordinated closely with other federal agencies to maintain NASA's financial discipline, guiding the agency through politically challenging periods​.
===Chief of Staff===
Before his appointment as CFO, Radzanowski served as Chief of Staff to NASA Administrator Charles Bolden. In this role, he facilitated strategic planning and provided leadership during a period of significant change and uncertainty within NASA. His calm, level-headed approach was noted for keeping the agency on course during times of transition.
===Deputy Associate Administrator for Program Integration===
In this earlier role, Radzanowski oversaw NASA’s programmatic integration, particularly within the Space Operations Mission Directorate. He ensured that NASA's missions, particularly in space exploration, were executed smoothly, with resources allocated efficiently​.
==Post-NASA Career==
===Aerospace Corporation===
After leaving NASA in 2017, Radzanowski joined Aerospace Corporation as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in 2020. His expertise in financial management and space policy made him a key figure at Aerospace Corporation, where he oversaw financial planning and growth initiatives. Radzanowski also consulted for NASA during this period, advising on its "Moon to Mars" architecture, which aimed to guide future human space exploration missions beyond Earth's orbit.
===Equator Corporation===
Before his role at Aerospace Corporation, Radzanowski served as Senior Vice President and Strategic Business Director at Equator Corporation. In this capacity, he played a significant role in the Australia Future Submarine Program, the country’s largest defense procurement project. His leadership here expanded his expertise into managing large-scale international defense initiatives.
===Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS)===
In August 2022, Radzanowski was appointed to the Board of Directors for CASIS, which oversees the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory. In this capacity, he ensures that the ISS is leveraged for commercial space activities and scientific research, contributing his knowledge of space policy to maximize the station's potential for scientific advancements.
==Personal Attributes and Leadership Style==
Radzanowski is known for his calm demeanor and his ability to work effectively behind the scenes. He is often described as an unassuming yet highly capable leader who consistently demonstrated strong financial and organizational management skills. His colleagues have praised his ability to guide large, complex organizations like NASA through challenging times, making him one of the most respected figures in the space policy sector.
Category:American people
Category:American civil servants
Category:University of Wisconsin–Madison alumni