News Summary
Greg Autry, the assistant provost for space commercialization and strategy at the University of Central Florida (UCF), has been nominated for the Chief Financial Officer position at NASA for the second time. This nomination, submitted by the Trump administration on March 24, 2025, underscores Autry’s extensive experience in space policy and his previous familiarity with NASA. With support from NASA’s acting administrator, the nomination is part of a larger batch from the White House, which is designed to streamline the confirmation process in the Senate.
Exciting News from Orlando: UCF’s Own Greg Autry Nominated Again for NASA CFO!
Guess what, Orlando? The buzz around the University of Central Florida (UCF) just got even more electrifying! Greg Autry, a familiar face from our beloved campus, has been nominated by the Trump administration for the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at NASA for the second time! This nomination came in on March 24, 2025, and although his name had a little hiccup with a misspelling as “Autrey,” that’s just a minor detail in this thrilling journey.
A Quick Recap on This Fantastic Nomination
Greg Autry, who currently struts his stuff as the assistant provost for space commercialization and strategy at UCF, is diving back into the spotlight, aiming to secure this pivotal role as CFO. Funny enough, this isn’t the first time Autry has been in the running; he was also nominated for the same position back in July 2020, but didn’t cross the finish line in confirmation. But hey, third time’s the charm!
The recent nomination is part of a larger batch submitted by the White House for various federal roles. In this case, the CFO nomination gets that special treatment labeled as “privileged.” What does this mean, you ask? Well, it allows for a much smoother confirmation process without the hassle of a hearing unless someone in the Senate requests it. Talk about straightforward!
Autry’s Stellar Background and Qualifications
For those who may not know, Greg Autry isn’t just a name on a list. He has a wealth of experience up his sleeve. Having held key roles at Arizona State University and the University of Southern California, he’s practically a star when it comes to space-related academic posts. Plus, he played an important role as part of NASA’s transition team during President Trump’s first run, and he even served as a White House liaison at NASA—a truly valuable background for this high-profile position!
Janet Petro, the acting administrator at NASA, is all in in showing her support for Autry’s nomination, emphasizing his deep experience in the realm of space policy. If he gets confirmed, Greg will be managing a whopping $25 billion in funding directed toward NASA’s incredible missions, including those audacious dreams of exploring the Moon and Mars. How cool is that?
Advocating Commercial Space Approaches
Autry is a true champion for commercial approaches to spaceflight. He’s always been about making things more cost-effective and expanding our capabilities beyond measure. Recently, he addressed the financial constraints that NASA faces and suggested that collaborating with commercial satellite companies for scientific payloads could be an exciting way forward. It’s clear he’s not just dreaming big; he’s got a plan!
The Journey Ahead
Now, here’s where things get a tad intricate. Autry’s nomination requires Senate confirmation—this is something that applies to other significant positions too, like the deputy administrator and inspector general at NASA. The Senate Commerce Committee has been feeling the heat to fast-track confirmation hearings for these nominations, including Autry’s. It’s an anticipate-and-hope scenario!
And what’s next for Greg if he lands this gig? Well, he has expressed a desire to return to our beloved UCF after his tenure at NASA. This could continue a strong relationship between UCF and NASA, as our university has been a vital player in supporting Florida’s thriving space industry.
Leaving a Legacy at UCF
Autry has made substantial contributions to developing executive and MBA programs with a focus on space commercialization right here at UCF. He understands the crucial synergy between academic institutions and federal agencies, especially with NASA and the Kennedy Space Center so close to home. It’s all about creating opportunities for the next generation of space enthusiasts and innovators!
So, as we keep our fingers crossed for the upcoming confirmation process, one thing is for sure: Greg Autry’s nomination not only brings recognition to an inspiring individual but also shines a brighter light on UCF’s continuous commitment to the adventurous world of space exploration.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
University Leader Greg Autry Nominated as NASA CFO
Additional Resources
- Executive Gov: Greg Autry NASA Chief Financial Officer Nomination
- SpaceNews: White House Nominates Autry to Be NASA’s Chief Financial Officer
- Aviation Week: Commercial Space Policy Vet Greg Autry Nominated NASA CFO
- Google Search: Greg Autry NASA CFO
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NASA
