No reason was given for the move involving top leadership.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The CEO of the US Space & Rocket Center is on leave and the organization’s VP of Finance/Chief Financial Officer has taken on additional responsibilities, FOX54 has learned.

Kimberly Robinson has held the top executive position at the Huntsville science and engineering attraction since early 2021. She previously spent more than 15 years in various roles at NASA.

“Along with her vast experience with NASA, Dr. Robinson brings an innovative spirit and the leadership skills needed to guide the Rocket Center as we plan for the future,” said Joe Newberry, Alabama Space Science Exhibit Commission board chairman, at the time of her appointment. “Her energy and enthusiasm are contagious and brought her to the top of a rigorous and exhaustive search for our new Executive Director and CEO.”

In February, Robinson was inducted in to the into the Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame.

The reason for her leave of absence was not immediately clear. A spokesperson for the USSRC confirmed the move but did not provide additional details.

USSRC VP of Finance and Chief Financial Officer Brenda Perez will lead the organization for an undetermined amount of time. Perez’s LinkedIn page describes her as “an accounting professional who has 30 years of experience in a variety of settings” who has managed various personnel and projects.


According to its website, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center annually hosts visitors from every state in the U.S. and more than 80 foreign nations who come to share the spirit of discovery through immersive education and experience. It is home to the world-renowned “Space Camp.”