Kimberly Robinson is retiring from her position as executive director and CEO of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, the center announced Tuesday.
Robinson had been on leave from her position since June. No explanation was given for the leave of absence. Chief Financial Officer Brenda Perez assumed the duties of CEO in Robinson’s absence and will continue to fill the role until a replacement is named, Space Center Senior Director of Public and Media Communications Patricia Ammons said.
A nationwide search will be held for a replacement.
U.S. Space & Rocket Center CEO and Executive Director Kimberly Robinson. (U.S. Space & Rocket Center photo)
“I am deeply grateful for the privilege of serving this extraordinary institution,” Robinson said in a statement. “This success is shared with the dedicated employees, volunteers, docents, partners, and donors whose passion and support have made this journey possible.”
Robinson said she looks forward to joining her husband in retirement, spending more time with family and friends, and giving back through community service and volunteerism.
Robinson has served as CEO since February 2021. She navigated the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which had left the institution facing potential bankruptcy and permanent closure, the center said.
Under her guidance, the center underwent a strategic realignment that not only stabilized operations but led to record-breaking revenues, the center said in a news release. A highlight of her tenure was the successful launch of a $65 million capital campaign, fueled by donors and grants. This campaign enabled transformative investments, including the completion of two major facilities: the Space Camp Operations Center, which opened in May 2023, and the I⁴ Skills Training Complex, scheduled for completion by the end of this year.
Before becoming executive director, Robinson served as NASA’s Utilization manager for Advanced Exploration Systems and was previously the Payload Mission manager for Artemis I, the first integrated flight test of the NASA’s Orion spacecraft, the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Exploration Ground Systems at Kennedy Space Center.
Before that, she served as the SLS Strategic Communications manager.
Perez has been CFO since 2019 and had previously served as controller at the center.
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