Michael D Griffin
Engineer
This prominent aerospace engineer and physicist served from 2005 until 2009 as Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Previously, he had headed Johns Hopkins University's Space Department.
He earned multiple degrees, including a B.A. in physics from Johns Hopkins University; an M.S. in engineering from the Catholic University of America; and an M.S. in electrical engineering from the University of Southern California.
His numerous honors include the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal, the Distinguished Public Service Medal, and the Goddard Astronautics Award.
He was born and raised in Aberdeen, Maryland.
He was appointed Administrator of NASA during the presidential administration of George W. Bush.