Rich Cooper

Rich Cooper serves as the Vice President of Strategic Communications & Outreach at Space Foundation since September 2018, leading a multidisciplinary team focused on space advocacy and awareness. With previous experience as a Senior Principal Policy Advisor at SAS, Rich drove revenue growth within homeland security and justice programs, while also expanding the public affairs practice at Catalyst Partners, LLC. Their tenure includes significant roles such as Vice President of Emerging Issues & Research at the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Business Liaison Director at the US Department of Homeland Security. Rich has steadily contributed to policy innovations in various capacities, including as a Senior Policy Advisor at NASA, where Rich was integral in developing the Educator Astronaut program. Rich holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science/Religion from the University of Mary Washington and various certificates including one from Harvard Kennedy School in National Preparedness Leadership Initiative.