Gwynne Shotwell

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Gwynne Shotwell
File:Gwynne Shotwell at pre-launch briefing for CRS-2 mission (KSC-2013-1704).jpg
Gwynne Shotwell at pre-launch briefing for CRS-2 mission
Born (1963-11-23) November 23, 1963 (age 60)
Libertyville, Illinois
Nationality American
Education Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mathematics from Northwestern University
Known for The Aerospace Corporation, Microcosm Inc, SpaceX
Title President and Chief operating officer of SpaceX
Children 2

Gwynne Shotwell (born November 23, 1963 in Libertyville, Illinois) is an American businesswoman. She is the President and Chief operating officer of SpaceX, a United States corporation providing space transport services to both government and commercial customers.[1] As of 2014, she is listed as the 90th most powerful woman in the world by Forbes.[2]

Early life

Shotwell received, with honors, a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mathematics from Northwestern University.[3]

Professional career

Shotwell originally planned to work in the automotive industry and was enrolled in Chrysler Corporation's management training program but did not remain[clarification needed] in that industry.[3]

In 1988, she began work at the El Segundo research center of The Aerospace Corporation, and did technical work on military space research and development contracts. During a ten-year tenure she worked in thermal analysis while "writing dozens of papers on a variety of subjects including conceptual small spacecraft design, infrared signature target modeling, space shuttle integration and reentry vehicle operational risks".[3]

Wanting to "build, and put spacecraft together", in 1998 she left the Aerospace Corp. to become "director of the space systems division at Microcosm Inc, a low-cost rocket builder in El Segundo".[3]

In 2002, Shotwell joined SpaceX in its founding year as the Vice President of Business Development and built the Falcon vehicle family manifest to nearly 50 launches, representing nearly $5 billion in revenue. She is now President and COO of SpaceX and is responsible for the day-to-day operations and for managing all customer and strategic relations to support company growth.[4]

Shotwell participates in a variety of STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) related programs, including the Frank J. Redd Student Scholarship Competition. Under her leadership the committee raised more than $350,000 in scholarships in 6 years.[4]

Public outreach

Shotwell gave a TEDx Talk at TEDxChapmanU in June 2013 on the importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM fields). [5] She speaks regularly to business audiences and gave a talk for the "Captains of Industry" series at the Brent Scowcroft Center on International Security in June 2014 describing entrepreneurial private accomplishments in advancing spaceflight technology.[6]

Honors and awards

As of 2014, she is listed as the 90th most powerful woman in the world by Forbes.[2]

References

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  4. 4.0 4.1 SpaceX AsiaSat8 press release
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External links

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