Chief Executive Officer, Space Foundation

As CEO of Space Foundation, Heather Pringle leads the world’s premier nonprofit advocate organization for the global space ecosystem. Founded in 1983, Space Foundation is the preeminent gateway for trusted information, lifelong education, and seamless collaboration for all people and organizations inspired by space, engaging in space exploration and advancing space capabilities.

Heather’s global leadership, technical expertise and above all, passion for service, advance Space Foundation’s mission to strengthen partnerships across government, industry, academia and international allies while developing the space workforce pipeline with future space leaders.

Prior to joining Space Foundation in July 2023, Heather served as the Commander and Technology Executive Officer of the Air Force Research Laboratory, headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. Her responsibilities included formulating a comprehensive technology portfolio worth $3 billion that anticipated future warfighter needs for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force, while promoting risk-taking and problem-solving across a unique and talented team.

Four generations of educators in her family paved the way for Heather’s academic pursuits, including a degree in Human Factors from the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and a Doctorate in Engineering Psychology, from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana.

Outside her professional life, Heather recharges by supporting her youngest son’s passion for soccer, logging miles on the trails with her husband, and playing duets with her dad on a hand-me-down piano.