JPL Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

JPL has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, financial planning, and human resources.

Driven by a commitment to space exploration, JPL advances robotic planetary spacecraft construction and manages the Deep Space Network to expand human knowledge of the universe through rigorous scientific research and development.

Leadership Roles at JPL

  • Vice Chief Executive Officer - Michael Jackson
  • Executive Staff Coordinator for the Office of the Chief Financial Officer - Michele Verdugo
  • Head Chief Financial Officer, Financial Strategy, Planning & Analysis Office of - Revina Avanisian
  • Executive Deputy Director, JPL Operations, Chief Human Resources Officer - Jackie Clennan-Price
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Cozette Hart
  • Michael Jackson - Vice Chief Executive Officer

    Michael Jackson, the Vice Chief Executive Officer at JPL, directs high-level strategic initiatives for robotic planetary spacecraft missions. Overseeing the integration of complex engineering projects, the Vice Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between research objectives and NASA mission requirements. This leadership role involves coordinating cross-functional teams to maintain the operational integrity of the Deep Space Network. By optimizing resource allocation across various Earth-orbit and astronomy programs, Michael Jackson directly impacts the long-term success of space exploration endeavors. Jackson maintains rigorous standards for technical excellence while fostering innovation within the research and development center. Through constant evaluation of mission performance, the Vice Chief Executive Officer secures the necessary infrastructure to support global scientific discovery. Ultimately, Jackson drives the organizational vision forward, ensuring that every project meets the demanding criteria of modern space science and planetary exploration.

    Michele Verdugo - Executive Staff Coordinator for the Office of the Chief Financial Officer

    Michele Verdugo, the Executive Staff Coordinator for the Office of the Chief Financial Officer at JPL, facilitates the administrative execution of financial policies and budgetary oversight. Overseeing the flow of information between the financial office and project teams, the Executive Staff Coordinator for the Office of the Chief Financial Officer ensures that fiscal data remains accurate and accessible. This leadership role involves managing complex reporting structures that support the development of robotic planetary spacecraft. By synchronizing communication across the financial division, Michele Verdugo directly impacts the transparency and accountability of mission funding. Verdugo coordinates with senior leadership to align budgetary resources with the strategic goals of the Deep Space Network. Through meticulous attention to detail, the Executive Staff Coordinator for the Office of the Chief Financial Officer maintains the integrity of financial operations. Ultimately, Verdugo secures the fiscal foundation necessary for continuous innovation in space exploration.

    Revina Avanisian - Head Chief Financial Officer, Financial Strategy, Planning & Analysis Office of

    Revina Avanisian, the Head Chief Financial Officer, Financial Strategy, Planning & Analysis Office of at JPL, architects the long-term financial roadmap for all research and development activities. Overseeing the allocation of capital for robotic planetary spacecraft construction, the Head Chief Financial Officer, Financial Strategy, Planning & Analysis Office of ensures that every mission remains within budgetary constraints. This leadership role involves conducting deep-dive analysis into project costs and forecasting future funding requirements for the Deep Space Network. By optimizing financial planning, Revina Avanisian directly impacts the sustainability of Earth-orbit and astronomy missions. Avanisian collaborates with the executive team to prioritize investments in cutting-edge technology. Through rigorous financial modeling, the Head Chief Financial Officer, Financial Strategy, Planning & Analysis Office of mitigates fiscal risk while maximizing the impact of federal funding. Ultimately, Avanisian secures the financial health required to push the boundaries of planetary science.

    Jackie Clennan-Price - Executive Deputy Director, JPL Operations, Chief Human Resources Officer

    Jackie Clennan-Price, the Executive Deputy Director, JPL Operations, Chief Human Resources Officer at JPL, manages the internal operational framework and workforce development strategies. Overseeing the alignment of human capital with mission-critical engineering goals, the Executive Deputy Director, JPL Operations, Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the organization retains top-tier scientific talent. This leadership role involves streamlining administrative processes to support the construction of robotic spacecraft. By implementing robust talent management systems, Jackie Clennan-Price directly impacts the efficiency of the research and development center. Clennan-Price coordinates with department heads to optimize operational workflows across all laboratory divisions. Through the cultivation of a high-performance culture, the Executive Deputy Director, JPL Operations, Chief Human Resources Officer strengthens the capacity for complex astronomy missions. Ultimately, Clennan-Price secures the organizational stability required to sustain long-term operations within the competitive landscape of aerospace research.

    Cozette Hart - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Cozette Hart, the Chief Human Resources Officer at JPL, drives the recruitment and retention strategies for the specialized workforce required for space exploration. Overseeing the professional development of engineers and scientists, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the organization maintains a competitive edge in the aerospace industry. This leadership role involves designing comprehensive benefits and training programs that support the complex needs of a research and development center. By fostering an inclusive and innovative work environment, Cozette Hart directly impacts the productivity of teams building robotic planetary spacecraft. Hart coordinates with leadership to align workforce capabilities with the evolving demands of astronomy missions. Through the implementation of strategic hiring initiatives, the Chief Human Resources Officer secures the talent necessary to operate the Deep Space Network. Ultimately, Hart drives organizational growth by prioritizing the well-being and professional advancement of the entire staff.
    Cozette Hart

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding JPL Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads JPL?
    JPL is led by Michael Jackson (Vice Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Michele Verdugo (Executive Staff Coordinator for the Office of the Chief Financial Officer) and Revina Avanisian (Head Chief Financial Officer, Financial Strategy, Planning & Analysis Office of).
    Who is part of JPL’s executive team?
    The executive team of JPL includes leaders such as Michael Jackson (Vice Chief Executive Officer), Michele Verdugo (Executive Staff Coordinator for the Office of the Chief Financial Officer), Revina Avanisian (Head Chief Financial Officer, Financial Strategy, Planning & Analysis Office of) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does JPL have?
    JPL has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in JPL’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of JPL includes roles such as Vice Chief Executive Officer, Executive Staff Coordinator for the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Head Chief Financial Officer, Financial Strategy, Planning & Analysis Office of, Executive Deputy Director, JPL Operations, Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer.