JPL Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Focused on advancing robotic space exploration, JPL maintains a commitment to pioneering planetary science and managing critical deep space communication networks for global scientific discovery.

Leadership Roles at JPL

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

    Michael Jackson, the Vice Chief Executive Officer at JPL, directs high-level strategic initiatives for robotic planetary spacecraft development. Overseeing complex mission architectures, the Vice Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between engineering milestones and long-term scientific objectives. This leadership role involves managing cross-functional teams to optimize the construction of Earth-orbit and astronomy hardware. By integrating advanced research methodologies, Michael Jackson drives operational excellence across the entire laboratory. Jackson maintains rigorous oversight of project timelines, ensuring that every robotic mission meets stringent NASA standards. Through constant collaboration with technical leads, the Vice Chief Executive Officer secures the necessary resources for groundbreaking space exploration. This executive focus remains on expanding the reach of the Deep Space Network while maintaining the highest levels of precision in mission execution. Ultimately, Jackson fosters an environment of innovation that supports the core mission of exploring the solar system.

    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, manages the fiscal health of complex research and development programs. Overseeing budgetary allocations for robotic spacecraft missions, the Head Chief Financial Officer, Financial Strategy, Planning & Analysis Office of ensures financial transparency across all departments. This leadership role involves architecting long-term funding strategies to support the Deep Space Network and various astronomy initiatives. By analyzing expenditure patterns, Revina Avanisian optimizes resource distribution to maximize scientific output. Avanisian coordinates with executive leadership to align financial planning with the broader goals of the laboratory. The Head Chief Financial Officer, Financial Strategy, Planning & Analysis Office of maintains strict compliance with federal funding requirements while driving efficiency in operational spending. Through meticulous fiscal oversight, Avanisian secures the financial stability required for sustained space exploration and technological advancement within the organization.

    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, manages the operational flow and administrative support for the financial leadership team. Overseeing the coordination of fiscal reporting and budgetary documentation, the Executive Staff Coordinator for the Office of the Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial data remains accurate and accessible for strategic decision-making. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between the financial office and other departments to support the development of robotic spacecraft. By optimizing administrative processes, Michele Verdugo enhances the efficiency of the financial planning cycle. Verdugo coordinates with the Chief Financial Officer to execute administrative tasks that underpin the laboratory's research and development mission. The Executive Staff Coordinator for the Office of the Chief Financial Officer maintains a focus on operational precision, ensuring that all financial support functions align with the rigorous standards required for managing NASA field center resources.

    Lisa Haber - Chief of Staff & Director, Administration

    Lisa Haber, the Chief of Staff & Director, Administration at JPL, manages the internal administrative infrastructure supporting robotic planetary missions. Overseeing organizational workflows, the Chief of Staff & Director, Administration ensures that administrative processes facilitate seamless collaboration between research teams and external partners. This leadership role involves streamlining communication channels to enhance the efficiency of the Deep Space Network operations. By implementing robust administrative policies, Lisa Haber supports the daily requirements of the laboratory staff. Haber coordinates with the executive team to execute strategic initiatives that improve institutional performance. The Chief of Staff & Director, Administration maintains a focus on operational readiness, ensuring that all administrative functions align with the mission-critical needs of the center. Through proactive management of internal resources, Haber drives the organizational stability necessary for the successful construction and operation of advanced spacecraft for global astronomy missions.

    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, directs the human capital strategy and operational logistics for the laboratory. Overseeing talent acquisition and workforce development, the Executive Deputy Director, JPL Operations, Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the organization attracts top-tier engineering and scientific talent. This leadership role involves managing the operational framework that supports the construction of robotic planetary spacecraft. By fostering a culture of excellence, Jackie Clennan-Price drives employee engagement and performance across all research divisions. Clennan-Price coordinates with leadership to align human resources initiatives with the technical demands of deep space missions. The Executive Deputy Director, JPL Operations, Chief Human Resources Officer maintains a focus on operational efficiency, ensuring that the workforce remains equipped to handle the complexities of modern space exploration. Through strategic personnel management, Clennan-Price supports the long-term success of the laboratory.

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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 Revina Avanisian (Head Chief Financial Officer, Financial Strategy, Planning & Analysis Office of) and Michele Verdugo (Executive Staff Coordinator for the Office of the Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of JPL’s executive team?
    The executive team of JPL includes leaders such as Michael Jackson (Vice Chief Executive Officer), Revina Avanisian (Head Chief Financial Officer, Financial Strategy, Planning & Analysis Office of), Michele Verdugo (Executive Staff Coordinator for the Office of the Chief Financial Officer) 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, Head Chief Financial Officer, Financial Strategy, Planning & Analysis Office of, Executive Staff Coordinator for the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff & Director, Administration, Executive Deputy Director, JPL Operations, Chief Human Resources Officer.