JPL Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a commitment to robotic space exploration, JPL advances scientific discovery through the construction and operation of sophisticated planetary spacecraft and the management of the global Deep Space Network.

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 managing cross-functional teams to maintain the operational integrity of the Deep Space Network. By optimizing resource allocation across Earth-orbit and astronomy programs, Michael Jackson directly impacts the success of long-term space exploration goals. Jackson maintains rigorous standards for technical excellence while fostering innovation within the research and development center. Through constant collaboration with the Board and other senior leaders, the Vice Chief Executive Officer secures the necessary support for large-scale scientific endeavors. Ultimately, Jackson drives the organizational vision to expand human knowledge of the solar system through advanced robotic technology and precise mission execution.

    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 administrative workflows and financial reporting processes. Overseeing the internal communication of fiscal data, the Executive Staff Coordinator for the Office of the Chief Financial Officer ensures transparency across all research and development projects. This leadership role involves coordinating with the finance team to track expenditures related to robotic spacecraft construction and Deep Space Network operations. By facilitating efficient information flow, Michele Verdugo supports the strategic decision-making processes of the Chief Financial Officer. Verdugo maintains rigorous documentation standards to ensure compliance with federal funding requirements. Through the synchronization of administrative tasks, the Executive Staff Coordinator for the Office of the Chief Financial Officer enhances the overall productivity of the financial department. Ultimately, Verdugo secures the operational continuity of the office by streamlining complex financial reporting cycles.

    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, directs the long-term fiscal planning for planetary spacecraft missions. Overseeing budget formulation and financial analysis, the Head Chief Financial Officer, Financial Strategy, Planning & Analysis Office of ensures the efficient allocation of resources for NASA field center operations. This leadership role involves developing complex financial models to support the expansion of the Deep Space Network. By monitoring project costs and identifying funding opportunities, Revina Avanisian directly impacts the financial viability of critical astronomy missions. Avanisian coordinates with executive leadership to align fiscal strategies with the laboratory's research objectives. Through the rigorous oversight of financial planning and analysis, the Head Chief Financial Officer, Financial Strategy, Planning & Analysis Office of drives fiscal discipline across the organization. Ultimately, Avanisian secures the financial resources necessary to sustain high-impact space exploration initiatives.

    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 infrastructure supporting complex space research. Overseeing operational efficiency, the Executive Deputy Director, JPL Operations, Chief Human Resources Officer streamlines workflows for the construction of robotic spacecraft. This leadership role involves architecting talent acquisition strategies to attract specialized engineering experts for critical NASA missions. By aligning human capital with the technical demands of the Deep Space Network, Jackie Clennan-Price ensures the workforce remains capable of executing high-stakes aerospace projects. Clennan-Price coordinates with department heads to maintain a culture of safety and precision across all research facilities. Through the implementation of robust organizational policies, the Executive Deputy Director, JPL Operations, Chief Human Resources Officer supports the sustained growth of the laboratory. Ultimately, Clennan-Price secures the operational stability required for continuous scientific advancement in challenging environments.

    Cozette Hart - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Cozette Hart, the Chief Human Resources Officer at JPL, designs comprehensive workforce development programs for the research and development center. Overseeing employee engagement and professional growth, the Chief Human Resources Officer cultivates a specialized talent pool capable of managing robotic planetary spacecraft missions. This leadership role involves implementing strategic staffing initiatives that support the technical requirements of the Deep Space Network. By fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration, Cozette Hart ensures the laboratory retains top-tier scientific and engineering talent. Hart coordinates with executive leadership to align personnel policies with the broader mission of NASA field center operations. Through the optimization of recruitment and retention strategies, the Chief Human Resources Officer drives organizational performance and operational readiness. Ultimately, Hart secures the human capital necessary to maintain the laboratory's position as a leader in space exploration and astronomical research.
    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.