HUNTSVILLE – Dr. Kimberly Robinson, whose leadership helped bring the U.S. Space & Rocket Center from near-bankruptcy and closure, has retired, according to a news release from the center. She had been on leave since mid-June.
CFO Brenda Perez will remain as interim CEO as the Alabama Space Science Exhibit Commission, the Rocket Center’s governing board, conducts a nationwide search for a new CEO, the news release said.
Robinson was named executive director and CEO of the museum and education facility in December 2020. A 31-year veteran of NASA, Robinson assumed her role Feb. 15, 2021.
She took over during one of the most challenging times in the center’s history, navigating the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which had left the institution facing potential bankruptcy and permanent closure.
“I am deeply grateful for the privilege of serving this extraordinary institution,” said Robinson. “This success is shared with the dedicated employees, volunteers, docents, partners, and donors whose passion and support have made this journey possible.”
Under her guidance, the center underwent a strategic realignment that not only stabilized operations but led to record-breaking revenue.
The Space & Rocket Center is the top tourist attraction in the state. It has one of the most extensive collections of space artifacts and displays more than 1,500 pieces. Displays include rockets, engines, spacecraft, simulators, and hands-on exhibits.
A hallmark of her tenure was the launch of a $65 million capital campaign, fueled by donors and grants. This campaign enabled transformative investments, including the completion of two major facilities: the Space Camp Operations Center, which opened in May 2023, and the I⁴ Skills Training Complex, scheduled for completion by the end of this year.
As Robinson steps away from her role, she looks forward to joining her husband in retirement, spending more time with family and friends, and giving back through community service and volunteerism, the news release said.
A native of Birmingham, Robinson graduated from the University of Alabama in Huntsville, earning a master’s (1999) and doctorate (2010) in industrial and systems engineering. She received the school’s Alumni of Achievement Award in 2023.
She was inducted into the 2025 class of the Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame.
Her NASA leadership positions included:
- Utilization manager for Advanced Exploration Systems in the Moon-to-Mars Architecture
- Payload mission manager for the Artemis I test flight, which successfully flew in November 2022
- Space Launch System program integration and operations officer
- SLS strategic communications manager
- Ares I-X test flight deputy project manager (Ares I-X was Time magazine’s 2009 science invention of the year.)
- Space flight hardware development lead for science mission investigations on the International Space Station for material science and biotechnology
- Flight controller and astronaut crew trainer for space shuttle and Space Lab mission operations
- Design engineer for ISS and shuttle propulsion projects
NASA recognized her efforts with numerous awards, including the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal, the Silver Group Achievement Award and the Crew Office Silver Snoopy Award.
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