Lt. Gen. James has a distinguished military career working in large-scale operations, intelligence and acquisition assignments. In the civil sector, he also contributed significantly to the advancement of space exploration projects.

“At this time of rising threats and rapid technological advancement in space, Larry brings extensive expertise and leadership experience across the national security and civil sectors that will greatly benefit our board,” said Steve Isakowitz, Aerospace president and chief executive officer. “Larry’s deep familiarity with our customers and their missions will help Aerospace continue to lead during this pivotal time in space.”

Lt. Gen. James was the deputy director and chief operating officer for 11 years before retiring from JPL. As the Laboratory's chief operating officer, he oversaw the day-to-day management of JPL's resources and activities, which included solar system exploration, Mars, astronomy, physics, Earth science, interplanetary network programs, and all business operations.

Prior to his retirement from active duty in 2013, Lt. Gen. James was the Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance at the Pentagon. He was responsible to the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Air Force for policy formulation, planning, evaluation, oversight, and leadership of Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities and led more than 20,000 Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) officers, enlisted and civilians across the Air Force ISR Enterprise.

Lt. Gen. James received his bachelor's degree in astronautical engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy (Distinguished Graduate) and his master's degree in aeronautics and astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Mass. He was also a Draper Fellow at the Charles Stark Draper Laboratory in Cambridge, Mass.

Aerospace’s Board of Trustees members have a myriad of backgrounds, representing academic and scientific institutions and public, government, and national security interests. These diverse points of view allow the board members to collectively provide better guidance and oversight of the corporation’s activities.