Former NASA manager and Oklahoma Congressman Jim Bridenstine got a new job in the private sector in less than a week after retiring from NASA.
Bridenstine joins a private equity firm in Oklahoma City that invests in aviation, defense and intelligence.
Acorn Growth Companies said Bridenstine will work there as a full-time senior advisor.
Bridenstine calls it “a new chapter of service to the United States.”
The company said Bridenstine would return to Tulsa as Acorn “widens its footprint in one of the top seven local aerospace super-clusters.”
“Jim’s wealth of knowledge in the aerospace, military, aerospace and engineering sectors will be invaluable to Acorn and its portfolio companies as we continue our mission to invest in industry that strives to improve global mobility, national interests protect and develop the next generation of intelligence. ability, ”says Rick Nagel, managing partner of Acorn. “He will play a key role in our efforts to raise capital from our latest investment vehicle, Acorn Aerospace & Defense Fund V.”
Bridenstine is a former Navy Reserve pilot and three-term congressman from Tulsa’s 1st Congressional District. Former President Donald Trump has appointed Bridenstine as head of NASA in 2018.
Bridenstine resigned from NASA after President Joe Biden was sworn in on Wednesday. Bridenstine announced in November that he was planning to retire, but told Aerospace Daily his decision was not based on biased reasons, but rather to “ensure that NASA has the best political chance to thrive under new leadership. . ”
“Innovation is found in small and mid-range businesses,” Bridenstine said. “I am excited to join this firm and work with disruptors that provide the necessary innovation to the aerospace and defense industry.”
He also said he was looking forward to re-entering the private sector.