James Frederick Bridenstine (Eng. James Frederick Bridenstine) – American Republican politician, member of the US House of Representatives from Oklahoma’s 1st congressional district (2013-2018), from 2018 to 2024 – director of NASA.
Place of Birth. Education. Born June 15, 1975 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He graduated from Jenks High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1993.
He graduated from Rice University in 1998 with a degree in economics, psychology, and business. In 2009, he received an MBA from Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.
Military service. In 1998-2007 he served in the US Navy as a pilot. From 2010 to the present – the US Navy Reserve. Performed combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. From 2010 to the present – the US Navy reserve. In 2012 he received alieutenant commander (Lieutenant Commander).
Career. After transitioning from active duty to the US Navy Reserve, James Bridenstine returned to Tulsa, Oklahoma to become the museum’s executive director. Air and Space and Planetarium in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
From January 2013 to April 23, 2018 – Member of the US House of Representatives from the 1st congressional district.
In the 2016 presidential campaign Bridenstine was one of three Coalition of Veterans co-chairs supporting Ted Cruz in the Republican nomination.
On September 1, 2017, President Donald Trump nominated Jim Bridenstine for the position of director of NASA. The choice was quickly criticized by Republicans and Democrats alike, who said NASA should be led by a “space professional” rather than a politician or Trump ally. Critics have taken note of Bridenstein’s lack of formal qualifications in science or engineering (unlike previous appointees to the post).
On April 19, 2018, James Bridenstine was confirmed by the Senate in a 50–49 partisan vote. won by just one vote. He became the first member of Congress to lead NASA. On April 23, 2018, Bridenstine was sworn in by Vice President Mike Pence at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
On January 20, 2024, Jim Brandenstein stepped down as director of NASA.
Family. Married, has three children.
06/14/2021