John Schumacher is Senior Vice President of Washington Operations and Communications.  He is responsible for developing aerospace and defense-focused government relations and communications for Aerojet Rocketdyne.  Mr. Schumacher also served as president of the Aerojet Rocketdyne Foundation Board for nine years.

Mr. Schumacher came to Aerojet Rocketdyne from EADS NA where he was responsible for providing Astrium’s global space capabilities to North America.  He led the creation of Astrium Americas and served as its first president, providing customers with a unique, commercial approach to Astrium’s telecommunications, geo-information, space transportation and satellite capabilities.

Prior to joining EADS NA, Mr. Schumacher was vice president of Washington Operations for Aerojet.  He was responsible for leading and expanding Aerojet’s activities with the Department of Defense, NASA and other U.S. government, private sector and military customers.  In particular, he guided key efforts in the growth of Aerojet’s space, strategic, missile defense and tactical missile programs.  Mr. Schumacher also led efforts to increase aerospace corporate support to not-for-profits and academia.

His career encompasses a broad range of military, civil and commercial aerospace experience.  Mr. Schumacher was Chief of Staff at NASA from 2003-2005 during a fundamental redirection of America's space program and the agency's return to human spaceflight.  He served as NASA's Associate Administrator for External Relations from 1994-2003, where he led the agency's efforts to expand cooperative programs in science, technology and human spaceflight with industry and government partners across the globe.  Prior to NASA, he engaged in corporate practice at the New York law firm of Rogers & Wells.  Mr. Schumacher’s naval service includes assignments on USS GUADALCANAL and the space and electronic warfare directorates of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Chief of Naval Operations Staff.  He also commanded four naval reserve units.

Mr. Schumacher graduated with distinction from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1976 and received a Master of Arts from Georgetown University in 1984.  He earned a Juris Doctor from Columbia University in 1987 and a certificate with honors in International and Foreign Law.  He is a member of the New York Bar, Surface Warfare Association, U.S. Naval Institute and AIAA.  Mr. Schumacher serves as Vice President, Finance for the International Academy of Astronautics.  He also serves as a Trustee for NDIA and member of their Audit Committee.  He previously served on the board of Living Savior Lutheran Church and the Virginia Governor’s Aerospace Advisory Council.

Mr. Schumacher’s awards include the Senior Executive Service Presidential Rank (Distinguished and Meritorious), the Distinguished Service Medal (NASA’s highest award), and the Department of Defense Legion of Merit.

Mr. Schumacher was born in New York City.  He and his wife, Adrienne, reside in Northern Virginia.  They have three children: John, Mark and Kristen.