Auburn University hires Derek Tournear as inaugural director of space innovation

Auburn University is expanding its leadership in space and defense with the hiring of Derek Tournear, former director of the Space Development Agency (SDA), as its inaugural director of space innovation. The position, based in the university's Washington, D.C., office, reports to Jonathan Pettus, executive director of Auburn's Applied Research Institute in Huntsville. Tournear's appointment was effective Sept. 8.

“We are thrilled to add someone to our team with the pedigree and background of Derek Tournear,” said Auburn University President Chris Roberts. “It is exciting to have his expertise and knowledge base leading us in this new position.”

Tournear was named the inaugural director of the Space Development Agency when it was established in March 2019. The SDA is recognized as the Department of War’s constructive disruptor for space acquisition, delivering much-needed space-based capabilities to the joint warfighter through development, fielding and operation of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture. During his tenure, Tournear grew the agency from 15 employees to more than 350 in four years while expanding its budget from $20 million to $4.5 billion.

“This is a home run hire for Auburn,” said Steve Taylor, Auburn University senior vice president for research and economic development. “Derek will play a critical role for Auburn, particularly with our space and defense partners, as the state of Alabama assumes an even more important role in securing our nation.”

Before joining Auburn, Tournear served as director of space and intelligence research and development at Harris Corporation (now L3Harris Technologies). He also held program management roles with the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and Los Alamos National Laboratory.

“Derek is a welcome addition to our Applied Research Institute,” said Mario Eden, dean of engineering. “He brings a depth of experience and is a familiar and trusted face to many of our strategic partners and friends in the space and defense industries.”

Tournear earned a bachelor's degree from Purdue University and a doctorate in physics from Stanford University. His honors include multiple Department of War awards, including the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service. He also received the 2021 Space News Award, the 2021 Theodore Roosevelt Government Leadership Award, the 2021 Wash100 Award and the 2022 Aviation Week Laureate.

“It is an honor and a privilege to join the Auburn Family in this exciting new role,” Tournear said. “Auburn has a national reputation for being a leading institution for research and instruction in the space and defense fields, and I am humbled to be a part of it.”