Donald Trump, the President-elect of the United States, has named billionaire and entrepreneur Jared Isaacman head of NASA.
Early Life and Education
Jared Isaacman was born on February 11, 1983, in New Jersey. He began expressing interest in technology at a very young age. At the age of 16, he dropped out of Ridge High School in Bernards Township to focus on business opportunities. He later earned a Bachelor of Science in professional aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Career Milestones
Isaacman founded United Bank Card, which later became Shift4 Payments, in 1999, working out of his parents’ basement. The company is now one of the most trusted payment processors. In 2011, he co-founded Draken International, USA’s leading provider of military training services and the world’s largest private fleet of military aircraft. In 2019, he sold a controlling interest in Draken to Blackstone.
Ventures into Space
Isaacman is a successful pilot who has flown multiple types of aircraft. In 2021, he led Inspiration4, the first all-civilian space mission, partnering with SpaceX. He also commanded the Polaris Dawn mission, which conducted the first private spacewalk.
Family Life
Isaacman is married to Monica, and the couple has two daughters. They had a second daughter, Liv, after becoming parents to Mila in 2014. Jared often shares glimpses of his life with his daughters on social media. The family lives in Washington Township, New Jersey.
Net Worth
In September 2024, Isaacman’s estimated net worth was $1.9 billion. Isaacman’s nomination to run NASA builds on his business and space exploration credentials. His leadership is expected to strengthen public-private partnerships in space initiatives.
