Francisco Cordova is a seasoned executive leader with deep expertise in engineering, operations, and advanced technologies, particularly within complex, multi-site programs across the aerospace and research sectors. As Chief Operating Officer of the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), which manages the International Space Station National Laboratory (ISSNL), Francisco leads a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and program managers driving the next frontier of space-based research and innovation. Under his leadership, ISSNL has significantly expanded its commercial and federal partnerships—including with NASA, DOD, NSF, and DOE— resulting in a 12x return on NASA’s funding and solidifying the ISS as a platform for transformative R&D. Before joining CASIS, Francisco served as Director of the iconic Arecibo Observatory, where he led a successful turnaround of operations and secured more than $60 million in funding to advance space science and technology. He also held senior leadership roles at Boeing Research and Technology, overseeing advanced composite materials and manufacturing technology development for commercial and defense programs. Francisco holds degrees from the University of Puerto Rico, the University of Michigan, and Harvard Business School. He has served on advisory boards for the Puerto Rico Aerospace Consortium and the University of Puerto Rico’s Civil & Environmental Engineering Department, continuing to champion innovation and STEM advancement.