(Huntsville, Ala.) CFD Research is pleased to announce the addition of Johnny Stephenson as Vice President of the Space Division. With more than 30 years of experience in strategic communications, program leadership, and space mission support, Stephenson will help shape the company’s space strategy as CFD Research continues to expand its involvement in major NASA programs and initiatives supporting the future of human space exploration.
In this role, Stephenson will support the growth of CFD Research’s space portfolio, helping strengthen customer relationships, guide strategic planning efforts, and support the company’s continued engagement on NASA’s Engineering and Science Services and Capabilities Augmentation (ESSCA) contract. His experience and insight will help position the company as it supports future missions, including efforts aimed at establishing a sustained human presence on the Moon.
Stephenson joins CFD Research following a distinguished career with NASA. Most recently, he served as NASA’s Deputy Associate Administrator for Communications, where he led the agency’s global communications efforts as its highest-ranking civil servant in communications. Prior to that role, he served as Director of the Office of Strategic Analysis and Communications at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, leading an organization of over 170 personnel responsible for providing policy, program, and budget guidance to center leadership.
Throughout his NASA career, Stephenson played a key role in supporting some of the agency’s most significant programs and initiatives. Among his accomplishments, he chaired the $800 million Space Launch System avionics contract selection, contributing to the success of the Artemis I mission and NASA’s broader efforts to return humans to the Moon.
“Johnny brings a unique combination of leadership experience, strategic insight, and deep understanding of NASA’s mission priorities,” said Sameer Singhal, President & CEO of CFD Research. “His perspective and relationships across the space community will be invaluable as we continue growing our space portfolio and supporting some of the nation’s most important exploration initiatives.”
CFD Research looks forward to leveraging Stephenson’s experience and leadership as the company continues advancing innovative technologies and supporting critical space missions. His addition further strengthens CFD Research’s commitment to delivering technical excellence and strategic value to customers across the aerospace and space communities.
About CFD Research:
Founded in 1987, CFD Research is a 100% employee-owned (ESOP) engineering and technology firm specializing in advanced capabilities across hypersonics, artificial intelligence & machine learning (AI/ML), sensing, power & energy, electronics, health & human performance, and space. The company develops and commercializes cutting-edge multi-physics simulation software, component and system technology prototypes, multidisciplinary analyses, and expert support services. This work has earned multiple national awards, along with recognition on the Inc. 5000 list five times in the past six years. Headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama, with facilities in Dayton, OH, Hollywood, AL, and Fort Walton Beach, FL, CFD Research is ISO 9001:AS9100D registered and CMMI Level II appraised for Services. Learn more at www.cfd-research.com.
