Biography

Gary L. Wentz, Jr. is vice president, Government and Commercial Programs for United Launch Alliance (ULA). In this role, Wentz leads the mission management, hardware integration, program management and launch operations for ULA’s government and commercial customers, as well as the team responsible for ULA’s role in human spaceflight. Wentz previously served as ULA’s vice president of Human and Commercial Systems.

Prior to joining ULA, Wentz served as the chief executive officer of Stratolaunch Systems Corporation and during the first four years was instrumental in establishing a small entrepreneurial company and leading the team through all startup activities. In addition, he successfully completed construction and outing of two large facilities in Mojave, California, to manufacture and assemble the air-launch platform. He led the development, manufacturing, and assembly of a unique one-of-a-kind, purpose-built composite aircraft.

Previously Wentz served as a senior executive at NASA and has worked projects onboard SpaceLab, Space Shuttle, International Space Station, 2nd Generation Reusable Launch Vehicle Program, Orbital Space Program, and Exploration Systems.

Wentz received a Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace engineering and a Master of Science degree in engineering management from the University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida. He is the recipient of the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal, NASA Certificate of Commendation, the NASA Space Station Program Team Excellence Award, numerous group achievements, and certificates of achievement.