Justine Kimiko Cromer
About Justine Kimiko Cromer
Justine Kimiko Cromer serves as the Manager of Global Launch Services at Rocket Lab USA, bringing extensive experience in aerospace, defense, and education. She has held various leadership roles across multiple organizations, including the United States Air Force and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and possesses a strong background in project management and grant writing.
Current Role at Rocket Lab
Justine Kimiko Cromer serves as the Manager of Global Launch Services at Rocket Lab USA. In this role, she has been responsible for overseeing launch operations and ensuring the successful execution of launch missions. Cromer has held this position since 2019, contributing to the company's growth in the aerospace sector from Long Beach, California.
Previous Experience in Aerospace and Defense
Cromer has extensive experience in the aerospace and defense sectors. She worked at the United States Air Force in various capacities, including Director of Southeast Asia, International Affairs, and Chief of Communications for the AFSO21 and Office of Business Transformation. Her military background includes serving as a Senior Instructor Navigator and piloting the KC-135A/R during the Gulf War. This experience has provided her with a deep understanding of international relations and strategic planning.
Education and Expertise
Cromer holds a Master of Business Administration from UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, where she studied International Business. She also earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California, Davis. Her academic background supports her expertise in maximizing the triple bottom line across industries such as space, aerospace, defense, and high-tech software startups. Additionally, she is skilled in grant and proposal writing and building relationships within diverse technical teams.
Career in Academia
Cromer has held academic positions, including Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology from 2003 to 2006 and Adjunct Professor at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School for the Executive Online MBA Program from 2010 to 2011. These roles reflect her commitment to education and her ability to convey complex concepts in the aerospace field.
Project Management Experience
Cromer has over 10 years of project management experience at the Pentagon, where she managed complex projects in a high-stakes environment. This experience is complemented by her role as a Strategic Communications Officer at the National Guard Bureau and her various positions within the United States Air Force. Her ability to navigate and lead projects in challenging settings highlights her leadership skills and strategic mindset.