The Universities Space Research Association has announced the appointment of Elsayed Talaat, a former office director at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, as its president and CEO.
Talaat conveyed excitement for his new role, noting USRA’s “rich history of innovation, customer focus and community impact.”
“Together, we will continue to push boundaries, deliver exceptional results and create lasting value for our stakeholders,” he said.
Career Background and Experience
Talaat served for more than six years at NOAA, with his last position as director of the Office of Space Weather Observations in the agency’s National Environmental Satellite Data and Information Service. He also previously worked with NASA for over five years and with the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory for 15 years.
He brings to USRA experience in programmatic and technical coordination with the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the Department of Defense, other federal agencies, non-federal agencies, industries and international partners. While OSWO director, Talaat oversaw the procurement and adoption of elements for NOAA’s satellite systems.
He earned a doctorate degree in atmospheric and space science from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics Engineering degree from the University of Washington.
Talaat replaced Jeffrey Isaacson, who retired on January 1 after 10 years of service in USRA.