Phil Larson Named Chief Government Relations Officer

Phil Larson has been named as the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory’s chief government relations officer, effective Oct. 10.

In partnership with Laboratory leadership, Larson engages key federal, state and local government stakeholders regarding the most significant technology challenges facing APL’s sponsors and the nation, and ensures the Laboratory’s capabilities and impact are well understood. He will develop strategies to effectively engage and connect these groups and APL leadership so that both can collaborate on advancing significant programs and initiatives. Additionally, Larson will serve as secretary of APL’s Board of Managers and ensure board members have the information and resources necessary to carry out their important oversight role.

“Phil’s deep experience with science and technology policy will enable the Laboratory to enhance our already strong relationships with our sponsors and stakeholders,” said APL Director Ralph Semmel. “APL’s legacy of delivering game-changing innovations to the nation is due to the trust and transparency we have built with the government over 80 years of service, and Phil’s skills will position us well for future collaborative successes.”

Larson brings 15 years of science and technology policy experience to APL, having served in senior positions in the Obama administration, industry and academia. Prior to joining APL, Larson worked as chief of staff for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s Planetary Science Directorate; chief of staff and assistant dean for strategy, planning and communications at the University of Colorado Boulder’s College of Engineering and Applied Science; and senior manager for corporate projects and communications at SpaceX. From 2009 to 2015, he served in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy as senior advisor for space and innovation. Before taking on his new role, Larson led strategic relations for APL’s Space Exploration Sector when he started at APL in June.

“APL has an incredible legacy of delivering game-changing advances across so many domains that are critical to our society,” said Larson. “I’m looking forward to building on APL’s successes while increasing public awareness and key stakeholders’ understanding of how to leverage the impact and value that APL delivers for the nation and world.”

Larson earned a Bachelor of Science in aerospace studies from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and completed graduate work in science and technology policy at George Washington University.