Pine Island Capital Partners, a private investment firm that combines an investment team with a group of former senior government, military officials, and business leaders, has hired former NASA administrator Major General Charles F. Bolden Jr. to the firm as a partner.

Bolden served as the twelfth administrator of NASA from 2009 to 2017, where he oversaw the transition to a new era of space exploration guided by the development of advanced technologies in aeronautics and aerospace. He led the conclusion of the space shuttle program and oversaw the development of the commercial resupply services and commercial crew programs that developed NASA’s relationship with SpaceX, Orbital (now Northrop Grumman), Sierra Nevada, and other entrepreneurial space companies.

“In the course of an impressive career, Charlie has developed a unique perspective and deep expertise in aerospace and defense, which is a focus for both our private equity investments as well as our recently launched SPAC,” said John Thain, Pine Island’s chairman. “We are pleased to welcome Charlie to the firm. His deep understanding of the industry’s dynamics and practical experience in aerospace technologies makes him an ideal addition to the firm as we pursue opportunities in the sector.”

“Pine Island has assembled an impressive partner group, and we believe we can add significant value for our investors, particularly as it relates to advanced space technologies with applications across the military, civilian, and commercial landscapes,” said Bolden. “I’m pleased to join the team and look forward to being a part of the firm’s partnership approach to investing.”