Decision Maker

Bill Nelson

Former US Senate - Florida

Florida

Bill Nelson is an American lawyer and politician who has had prolonged service in public office for Florida. Born in Miami on September 29, 1942, he is a Democrat who represented Florida in the United States Senate from 2001 to 2019. A Yale University graduate and veteran of the U.S. Army, Nelson began his political career in the Florida House of Representatives in the early 1970s, eventually serving as a U.S Representative and Florida State Treasurer. He is also recognized for his contributions to space exploration as a Payload Specialist on the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1986, becoming the second sitting member of the United States Congress to fly in space. As of 2021, Bill Nelson serves as the 14th administrator of NASA, appointed by President Joe Biden.