Jared Isaacman

Jared Isaacman, born on February 11, 1983, in New Jersey, is a Jewish American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and commercial astronaut. He currently serves as the NASA Administrator.

Isaacman’s entrepreneurial journey began at 16 when he left high school and earned his GED. He joined a credit card processing firm and quickly identified an opportunity for growth in the industry. In 1999, he founded United Bank Card, a point-of-sale payment company later renamed Harbortouch. Isaacman’s led the company to impressive success, processing billions of dollars annually and transforming it into one of the top payment processors in the world.

Under Isaacman’s leadership, Shift4 Payments processes over $200 billion in payments annually, serving various industries, including hospitality, retail, and sports. This success and his strategic leadership have cemented Isaacman’s position as a prominent figure in the technology and financial sectors.

Isaacman has also pursued a passion for aviation. He began flight training in 2004, eventually becoming qualified in multiple military jet aircraft. This led him to establish the Black Diamond Jet Team, a civilian aerobatic team that performed across the United States. In 2009, Isaacman and a copilot set a world record for flying around the globe in a light jet. His commitment to aviation would continue with his co-founding of Draken International, which provides military pilot training using privately owned fighter jets. He earned a bachelor’s degree in professional aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2011.

In 2021, Isaacman gained international fame as the commander of SpaceX’s Inspiration4 mission, the first private spaceflight to include only civilians. The mission raised funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and marked a significant milestone in private space exploration. Isaacman’s leadership on this mission, which orbited the Earth at 585 kilometers, was widely hailed as a groundbreaking achievement for commercial spaceflight.

Isaacman’s endeavors have earned him several accolades, including recognition as one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2022. He is also a philanthropist with a history of supporting organizations like the Make-A-Wish Foundation and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the latter benefiting from his fundraising efforts during the Inspiration4 mission. In September 2024, he became the first private astronaut to conduct a spacewalk as part of the Polaris Dawn mission, further solidifying the role of private industry in space exploration.

Isaacman has remained relatively low-key about his Jewish identity. He has contributed to Jewish causes, such as supporting the Chabad of Hunterdon County of New Jersey. In 2010, he participated in a Chabad auction, offering attendees the chance to bid on a fighter jet experience. Although he has stated he is not a religious person, he has publicly expressed support for Israel, particularly during the Israel-Hamas war. In 2023, Shift4 expanded its international presence by acquiring a major Israeli company, strengthening its business ties to the country. He has also publicly defended Israel and his Israeli colleagues, emphasizing his company’s commitment to its employees in the region.

Despite his previous support to the Democratic party, President-elect Donald Trump nominated Isaacman in December 2024 as Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the Senate later confirmed him. His appointment reflects a vision for expanding U.S. space exploration, particularly with the ambitions of missions to the Moon and Mars. While some critics have raised concerns about his close ties to SpaceX, Isaacman has emphasized a broader commitment to modernizing NASA and advancing its goals beyond any private entity. Under his leadership, NASA is expected to prioritize deep space exploration while integrating private-sector innovation.

On June 1, 2025, President Trump announced he was withdrawing the nomination of Isaacman, citing a “thorough review” of Isaacman’s “prior associations” without elaboration. It is estimated that the fallout between President Trump and Musk contributed to the decision.

Isaacman is married and has two children.

Sources:“Jared Isaacson,” Forbes. 
“Jared Isaacson,” Good Returns. 
Amy Unger, “Get to Know Jared Isaacman, Founder & CEO of Shift4,” Lehigh Valley Style, (February 19, 2024).
“Who is Jared Isaacman, NJ-born billionaire who just did first-ever private spacewalk?” NBC, (September 12, 2024).
Philissa Cramer, “Trump picks Jewish space adventurer Jared Isaacman to head NASA,” JTA, (December 4, 2024).
@realDonaldTrump, (December 4, 2024).
Nadine Yousif, Brandon Drenon, “Who is Jared Isaacman, Trump's choice to lead Nasa?” BBC, (December 5, 2024).
Gabby Deutch, “Musk ally Jared Isaacman’s unconventional path to NASA chief,” Jewish Insider, (March 4, 2025).
“Trump says he will withdraw nomination of Musk associate Jared Isaacman to lead NASA,” NPR, (June 1, 2025).

Photo: NASA/Norah Moran, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.