Intuitive Machines, Inc. has announced a leadership change to its Board of Directors, effective October 22, 2026. The company confirmed the resignation of Michael Blitzer, who stepped down from the Board on October 21, 2026. Mr. Blitzer served as a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, Conflict Committee, and Audit Committee, as well as Chair of the Compensation Committee. His resignation was not the result of a disagreement with the company regarding its operations, policies, or practices.
To fill the vacancy, the Board appointed Dr. Christopher Scolese as a Class II director, effective October 22, 2026. His initial term will expire at the company’s annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2027. Dr. Scolese has also been assigned to serve on the Audit Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and he will serve as Chair of the Conflicts Committee.
Dr. Scolese currently leads the Vanderbilt Institute for Innovations Beyond Earth and holds a faculty appointment in Vanderbilt University’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. His prior government experience includes serving as Director of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) from 2019 to 2026, where he oversaw the design, development, launch, and operation of the nation’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance satellites. Earlier in his career, he held numerous senior leadership positions at NASA, including Director of Goddard Space Flight Center from 2012 to 2019, as well as roles as Associate Administrator, Acting Administrator, and Chief Engineer.
The company stated that Dr. Scolese is eligible to participate in its Non-Employee Director Compensation Program and that the company expects to enter into a standard form of indemnification agreement with him. The appointment was announced in a press release dated October 22, 2026.
