The Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Cassie Lee as its new Chief Innovation Officer (CIO). Lee brings expertise in space-based remote sensing, emerging technology, and engaging culture as a mechanism for transformation. In this newly formed role, she will lead OGC’s growing aerospace portfolio, support the organization’s research and development programs, and help lead OGC in its mission to make the world work better together.
Lee has built several pioneering programs that blend technology with impact, including Space Programs for Paul G. Allen’s Vulcan Inc., Climate Intelligence for Lockheed Martin, and Sound Future, an entertainment nonprofit that leverages the power of live events to accelerate climate innovation. Prior to joining OGC, Lee served as a Senior Partner at Ode. She began her career as an aerospace engineer, holding technical and strategic roles at NASA, Sierra Nevada Corporation, and SpaceX.
In addition to her corporate experience, Lee is a co-founder of the award-winning Brooke Owens Fellowship, which supports women in aerospace by providing mentorship, career development, and leadership opportunities. She also served as an inaugural member of the United Nations Space4Women initiative. As part of her academic contributions, Lee designed and taught a graduate-level course for the University of Colorado at Boulder’s Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences.
Lee remains committed to advising and supporting several high-impact organizations, including Ode, Sound Future, PLACE, Art for Action Foundation, and Bye Aerospace. She was named a Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Business by the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce and was recognized as an Honored Alumna of the University of Iowa.
“Lee brings a rare combination of aerospace engineering expertise, leadership in AI, and a deep commitment to empowering women in aerospace through the Brooke Owens Fellowship. From her work at SpaceX and NASA to her innovations in space-based remote sensing and geospatial foundational models, she has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible. Her ability to bridge technology, storytelling, and practical applications will be invaluable as she drives OGC’s innovation efforts,” said Peter Rabley, CEO of OGC.
“I am honored to join the team at OGC and build on the organization’s thirty years of legacy,” said Lee. “In this role, I look forward to fostering pre-competitive collaboration, advancing the utility of geospatial data, and co-creating tools with our members that enhance the world’s ability to solve complex, global challenges.”