Bobby Watkins

As the Vice President of Huntsville Operations, Bobby’s role will include both managing Barrios’ business base in Huntsville, Alabama, and expanding Barrios’ presence and support to Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) and the local contractor community.

Prior to joining the Barrios team, Bobby served as the Director of the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Human Exploration Development and Operations Office. His responsibilities included: leading MSFC’s role in development of the Habitation Element for NASA’s lunar outpost, Gateway; International Space Station (ISS) performance of round-the-clock station payload operations; development and sustainment of the ISS’ Environmental Control and Life Support System; activities for NASA's Commercial Crew Program and the Orion Launch Abort System; and development and operation of ground support systems for programs and missions.

Bobby’s experience includes serving as Director of the NASA Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF) in New Orleans and MSFC’s Office of Strategic Analysis and Communication (OSAC). He began his career in Mission Operations at JSC in Houston and later served at JSC’s Chief Engineer and Chief of Staff. Bobby’s career also afforded him experience with NASA Headquarters in Washington D.C., first as Manager of the Space Shuttle Planning and Evaluation Office and later as Director of the Legislative Liaison Division.

Bobby has received numerous awards including the Presidential Rank Award of Meritorious Executive, NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal, NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal, Exceptional Service Medal and numerous group awards. He served on three NASA Astronaut Selection Boards.

Bobby is a member of the National Space Club, American Astronautical Society, National Society of Black Engineers, International Astronautical Federation Space Operations Committee and the National Technical Association.

Bobby earned a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Albany State University. He is married to Carmeladell (Dell) Watkins, a former Barrios employee. Together they enjoy jogging, yoga, pilates, and golfing when time permits.