Donald L. Cromer retired as President of the Hughes Space and Communications Company (HSC) in 1998. Previously Cromer served as Vice President of HSC's corporate parent, Hushes Electronics (HE), chairman of the HSC Policy Board, and chairman of Hughes Space and Communications International, Inc. Cromer joined HSC following a 32-year career in the U.S. Air Force. In the Air Force he was commander of the Space Systems Division. He conducted more than 100 space and missile launches and oversaw the post-Challenger recovery of U.S. expendable launch capability. He also was responsible for Department of Defense payloads on the space shuttle from 1984 to 1986. Early in his career, Cromer was assigned to NASA to work on the Project Gemini manned spacecraft program. Later assignments included the Satellite Data Systems program office, the Directorate of Space at Air Force Headquarters, the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, and the Secretary of the Air Force Special Projects Office. In 1986 he assumed command of the Space and Missile Test Organization at Vandenberg AFB. In 1988 he was promoted to Lt. General and assumed command of the Space Division. Cromer is a life member of the Air Force Association and a recipient of its Schriever Award. He also serves on the boards of the International Academy of Astronautics, the Aerospace Corporation, Draper Laboratories and Global Crossings.