With more than two decades of experience in development, production, content strategy, and management for science-based programming organizations, Marc Etkind directs internal and external communications for NASA and serves as a senior advisor to agency leaders. He is responsible for managing an agency-wide staff of more than 200 that implements all aspects of NASA's external and internal communications.

Before joining NASA in January of 2021, Etkind served as general manager for the Science Channel, part of Discovery Inc., from 2015-2020. In that capacity, he was responsible for all aspects of development, production, brand strategy, and day-to-day operations for the network.

While at the Science Channel, he brought the robot competition “BattleBots” back to the network, launched STEM-focused “MythBusters Jr,” initiated live coverage of the Great American Eclipse and NASA’s SpaceX Crew-1 Mission to the International Space Station, and commissioned award-winning specials, including “Cassini’s Grand Finale” and “History of Pluto.”

Prior to his tenure at the Science Channel, Etkind held executive management positions at Discovery Inc., Destination America and History Channel, as well as serving as founder and CEO of Pinball Productions. Etkind’s production credits include “NOVA,” “Scientific American Frontiers with Alan Alda,” “Discover Magazine,” “This Week in History,” “How It’s Made,” and “How the Universe Works.”

Photo Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls