Justin Pickens

I’m a public-sector finance leader, lifelong learner, and astronomy nerd based in Austin, Texas, where I live with my wife, our two kids, and three dogs. 

Professionally, I’ve spent my career working at the intersection of finance, strategy, data, and public service, leading large-scale budgeting and financial operations for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. I’m especially interested in using technology, data visualization, and better financial systems to turn complicated information into something people can actually use to make decisions. 

My academic background includes an MBA in Organizational Leadership and Management from Concordia University Texas along with undergraduate degrees in History and Philosophy from the University of Texas at Austin. I’m now digging deeper into the mathematics, physics, and science behind astronomy by working on a degree in Astronomical and Planetary Sciences (Astrophysics) from Arizona State University.

Outside of work, you’ll usually find me looking up. Astronomy and astrophotography are my passion, from photographing nebulae and galaxies from my backyard to learning the science behind the light captured in those images. I share that journey through my blog www.JustintheDark.com, documenting what I’m learning as both an astrophotographer and astronomy student. I’m also active in my community through Cub Scouts, helping create outdoor, educational, and hands-on experiences for young Scouts. 

Whether I’m building a financial model, processing a few hours of astronomical data, studying how the universe works, or spending a weekend camping with Scouts, I’m happiest when I’m learning something new, sharing that curiosity with the people around me, and helping make complicated things a little easier to understand.