The Industrial Leadership Award was established in to recognize an individual in the space industry who had made an outstanding contribution through leadership in the development and acquisition of space systems.
- 2017 – Jesse Leitner
- 2016 – No Award Given
- 2015 – No Award Given
- 2014 – Michael Gass
- 2013 – T. Cleon Lacefield
- 2012 – George T. Whitesides
- 2011 – Brewster Shaw
- 2010 – Clayton Mowry
- 2009 – James H. Crocker
- 2008 – No Award Given
- 2007 – No Award Given
- 2006 – Elon Musk
- 2005 – Theofanis G. “Ted” Gavrilis
- 2004 – Martin Sweeting
- 2003 – No Award Given
- 2002 – Vance D. Coffman
- 2001 – Russell D. Turner
- 2000 – David A. Rossi
- 1999 – Norman R. Augustine
- 1998 – Alan R. Mulally
- 1997 – John A. McLuckey
- 1996 – No Award Given
- 1995 – Kent M. Black
- 1994 – No Award Given
- 1993 – George W. Jeffs
- 1992 – Daniel M. Tellep