NASA is reorganizing its leadership and two of its offices.
Monday, November 1, was the agency's announcement that it will be adding leadership positions to several offices and merging two offices into one. This shakeup takes place six months after NASA administrator Bill Nelson was sworn in Nov.
According to the agency, the senior administrative change will allow management to be promoted to key positions in order to deal with issues such as the coronavirus panademic, industry partnership, or internal technology transformation.
NASA always has its eyes on the future. This is how NASA leaders think, critically and strategically about the potential challenges that may confront us both internally and externally," Bill Nelson, NASA administrator, stated in a Monday agency statement (Nov. 1, announcing the changes.
The agency also announced a new Office of Technology, Policy and Strategy (OTPS), "to provide data and evidence-driven technology, policy, and strategic advice to NASA leadership." This new office merges two entities previously: the Office of Strategic Engagements and Assessments and the Office of the Chief Technologist.
Nelson said, "As our exploration continues to push the boundaries, OTPS, and these leadership positions, will ensure that our cutting-edge strategy, technology, and policy shape agency's success." We are also increasing our analysis and guidance regarding geopolitical issues that NASA or the space industry may face.
You can see the full list of all new positions here:
Douglas Terrier is the new NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC), Houston associate director for vision strategy. (Terrier will be leaving his position as chief technologist.
Bhavya Lal is the associate administrator for OTPS. Lal will also be acting chief technologist.
Melanie Saunders is chief resilience officer and will be focusing on the coronavirus response.
Casey Swails is the deputy associate administrator for business operation. Swails will serve as principal advisor to NASA associate administrator Bob Cabana.
Tom Cremins is the associate administrator for security and space interests. Cremins will represent NASA at meetings with federal agencies partners.
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