NASA Announces New Acting Associate Administrator and Leadership Transformations: What This Means for the Future

NASA has made some important announcements about leadership changes. Vanessa Wyche is stepping in as the acting associate administrator at NASA Headquarters in Washington, effective immediately. Previously, she was the director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. In her new role, she will guide about 18,000 employees and oversee a budget of over $25 billion. Stephen Koerner will take on the position of acting center director at NASA Johnson.

Jackie Jester is also returning to NASA as the associate administrator for the Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs. Meanwhile, Catherine Koerner, who has led the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, will be retiring soon. Lori Glaze, currently the deputy associate administrator for Exploration Systems Development, will become the acting associate administrator for that mission directorate.

Acting Administrator Janet Petro emphasized the need for strong leaders as NASA moves forward. She believes Wyche will bring excellent leadership and help direct the agency’s workforce toward future opportunities. She also praised Catherine’s years of dedication to human spaceflight and expressed confidence in the new appointees to carry NASA’s vision forward.

Before her new role, Wyche managed various human spaceflight activities at NASA Johnson. This center is home to America’s astronaut corps, Mission Control, the International Space Station, and several significant space programs. Wyche’s 35-year career at NASA has included roles such as deputy center director and flight manager for multiple Space Shuttle missions. She holds degrees in Engineering and Bioengineering from Clemson University.

Stephen Koerner has a solid background, having been involved in strategic workforce planning and safety at NASA Johnson. His previous positions include director of the Flight Operations Directorate and chief financial officer.

In her new role, Jester will oversee communications with Congress and advise agency leaders on legislative matters. She returns to NASA after working at Relativity Space, where she led policy efforts. Jester has a strong background in space policy, having worked for NASA, the White House, and the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Catherine Koerner has played a crucial role at NASA for over three decades, particularly with the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate. She has held various senior positions and has been involved in overseeing the Orion program and the International Space Station.

Lori Glaze, who will step into her new role, has a rich history in planetary science. Her previous work includes advocating for Venus exploration and leading significant projects at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. She has earned advanced degrees in Physics and Environmental Science.

These leadership changes mark a significant moment for NASA as the agency prepares for its future missions and objectives.