Meet Jackie Jester: Our Dynamic New Deputy Chief of Staff Making Waves!

Update from Janet Petro: I’m excited to announce that Jaclyn (Jackie) Jester has been appointed as NASA’s new deputy chief of staff. In this role, she will assist in coordinating and executing key initiatives for the agency’s leadership.

Before this role, Jackie was NASA’s associate administrator for the Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs (OLIA). There, she managed communications with Congress and served as a senior advisor on legislative issues. Marc Hone will step in as acting associate administrator for OLIA until Jackie’s position is filled.

Jackie has a rich background in government affairs. At Relativity Space, she led the Government Affairs team and shaped policies that aligned with the company’s goals. Her expertise in space policy was crucial during her time there. Prior to Relativity, she advised NASA leaders as a policy advisor, focusing on legislative strategies.

Jackie’s extensive experience includes a role in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, where she addressed space policy issues and led various legislative efforts. From 2015 to 2019, she worked on the majority staff of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Her efforts were key in shaping legislation impacting aviation and space, with a special emphasis on unmanned aircraft systems.

Interestingly, according to a recent survey by the Space Foundation, 80% of people believe that the U.S. space industry is critical for economic growth. This highlights the importance of Jackie’s new role as she steers NASA’s initiatives in a rapidly evolving sector. Her background in both government and advocacy makes her a vital asset in shaping the future of space exploration and policy.

Jackie holds a degree in political science from Boston College and has also worked in state government, enriching her experience in legislative processes.

Looking ahead, her leadership will be crucial as NASA continues to build on its mission to explore space and innovate technology. Jackie’s journey serves as an inspiration for many, showing how diverse experiences can come together to create impactful leadership in critical fields like space exploration.

Best,

Janet

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