KENNEDY SPACE CENTER (FL), December 10, 2020 – The board of directors for the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) has selected James H. Crocker as interim executive director of the nonprofit organization responsible for managing the International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory in cooperation with NASA. As the interim executive director, Crocker will provide transitional leadership for the organization and ensure continued execution of the ISS National Lab mission by working with the CASIS board of directors, NASA, and other key stakeholders until a permanent executive director is selected.
Crocker is currently an active member of the National Academy of Engineering and vice chair of the National Academy of Sciences, Space Studies Board. He formerly served as the vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Space Systems International and is the past chairman of the board of the Universities Space Research Association (USRA). He has been awarded numerous NASA awards over his career including two NASA Public Service Medals for his work on the Hubble Space Telescope.
“On behalf of the board of directors, I am privileged to have Jim join CASIS during this critical transition period for the organization as we continue to provide service to the nation through activities onboard the ISS National Lab,” said acting CASIS Board of Directors Chair Dr. Elizabeth Cantwell. “We look forward to Jim working to continue using space to improve quality of life on Earth and to enable a sustainable and scalable market in low Earth orbit.”
“I am delighted to welcome Jim to the ISS National Lab team. Jim is an exceptional leader and brings a wealth of experience in groundbreaking space science and space technology projects,” said NASA Chief Economist and ISS National Lab Program Executive Alex MacDonald. “His leadership comes at an important time as NASA and CASIS work together to ensure that the ISS National Lab delivers on its vital national mission.”
To facilitate the search and selection of a permanent executive director, the CASIS board of directors has selected Korn Ferry to guide the selection process for the organization’s next leader. “This is a mission-critical role, and we are thrilled for the opportunity to support the ISS National Lab in this next chapter,” said Korn Ferry Aerospace, Defense & Space Group Lead Steven Baumruk.
“This is an opportunity to conduct a diligent and well-informed search that is founded on the important partnership between NASA and CASIS in support of the ISS National Lab mission,” said former CASIS Board of Directors Chair Lt. General James A. Abrahamson, USAF (ret.).
Qualified applicants may submit a cover letter detailing how their experience and skill set align with the needs of the organization and the mission of the ISS National Lab.
Contact: Frederick Movshovich, Korn Ferry
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 718-577-7990
To learn more about CASIS and the ISS National Lab, please visit our website at www.ISSNationalLab.org.
Media Contact:
Patrick O’Neill
904-806-0035
[email protected]
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About the International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory: In 2005, Congress designated the U.S. portion of the ISS as the nation’s newest national laboratory to optimize its use for improving quality of life on Earth, promoting collaboration among diverse users, and advancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. This unique laboratory environment is available for use by non-NASA U.S. government agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector. The ISS National Lab manages access to the permanent microgravity research environment, a powerful vantage point in low Earth orbit, and the extreme and varied conditions of space. The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space is the non-profit responsible for management of the ISS National Lab.
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