Names Surface for NASA Deputy Administrator
More Names Emerge for NASA Deputy Administrator, Space News
“The thing about throwing out names is that it encourages other people — smarter, better connected people — to follow suit, even if only privately.
And, boy, have they. Followed suit, I mean.
Included below are some solid candidates for NASA deputy administrator I shouldn’t have overlooked and others I wouldn’t have thought of myself. No tongue in cheek here. All top-shelf candidates, two of which could easily replace Charlie Bolden as NASA administrator if he’s as sick of Washington as he sometimes lets on. ”
Marc’s note: The list includes: Pam Melroy, Patti Grace Smith, David Radzanowski, Ann Zulkosky and Richard DalBello. And this is only the beginning.
I think Berger’s list is a good one, and in order with best choice first.
He mentions more than once the possibility of Bolden moving on as well — where did that come from? I haven’t read anything else about it. If he’s just thrown it in as his own idea, then he should say so. This is how damaging rumors get started.
Thinking about Ann Zulkosky’s ties to Nelson, I’m not sure if it would work for her or against her.
With only three years until another President is in the White House, I wonder how eager talented people would be to leave their current positions for the NASA Deputy job. I’m inclined to agree with those who have suggested that the current WH may not bother to try to fill the Deputy job.
I really do not see the White House wanting a confirmation hearing right now. It gives everyone a chance to open every can of worms they have.
And, in a long life, I have never known a Washington establishment so eager to open those cans. DC is fast turning into a political superfund site.
The regime needs someone to keep an eye on Charlie B.
I agree even if the nominee is a sure thing any confirmation hearing opens him up to questioning about his space policy.
In reality Dave Radzanowski already does a lot of Bolden’s heavy lifting and certainly knows his way around NASA, WH, and Congress. As such he’s going to have an increased role regardless of his title. If not Dave then someone who already works at NASA. Bringing someone in from the outside is going to require confirmation hearings and no one at WH cares enough about NASA right now to deal with the free for all food fight that would ensue if there were hearings.
Thanks Keith. That’s the kind of meaningful information that most of us on the outside have no way of knowing. Personally, I’ve always been in favor of bringing up someone from within NASA as deputy, but someone who knows the ropes, not someone who either got the political nod or has simply been there a long time. I think the Administrator should always come from outside NASA, but that’s an argument for another time.
Your comment suggests two things to me: 1) perhaps not filling the Deputy role right now actually works out better, since Dave Radzanowski can presumably be made available to pick up the essential issues; and 2) if he’s already carrying a lot of Bolden’s load, as you’ve indicated, then perhaps the Administrator and/or Deputy jobs have been too big a work load for one person each, which would account for some of the seeming non-responses or delayed responses on certain past issues.
And I’ve just noticed that “knowing” and “kcowing” differ by only one letter. Coincidence?
I think there are enough astronauts in management.
Kay BAiley Hutchinson would be number 1on my list. She probably wouldn’t take it but she is precisely the sort of person who is needed. Known for her passionate support, knowledgeable, familiar with the workings on the Hill, well respected. She would be even better on the short list for Administrator. One thing we do not need I a technical person trying to weild their technical positions in place of others with more expertise.
Her obvious skills and expertise are irrelevant. She is a Republican and fought many Obama initiatives at NASA and elsewhere. As such it is most unlikely that she’d be nominated by the Obama White House – especially if there was a possibility that she’d end up running NASA. And being No. 2 at NASA for a short term task in a lame duck Administration would not exactly be a step up for her.
Now I am learning that Rich DalBello’s name is floating around for both the NASA No.2. slot and a job at OSTP. It is summer time – so your mileage may vary on this one.
I like the first two choices Pam Melroy, Patti Grace Smith. That would guarantee we have powerful allies to commercial space in the upper echelons at NASA.
Bob Clark