Is Janet Kavandi The Next Deputy NASA Administrator?
Q-what about a Deputy Admin?
Bridenstine-I’m advocating for Janet Kavandi (who’s here at the mtg — she’s Director of NASA Glenn Research Center). Need a deputy who’s apolitical, technical, experienced in managing, space professional.— Marcia Smith (@SpcPlcyOnline) June 12, 2018
I guess it is a question of what you want in a Deputy Administrator. I didn’t see she had great technical vision. You may have to go back to Abe Silverstein for that at GRC (or Lewis).She dis preside over the dimunation of Research at GRC shifting the center to support flight projects.She seemed to be very at home in outreach activities.Unfortunately, I am a little suspicious that the real motivation to put her name forward is to get her in position to be the first women Administrator of NASA.
I disagree with your history/summary of GRC’s current and recent technical work and Kavandi’s role. The diminution of research preceded the current GRC Director by many years. One could argue that NASA as a whole has experienced a diminution in research efforts, but this was certainly not due to any of the directors’ abilities. I would look to Congress, personally. GRC technical efforts and accomplishments have been increasing under recent Directors. Kavandi has championed several research efforts as Director. I think she’s an interesting option, but I would worry about what it might mean for GRC.