Keith’s note: according to the NASA KSC posting “NASA announced Friday Janet Petro, center director for the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, is retiring. … Effective Friday, Kelvin Manning now is stepping into the role of acting center director”. Jared Isaacman also put out a note (see below).
Today, Janet Petro announced her retirement from NASA after almost two decades of service.
From the outset of Janet’s distinguished tenure at NASA, she has served as a profoundly influential leader, guiding both the agency and Kennedy Space Center through some of the most significant transitions in our shared history. In addition to guiding the center through the critical early phases of the Artemis campaign, she played a central part in reshaping KSC entirely from a Shuttle‑era launch complex into the nation’s premier multi‑user spaceport, fundamentally expanding America’s ability to access space. Her leadership in establishing partnerships with commercial industry and strengthening coordination with federal agencies laid the groundwork for the dynamic launch environment that we are so proud of today. In addition to her work at KSC she served as NASA’s Deputy Associate Administrator and Acting Administrator, further demonstrating her unwavering commitment to this agency and the mission.
Kelvin Manning will be stepping into the role of acting center director, bringing over 32 years of exceptional leadership and technical expertise. Since joining KSC in 1992, he has held pivotal positions including Flow Director for Atlantis, Acting Chief Engineer for Shuttle upgrades, Vehicle Manager for Columbia, test director, and the inaugural Division Chief for Orion, demonstrating strategic oversight and mission-critical decision-making. Having served as Kennedy’s Associate Director, Deputy Director, Acting Deputy Associate Administrator of Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate for the agency, and earlier this year, Acting Center Director, Kelvin is known for his disciplined approach, operational acumen, and commitment to safety and organizational readiness.
Janet, as NASA has been charged, once again, with accomplishing the near impossible, I want to thank you for pushing the boundaries to deliver the missions that enable NASA to lead the way into a new era of space.
I wish you the very best in your next chapter. I am confident that Kelvin is well-positioned to lead KSC through its next phase of exploration and innovation and look forward to what lies ahead.
Thank you for your continued discipline and partnership during this transition.
Jared Isaacman
NASA Administrator
