posted 08-06-2013 08:24 AM               

I just announced that I will be joining the Air Line Pilots Association next month as the organization's general manager.

As you can imagine, leaving the team of incredibly talented professionals at NASA isn't easy to do. NASA is a very special place and what we do helps make the world a better place. Over the last four years, we’ve worked to advance the transformation of NASA into a 21st century agency of innovation. I'm so proud of the team that has helped create NASA's growing space technology effort, increased innovation in Earth science, broadened international cooperation and forged new private sector partnerships in areas such as sub-orbital science, hosted payloads, lunar robotics, asteroid detection and space transportation.

Thank you all who are helping make this progress possible. I appreciate your warm wishes and look forward to my next challenge!

NASA release

Statements on NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver's Announced Departure

The following are statements from NASA Administrator Charles Bolden and Office of Science and Technology Policy Director John Holdren about NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver's announced departure from the agency, effective Sept. 6.

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden:

"I have had the pleasure and honor of working side by side with Lori for the past four years, as we sought to position the agency for 21st century spaceflight, scientific discovery and deep space exploration. She has been an indispensable partner in our efforts to keep NASA on a trajectory of progress and innovation. In a time of great change and challenge, she has been a remarkable leader who has consistently shown great vision and commitment to NASA and the aerospace industry.

"Lori has led the way on so many of the Obama Administration's space priorities, including our commercial crew and cargo program, the re-establishment of a space technology mission directorate, our use of challenges and prizes, and our unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion. As one of only a few top women leaders in the aerospace industry, she has been an extraordinary role model for young girls, inspiring them to study science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and pursue their dreams in space and here on Earth.

"Lori will always be a great friend to me and to our agency."

Office of Science and Technology Policy Director John Holdren:

"Lori Garver has worked tirelessly in support of this administration’s aerospace priorities, from human space exploration and technology development to Earth science and aeronautics research. She ensured that U.S. taxpayers were getting the most for their money from NASA with innovative public-private partnerships in space and on Earth, and her focus on getting more women and other underrepresented groups engaged in science, technology, engineering, and math was just as important.

"On behalf of President Obama, as well as myself, I want to thank Lori for her leadership, dedication, and work on behalf of the American people, and wish her all the best in future endeavors."

posted 08-06-2013 09:09 AM               

Now, hopefully, Bolden will leave too.

posted 08-06-2013 09:22 AM               

It is patently wrong to suggest that Lori Garver didn't believe in NASA — the truth is quite the opposite — nor was she (or Bolden) "yes" men. You may disagree with the policies they supported, but to suggest they didn't believe in the programs they put forth is demonstrating a lack of knowledge about both individuals.

posted 08-06-2013 10:32 AM               

quote:

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Originally posted by Headshot:
We need strong people who believe in NASA and aren't unequivocal "yes" men like Bolden/Garver.

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posted 08-06-2013 12:35 PM            

quote:

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Originally posted by Headshot:
... hopefully, Bolden will leave too.

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To be fair, Bolden might have been a great shuttle pilot and commander but as NASA administrator is at the beck-and-call of powerful individuals and lobbies.

What makes you so sure his successor will fair any better?

posted 08-06-2013 01:20 PM               

quote:

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Originally posted by issman1:
...powerful individuals and lobbies.

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posted 08-06-2013 03:04 PM               

quote:

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Originally posted by Cozmosis22:
...squandered it's position of manned spaceflight superiority.

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Besides, the decision to create the gap in U.S. human launches was made five years before Lori Garver took office.

quote:

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...why is she now going for a cushy job at the "Air Line Pilots Association"?

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posted 08-06-2013 03:14 PM               

quote:

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Originally posted by Cozmosis22:
She will be remembered as the woman who was second in command as NASA squandered it's position of manned spaceflight superiority.

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posted 08-07-2013 12:05 AM               

quote:

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Originally posted by Jim Behling:
NASA programs are a direct reflection of the people's wishes since they vote for the president.

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And what the people is something that is immediate - whether it's in the space program or a new road. Tell them they'll see a benefit soon, the people will support it. Tell them the benefits are five, 10 or 20 years down the road, and see what your support base is.

That, and the NASA budget has never been "sold" to the people. Given present circumstances in the world, it is easier to sell the Defense Department budget than NASA's. If there was more of a threat from asteroids and gamma rays and the like than from terrorists, things would be different.

posted 09-06-2013 12:27 PM               

Message from NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver

NASA's Deputy Administrator sent this message to NASA employees on leaving the agency.

Farewell Message to the NASA Workforce

t has been a great privilege to serve as your Deputy Administrator. As I close out this term of service, I want to express my gratitude to the entire NASA family for your efforts and achievements. Together we have undergone a transformation that is already building a more sustainable and beneficial 21st Century space agency. We've worked to align NASA with the critical national objectives of economic growth, technology innovation, environmental stewardship, cutting edge science and global leadership.

Throughout my career, I have been honored to serve NASA in several different positions. When I arrived in early November, 2008 as the lead for the Obama transition, we were facing many critical issues as an agency. Transitions are hard, and NASA's was no exception. Thankfully, there were many of you who reached out to help us understand this amazing institution and worked with us to advance the agency.

We were able to immediately extend Space Shuttle flights for two additional missions in order to gain the knowledge from the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer and to fully outfit the International Space Station until we would again be transporting cargo and crew with U.S. vehicles from U.S. soil. We created NASA's growing space technology effort, increased innovation in aeronautics Earth and space science, launched carried out the Mars Science Lab mission, broadened international cooperation and forged new private sector partnerships in areas such as sub-orbital science, hosted payloads, lunar robotics, asteroid detection and space transportation.

These changes have allowed NASA to deliver better science, and more advanced technologies to sustain its global leadership position now and for the future.

Internally, we worked to spearhead critical initiatives in the areas of early career hiring, more productive relationships with our labor unions, diversity and transparency. Our priority for NASA has been to continually deliver cutting edge, cost efficient, successful, relevant missions that will keep the United States at the forefront of aeronautics, environmental monitoring, space science, and exploration.

On Monday, I start my new job as General Manager of the Air Line Pilots Association. As I take on this new challenge of assisting pilots and advancing the nation's critical aviation industry, I take with me the inspiration and spirit that is embodied in NASA.

Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of the family.