NASA has appointed Joel Montalbano as the acting associate administrator for the Space Operations Mission Directorate and Dana Hutcherson as the acting program manager of the Commercial Crew Program, effective immediately. These leadership changes were announced on February 26, 2024, amid the retirement of Kenneth Bowersox, effective March 6, 2024.
Montalbano will oversee key programs including the Commercial Crew Program, the International Space Station (ISS), and the development of new human spaceflight capabilities. His role is crucial as NASA seeks to establish a sustainable low Earth orbit economy while preparing for the eventual retirement of the ISS.
Both leaders were previously serving as deputies in their respective areas. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman emphasized the importance of strong leadership in advancing the agency’s mission. He stated, “Joel Montalbano and Dana Hutcherson are exceptionally well-qualified to serve in these acting roles. Their experience and commitment will help ensure we deliver on the President’s National Space Policy and maintain American leadership in low Earth orbit.”
Background of New Leaders
Joel Montalbano has a distinguished career at NASA, having previously served as program manager for the International Space Station at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. He has held various roles, including deputy program manager for the ISS Program Office and director of NASA’s Human Space Flight Program in Russia. Since joining NASA as a civil servant in 1988, he has earned multiple honors, including the NASA Distinguished Service Medal and two NASA Exceptional Service Medals.
Montalbano holds a bachelor’s degree in aerospace, aeronautical, and astronautical engineering from Iowa State University. His immediate priorities will involve enhancing the capabilities necessary for future missions beyond low Earth orbit.
In her new role, Dana Hutcherson aims to continue developing safe and reliable crew transportation systems for low Earth orbit destinations. She has previously worked as deputy manager of the CCP Systems Engineering and Integration Office and the Launch Vehicle Systems Office. Hutcherson has also served as a NASA flow director within the Launch Vehicle Processing Directorate at the Kennedy Space Center.
She began her career with United Space Alliance as an airframe engineer and has received several prestigious awards, including the Meritorious Presidential Rank Award. Hutcherson holds a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a master of science in industrial engineering from the University of Central Florida.
With these appointments, NASA continues to strengthen its leadership team in preparation for the challenges ahead in human spaceflight. The agency aims to not only maintain but also elevate its status in the realm of space exploration and technology.