2001-2002 NASA Professional Development Program Graduates Honored

On July 25, 2002, 17 NASA employees were honored for their successful completion of the NASA Professional Development Program (PDP). In his address to the graduates, NASA Administrator, Sean O'Keefe reminded the class of their responsibility to mentor and share what they learned this past year. Mr. O'Keefe said, "Part of your leadership responsibility now is to bring the energy and enthusiasm you have to help others improve." He cited the framework of Secretary of Treasury, Paul O'Neil, and noted that NASA leaders need to 1) create an atmosphere of respect and professionalism, 2) give people the resources required to carry out their task, which means being honest with ourselves and making the tough judgment calls and, 3) notice and recognize employees accomplishments, and when people are not successful, help them learn from their mistakes.

This year's elected class speakers were Linda Parish, HQ, John Childress, Dryden Flight Research Center and Robert Savage, Goddard who shared their reflections of the year and their efforts to identify and move toward results. In her closing remarks, Chris Williams, the Program Director, noted that the effectiveness of the Professional Development Program is determined by how well it enables participants to realize "measurable results that matter to the American people."

Participants in the NASA Professional Development Program are competitively selected by their Centers, and they engage in a year-long intensive leadership development process that combines developmental work assignments, leadership development workshops, briefings by NASA's leadership, targeted training opportunities and individual coaching. The goal of the PDP is to provide future leaders with a broader perspective of both the Agency and the impact of NASA programs.

This year's participant's included:

ARC Megan McCluer
DFRC John Childress
GRC Therese Griebel
Chan Kim
GSFC Thom Arceneaux
Rex Elliott
Bob Savage
HQ Linda Parish
JSC Faith Vilas
KSC Richard Kuhns
Adam West
LaRC Donna Blanding
Jennifer Comella
Odilyn Santa Maria
MSFC Dennis Griffith
George Myers
Andy Prince