Celebrating Excellence: NASA Honors Trailblazers at the 2023 Administrator’s Agency Honor Awards
On March 28, the Glenn Research Center was abuzz with excitement as NASA held its 2023 Administrator’s Agency Honor Awards. This celebratory event recognized the invaluable contributions of civil servants and contractors alike, each one instrumental in propelling humanity further into the realms of space exploration, understanding, and discovery.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson began the commemoration with heartfelt remarks. “The American story is one of promise and possibility. It’s a story of dreamers, doers, pioneers, and adventures,” he said. “At the heart of that story is a crown jewel where humanity's quest for exploration shines very bright. That place is NASA.”
The ceremony was a showcase of the agency's highest honors, including the Distinguished Service Medal and the Distinguished Public Service Medal. Notable among the recipients were several team members from the Johnson Space Center who were recognized for their pioneering efforts in human space exploration.
Johnson Center Director Vanessa Wyche congratulated the Johnson awardees, saying, “At JSC, we dare to expand frontiers, unite with partners on bold missions, and explore space to benefit humanity. Those awarded today embody this vision and cement our future as the hub of human space exploration.”
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Scroll below to see the award recipients.
Kenneth Bollweg, project manager for the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS), has been recognized for his exceptional leadership, technical expertise, mission support, and perseverance. For more than 20 years, he has led AMS development, operation, and upgrades.
Jose Garcia, the Johnson Procurement director, was acknowledged for his acquisition leadership and vision, which have propelled the nation's exploration missions to the lunar surface and beyond. Having served NASA for 36 years, Garcia has played a key role in the documentation and congressional approval processes for continuing the Orion program, commercial and cargo flights to the International Space Station, and commercial contracts for lunar surface operations.
Dr. Albert Holland, an operational psychologist for U.S. astronauts, has significantly contributed to the behavioral health and well-being of NASA’s Astronaut Corps for more than 30 years. Holland was recognized for sustained exceptional performance leading the Behavioral Health and Performance group in caring for NASA’s Astronaut Corps.
Deborah Korth, Orion deputy program manager, is a dedicated NASA leader with over 30 years supporting the Space Shuttle and International Space Station Programs, as well as the Artemis campaign. Korth was recognized for distinguished service to NASA for the development and certification of Orion, enabling Artemis I success, and driving strategic initiatives for program sustainability.
Emily Nelson, chief flight director, has been a pivotal member of the agency for more than 25 years. Her contributions include serving as lead flight director for space shuttle missions, expeditions to the International Space Station, and Commercial Crew Program launches. She also oversees the Mission Control Center and is currently helping to plan and prepare for future Artemis missions.
Dr. Eileen Stansbery, chief scientist at Johnson and chief of the Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science Division, has been a pioneer in planetary science for more than three decades. She has participated in nearly every astromaterial sample return mission the agency has undertaken. Stansbery was recognized for exceptional service to NASA's mission of expanding our understanding of the planet, the solar system, and the universe.
William Johns, chief engineer for Lockheed Martin, has been an integral leader in the inception, development, and flight demonstration of the Orion spacecraft. His leadership has resolved numerous technical issues on the ground, setting the stage for success in multiple flight tests. Johns was recognized for sustained technical leadership and contributions that culminated in NASA's return to the Moon with Artemis I.
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The event was not only a recognition of individual achievements but also an acknowledgment of the supportive roles played by the families, friends, and colleagues of the awardees.
Watch the 2023 Administrator's Agency Honor awards below.