CASIS announces change of leadership
Former NASA astronaut Gregory H. Johnson during the 2011 STS-134 mission. Photo Credit: NASA
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL (February 16, 2018) – The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) has announced that President and Executive Director Gregory H. Johnson plans to leave the nonprofit organization effective March 10, 2018, after serving in that position for nearly five years.
Johnson was named to the position in August 2013 with a mission to lead a diverse team of professionals in the unprecedented challenge to establish a national laboratory in space, the International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory, and to foster the growth of a community of users and facilities on the lab for Earth benefit.
“When I began this journey with CASIS, my focus was to build a strong, cohesive team with the right skills and core values to execute our mission. We have gained traction building new demand for the ISS by facilitating nontraditional innovation,” said Johnson. “Last year was a great year for the ISS National Lab with a positive trajectory, including the introduction of some very interesting new players and significant sponsored programs from other government agencies, other not-for-profits, and commercial companies—I am very proud of the team’s progress to date and am ready to transition to the next phase of my professional career.”
“The addition of new users, commercial facilities, and the expansion of our portfolio to new areas of research and technology, is a testament to our collaborative spirit,” Johnson added. “I’d like to thank our Board of Directors for their strategic guidance and NASA for enabling and embracing the ISS National Lab opportunity. Our NASA colleagues gave us the latitude to be creative, while offering superior guidance and support to learn and grow along the way.” Johnson concluded, “It was an honor to serve the ISS National Laboratory and CASIS, and it has been both challenging and rewarding to make progress together on this unique and important mission.”
A national search for a new executive director will begin immediately. Upon Johnson’s departure, CASIS Chairman of the Board of Directors Lt. General (Ret) James A. Abrahamson will resign from the board and will serve as the interim president and executive director until a permanent replacement is appointed. The chairmanship of the board will be assumed by the Vice-Chairman and Chair-Elect Phillip Schein, M.D.
“It’s an exciting time in the history of space exploration and development, full of opportunities and possibilities, as our nation and NASA seek to maximize the benefits and returns of our investments in space,” said Abrahamson. “We are truly grateful for Greg’s sense of duty and for his leadership in bringing the CASIS team and the ISS National Lab to this point. We look forward to the future and building on the many accomplishments and successes realized during his time here. We wish him the very best.”
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About CASIS: The Center for Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) is the nonprofit organization selected to manage the International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory with a focus on enabling a new era of space research to improve life on Earth. In this innovative role, CASIS promotes and brokers a diverse range of research in life sciences, physical sciences, remote sensing, technology development, and education.
Since 2011, the International Space Station U.S. National Lab portfolio has included hundreds of novel research projects spanning multiple scientific disciplines, all with the intention of benefitting life on Earth. Working together with NASA, CASIS aims to advance the nation’s leadership in commercial space, pursue groundbreaking science not possible on Earth, and leverage the space station to inspire the next generation.
About the ISS National Laboratory: In 2005, Congress designated the U.S. portion of the International Space Station as the nation’s newest national laboratory to maximize its use for improving life on Earth, promoting collaboration among diverse users, and advancing STEM education. This unique laboratory environment is available for use by other U.S. government agencies and by academic and private institutions, providing access to the permanent microgravity setting, vantage point in low Earth orbit, and varied environments of space.
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Jason Rhian
Jason Rhian spent several years honing his skills with internships at NASA, the National Space Society and other organizations. He has provided content for outlets such as: Aviation Week & Space Technology, Space.com, The Mars Society and Universe Today.
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