Mark K. Ruether
Strategic Planner
Launch Services Program
Mark K. Ruether is the Strategic Planner for the Launch Services Program at NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Fla., a role he has had since 2005. In this role, he is responsible for establishing and executing strategic planning systems and processes within the program, and coordinating and communicating program goals, objectives and strategic decisions within the program and with customers and stakeholders.
Mark joined NASA at KSC in 1984 as a fluid, pneumatic, fire deluge and sound suppression systems engineer on shuttle ground support systems in the LC-39 area. In 1985, he became a mechanical and fluid systems integration and test engineer on Spacelab experiments and other attached shuttle payloads. In 1989, Mark became a launch site support manager (LSSM) serving as the payload customer interface for all KSC activities for several missions including the first servicing mission to the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and the first commercial module to fly on the shuttle - Spacehab-1. In 1994, Mark participated in a one-year Professional Development Program (PDP) assignment at NASA Headquarters where he split time between the Office of Life and Microgravity Sciences (Code U) and in the Office of Space Sciences (Code S). During his time in Code S, he served as the assistant program manager for the Chandra (formerly AXAF) Observatory. In 1995, Mark returned to KSC as a lead LSSM until he became the chief of the Launch Site Support Branch in 1999. Over the next 18 months, Mark served as the supervisor of the Mission Integration Branch and eventually the Customer Integration and Support Division. In 2000, Mark became the chief knowledge manager of the Launch Services Program responsible for coordinating knowledge and information sharing activities across the various technical, business and administrative disciplines within the program and with the program customers, stakeholders, contractors and support organizations.
Mark has received numerous achievement and performance awards along with certificates throughout his NASA career including an Exceptional Achievement Medal in 2004.
Originally from Red Wing, Minn., Mark earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of Minnesota and a Master of Science in engineering management from the University of Central Florida.
Mark, his wife Michelle, and their two young children live in Viera. He enjoys spending time with his family, fitness activities, biking, skiing, tennis and golf.
May 2006
Biographies - Current Employees
