Albert D. Sofge became Associate Director of Safety & Mission Assurance in August 1997.

Prior to that he served as Assistant Shuttle Launch Director from March 5, 1995.

Sofge also served as a Shuttle Test Director since April 1991. He was responsible for leading the launch team for 16 launches and 2 engine shutdown aborts.

Sofge joined NASA in 1968 as an Electrical Engineer with responsibilities for the Apollo altitude chamber control systems and the mobile launch platform electrical systems.

During Apollo, Sofge also served as an altitude chamber test conductor, Complex 39 support test conductor, and assistant chief engineer and modification team lead for the Apollo 12 launch cycle.

Between Apollo and Shuttle, Sofge served in the Shuttle Projects Office with a variety of positions including the development of the concepts for retrieval, disassembly, and refurbishment of the SRB's and parachutes; KSC representative to the SRB Parachute Source Evaluation Board; Shuttle Turnaround Analysis Group representative; and technical manager for the computerized Ground Processing Simulator.

Sofge left NASA for several years to run his own condominium development company.

Sofge returned to NASA as a NASA Test Director and was promoted to a Shuttle Test Director.

Sofge has received the NASA Superior Achievement Award, the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, and the National Space Club Eagle Manned Mission Success Award.

Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Sofge graduated from Christian Brothers College, Memphis, Tennessee, in 1968 with a Bachelors of Science degree in electrical engineering and from Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, in 1971 with a Masters in Business Administration.

Sofge and his wife Suzanne live in Cocoa, Florida.

December 1995