Brian Welch
Headquarters, Washington, DC                   September 11, 1997
(Phone:  202/358-1600)

RELEASE:  97-195

LAWRENCE TO LEAVE NASA

     Jeff Lawrence, NASA's Associate Administrator for Legislative 
Affairs, will be leaving NASA at the end of September to pursue a 
career in the private sector.

     Lawrence has served as the agency's top-ranking legislative 
official since April 19, 1993.  He will join Cassidy and 
Associates as a senior vice president.

     "JeffÕs tireless efforts, commitment and dedication have 
benefited not only NASA and Congress, but also our nationÕs space 
program,Ó said NASA Administrator Dan Goldin.  ÒThrough JeffÕs 
leadership, NASA has developed strong, bipartisan support and an 
effective rapport with Congress.  It truly has been an honor 
working with him." 

     Ed Heffernan, NASA's White House liaison, will serve as 
acting Associate Administrator for Legislative Affairs until a 
replacement is named.

     ÒIÕm certain JeffÕs many talents and sense of public duty 
will serve him as well in his new endeavors as they always have in 
his 25 years of service to local, state and federal communities,Ó 
said Goldin.

     Before joining NASA, Lawrence served at George Washington 
University as special assistant for Federal Affairs, serving as an 
advisor to the president, faculty and administration.  He also has 
extensive experience on Capitol Hill, serving as legislative 
director for former Congressman Bill Green (R-NY), legislative 
assistant to 
Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), when Akaka was a member of the 
House, and to former Congressman Norman E. D'Amours (D-NH).

     A 1972 graduate of Colby College in Waterville, ME, Lawrence 
taught English and history and coached track in Kittery, ME.  In 
1990 and 1992, he received awards from the Council of Large Public 
Housing Authorities for service to low-income housing residents.  
In 1987, he was selected to participate in an exchange program 
between the U.S. Congress and the West German Bundestag.

     Lawrence is married to the former Lynne Des Jardins.  They 
have two children. 
                              -end-