Peggy Wilhide
Headquarters, Washington, DC                   April 28, 2000
(Phone:  202/358-1898)

RELEASE:  00-57

HEFFERNAN NAMED NASA CHIEF OF STAFF

     Edward J. Heffernan has been named Chief of Staff at NASA 
Headquarters by Administrator Daniel S. Goldin.

     "Ed Heffernan brings a wealth of policy and legislative 
experience to this important role," Goldin said.  "He has been a 
key advisor and is uniquely suited to this new challenge." 

     As Chief of Staff, Heffernan will continue in his role as 
head of the Agency's legislative affairs and will also coordinate 
all staff activities in the immediate office of the Administrator.

     Heffernan joined NASA in April 1994 as a legislative policy 
specialist for the Space Station Information Center.  He also 
served as Senior Advisor for Intergovernmental Affairs in the 
Office of Policy and Plans, before becoming White House Liaison 
and later, Associate Administrator for Legislative Affairs.  Prior 
to arriving at NASA, he was a consultant in Washington, DC.  From 
1987 to 1992, he served as a legislative assistant to the U.S. 
Congressman Richard J. Durbin (D-IL).

     Mr. Heffernan earned his BA degree in English in 1986 from 
Tulane University, New Orleans, LA.  He resides in Rockville, MD.

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