Seth A. Harbaugh
Associate Director, Center Operations
Since 2014, Seth Harbaugh has served as deputy director of the Center Operations Directorate at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. In his position, Harbaugh is responsible for assisting in the management of procurement, protective services, communications; science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) engagement; process improvement; logistics and technical information.
Harbaugh, who began his NASA career in 2009, formerly served as deputy chief of Glenn’s Logistics and Technical Information Division where he managed a wide range of institutional operations at Glenn, including transportation services, freight traffic, fuels, propellants and chemicals; contract property and equipment management; scientific and technical information management, publishing services, imaging technology services; metrology; and custodial and waste management services. Prior to being selected for this position, Harbaugh served as the center’s emergency manager in the Protective Services Office.
Harbaugh, a native of Dayton, Ohio, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in marine science from Coastal Carolina University. He is retired from the U.S. Coast Guard, having served 20 years as a commissioned officer on both active duty and reserve assignments.
He has received numerous commendations and awards throughout his military and civil service career, most recently receiving the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal in 2018. He was also recognized with a NASA Quality and Safety Achievement Recognition award and the Federal Executive Board’s Wings of Excellence.