Brian Dewhurst

In March 2025, Brian Dewhurst was named the acting deputy associate administrator, or DAA, for Management within NASA’s Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate (ESDMD). 

In this role, he serves as a key advisor to the associate administrator for ESDMD. He is also responsible and accountable for the resources, management systems, and processes that enable NASA’s exploration spaceflight portfolio, including the safety, success, and performance of its programs and projects.

In 2022, Dewhurst was named director of the ESDMD Business Office (EBO) for the newly formed directorate. As director of EBO, he oversaw business operations for ESDMD, which included budget formulation and execution, performance and audit management, human resources, information technology and cybersecurity, and associated administrative functions.

In 2019, Dewhurst was named director of the Resources Management Office (RMO) for the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD). In this role, he managed the formulation and execution of NASA’s exploration and space operations budgets. 

From 2011 to 2019 and prior to joining HEOMD, Dewhurst served in the Programs Branch of the Budget Division within the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO). From 2014 to 2019 he was branch chief, leading agency-level budget processes with internal and external stakeholders. Internally, he and his team were the focal point for OCFO discussions with the mission directorate RMOs. In this capacity, Dewhurst guided the RMOs in implementing agency budget processes, ensured that budget-related documents complied with administration policy, and performed independent oversight on mission budget execution. Externally, he was a primary interface for the agency with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) staff and Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations staff in both the House and Senate.

Dewhurst joined NASA in 2009 as an analyst and, shortly thereafter, was selected for a one-year rotation in the Office of Management and Budget in 2010. During this assignment, he supported the rollout of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 President’s Budget, which proposed substantial changes to NASA’s human spaceflight programs, and development of the FY 2012 President’s Budget. This experience gave him insight into the OMB, including OMB interactions with Congress, NASA, other agencies, and outside interests.

Prior to joining NASA, Dewhurst was a staff member of the National Research Council, supporting the Space Studies Board; Board on Physics and Astronomy; and Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board.

Brian earned a Bachelor of Arts in astronomy and history from the University of Virginia.  He later earned a Master of Arts in science, technology, and public policy — with a concentration in space policy — from the George Washington University.