Christyl C. Johnson, Ph.D.

Dr. Christyl C. Johnson serves as the Deputy Associate Administrator of the Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD). In this role, Dr. Johnson supports executive leadership, overall strategic planning and direction, and effective management for all elements of STMD. She helps plan, direct, coordinate, and evaluate the full range of Space Technology programs and activities including budget formulation and execution, and represents the program to appropriate officials within and outside the Agency.

Dr. Johnson is a distinguished senior executive and systems engineer with over 30 years of experience in strategic mission development, technology innovation, and organizational transformation. In her previous role as Deputy Director for Technology and Research Investments at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, she oversaw a $3B annual budget, a workforce of 10,000, and a diverse portfolio of more than 130 advanced technology initiatives.

Dr. Johnson has recently supported the Office of the NASA Administrator as the Executive Architect spearheading the agency’s technology initiative to revolutionize its digital transformation by integrating AI, enhancing cybersecurity, and modernizing enterprise data management systems. She also led the Agency Front Door initiative, crafting a streamlined platform to enhance NASA’s external engagement and partnerships.

Her previous roles include serving as Executive Director of the National Science and Technology Council at the White House, where she shaped national R&D policy in a broad array of areas across the executive branch, including basic science, technology, energy, environment, natural resources, and homeland and national security; and as Assistant Associate Administrator at NASA Headquarters, overseeing programmatic operations of the NASA. As Deputy Chief Engineer, she led the restructure of NASA’s engineering organization following the Columbia accident. Earlier in her career, Dr. Johnson was a strategic architect for NASA Earth Science missions, while forging strong international partnerships.

Dr. Johnson holds a Ph.D. in systems engineering from George Washington University, a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Penn State, and a bachelor’s degree in physics from Lincoln University. Her numerous honors include the Presidential Rank Award, induction into GWU’s Engineering Hall of Fame, and a nomination for the Presidential National Medal for Technology and Innovation.