James W. Eastman

James W. Eastman is chief procurement officer at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. Eastman provides formal partnerships with commercial, governmental and non-profit entities in compliance with federal laws and regulations. He also facilitates functional planning, guidance and management of the center’s procurement activities and administrative management of the office’s procurement staff.

Experience

The Procurement Office acquires goods and services in accordance with all statutes, rules, regulations and policies applicable to NASA Armstrong, supports Armstrong organizations in the procurement process while promoting efficient job performance and integrity, and supports the mission and the goals established through the NASA strategic planning process.

Before joining NASA in 2012, Eastman was commissioned into the U.S. Air Force in 1990 from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Air Force Reserve Officer Training program. He held a variety of contracting positions ranging from contract administrator to procurement contracting officer. His responsibilities included acquiring technical services, research and development and space program procurement. Eastman retired from the Air Force with the rank of lieutenant colonel in July 2012 after 22 years of active duty service.

Education

Eastman received a Bachelor of Science in aeronautical studies and management in 1990 from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a master’s degree in procurement and acquisition management in 1995 from Webster University.