Kris Brown

Kris Brown serves as Associate Administrator (AA) for STEM Engagement (Acting), providing executive leadership of NASA’s programmatic efforts devoted to creating unique learning opportunities for students and providing resources and direct support to educators and educational institutions. NASA’s STEM engagement work is aimed toward building a future STEM workforce – the next generation of explorers. In this role, Kris leads an organization of over 200 people across the agency and a $150 million Congressionally appropriated program and associated portfolio of investments.

Experience

Kris began her NASA career at Goddard Space Flight Center over 30 years ago as an engineer, and spent most of her career in the technical realm working on spaceflight programs and as a leader in engineering. As a result, she brings unique perspectives as a STEM practitioner to her current role, coupled with a strong commitment and passion in leveraging NASA’s exciting work and people to inspire and engage young people to pursue STEM education and careers. Prior to this position, Kris led an agency team in defining a new vision and roadmap for NASA’s work in STEM engagement.

Previously, Kris led efforts to transform NASA’s strategic communications function. As Acting Deputy AA for Public Outreach, and Chief for Strategy and Integration in NASA’s Office of Communications, she contributed to leading strategic direction and operations of the organization encompassing 350 people. She led a comprehensive transformation effort to improve NASA’s strategic communications function and operational model, toward more effectively engaging stakeholders nationwide. Earlier, as Deputy Chief of NASA Goddard’s Office of Communications, Kris was responsible for leading the Center’s communications and public engagement program.

Previously, Kris served as NASA Goddard’s Special Assistant for Strategy and Development, where she led a diverse set of strategic efforts and initiatives. In 2008, Kris led the development of Goddard’s strategic implementation plan, Blueprint for the Future, literally engaging hundreds of employees in the process. She also served as a co-author of NASA’s formal response to the Columbia Accident Investigation Board Report.

Throughout her engineering career, Kris led endeavors toward advancing the state-of-the-art in practice and capabilities. Serving as Systems Engineering Services and Advanced Concepts Branch Head, she led establishing a new organization to deliver systems engineering services, develop and infuse enabling processes, tools and capabilities, and formulate future NASA missions. Kris led a multi-disciplinary team in creating NASA’s Integrated Mission Design Center, a new collaborative space mission design capability, leading the effort from its inception through development and operations. On behalf of NASA’s Chief Engineer, she also led the Advanced Engineering Environment Program, dedicated to building the next generation of engineering capabilities. Earlier, she served as systems engineer and mechanical systems manager for several spaceflight missions. Earlier, Kris spent 7 years in the private sector.

Education

Kris earned a B.S. in Engineering from Virginia Tech. She is a graduate of NASA’s Project Management Development Enterprise and was a Council for Excellence in Government Fellow, leading a team honored for creating the Kids In Science and Technology initiative.

Awards

Kris has received a Meritorious Presidential Rank Award, NASA Medal for Outstanding Leadership, NASA Medal for Exceptional Service, and NASA Goddard’s Award for Outstanding Leadership.