Lakiesha Hawkins

Lakiesha Hawkins is the acting deputy associate administrator for NASA’s Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate (ESDMD). In this role, she assists the ESDMD associate administrator in leading and managing human spaceflight development and operations for the agency’s Artemis campaign, which is charged to explore the Moon for scientific discovery and technology advancement in preparation for human missions to Mars.

Previously, Hawkins served as the assistant deputy associate administrator for the Moon to Mars Program Office within ESDMD, where she led mission-integration activities with agency and industry teams for Artemis missions.

Hawkins began her career in the commercial space sector as a systems and test engineer, developing turbomachinery for the main engines of NASA’s space shuttle. She joined NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, in 2010 as a lead systems engineer and technical expert in liquid engine component and systems development. From 2012 to 2016, she provided technical direction for propulsion dynamic loads and data analysis as the team lead.

In 2016, Hawkins accepted a detail in the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C., where she developed in-space transportation strategic plans as part of the Agency Planning Programming Budgeting and Execution process. Additionally, she provided critical support to the Mars Study and Future Capabilities teams.

Hawkins returned to Marshall in 2017 as chief of the Avionics Systems Integration Branch for the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket. Then, from 2018 to 2019, she served as deputy manager of the Habitation Systems Development Office, providing program and project leadership for the Gateway Habitation Element.

In 2019, Hawkins served as manager of the Human Landing System (HLS) Program Office’s Program Planning and Control Office before being appointed to deputy manager of the HLS Program Office, where she led the acquisition and development of landers that will carry both humans and cargo to the Moon.

Hawkins holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) and a master’s degree in engineering management from the University of South Florida. She was awarded the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal, the Exceptional Achievement Medal, and was honored as a Distinguished Alumni by the FAMU-Florida State University College of Engineering.