Nichole R. Pinkney

Nichole provides executive leadership in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of multiple agency-wide mission support activities, including management directives, GAO/OIG audit liaison, and exchange activities. Nichole also serves as Director of NASA’s Mission Support and Headquarters Operations Office, providing a focal point for the identification and resolution of key issues that impact the NASA Headquarters community. As part of the Mission Support Directorate’s leadership team, Nichole also supports efforts to prioritize and transform the provision of mission support services; manage operational risk; and ensure agility, strategy, and readiness in supporting NASA’s complex and evolving missions. 

Before joining headquarters, Nichole started her NASA journey as an intern in the Cooperative Education Program in the Procurement Pricing Branch. After graduating in 1992 from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Nichole accepted a permanent position as a Contract Specialist, where she administered and awarded multi-million dollar institutional and project support services contracts.  

In 1997, Nichole made a significant career transition into the Office of Human Capital Management, Employee and Organization Development Branch. In 2004, Nichole became the Deputy Chief of the Career Development, and Employee Work-life Office and then became the Chief for the Talent Cultivation Office in 2007. As the Chief, she led and managed a team of expert Learning and Development Consultants to provide integrated strategies to develop a dynamic and engaged workforce that best aligns with NASA’s vision. Nichole received the Robert H. Goddard Outstanding Leadership, Exceptional Achievement in Supervision, and Mentor of the Year Awards for her efforts. She is also the recipient of the Office of Human Capital Legacy and Supervisor of the Year Awards and a graduate of the premier Federal Executive Institute Leadership for a Democratic Society Training Program. 

Nichole is devoted to helping individuals and organizations thrive. She leads, facilitates, and participates in talent management and development activities and is an active mentor and coach. Nichole’s credentials include a master’s degree in human resource development and a Bachelor of Arts in economics.  

Nichole enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, visiting art exhibits, going to the movies, jazz music, photography, traveling, physical exercise, and working on community development projects with her sorority.