4 July, 2025
jackie-jester-appointed-as-nasa-s-new-deputy-chief-of-staff

NASA has announced the appointment of Jaclyn “Jackie” Jester as its new deputy chief of staff. This strategic move aims to enhance the coordination and execution of initiatives, programs, and policies for the agency’s administrator and leadership. The announcement was made by Janet Petro, underscoring Jester’s pivotal role in shaping NASA’s future direction.

Jester’s appointment follows her tenure as NASA’s associate administrator for the Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs (OLIA). In this role, she directed a team responsible for managing communications with the U.S. Congress and served as a senior advisor on legislative matters. Her successor in OLIA, Marc Hone, will act as the interim associate administrator until a permanent replacement is named.

Extensive Experience in Government Affairs

Before her significant contributions at NASA, Jester was the senior director of government affairs at Relativity Space. In Washington, D.C., she led the Government Affairs team, guiding policy engagement across various government branches and levels. Her expertise in space policy issues was instrumental in aligning legislative strategies with company goals.

Jester’s career also includes a role as a policy advisor in OLIA, where her insights on legislative and policy matters were invaluable to NASA leadership. Her experience extends to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, where she advised on space policy issues and led legislative affairs. Notably, she co-chaired the Space Weather Operations, Research, and Mitigation interagency working group.

A Proven Track Record in Legislative Development

From 2015 to 2019, Jester was part of the majority staff of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Her work involved developing legislation and performing oversight on agencies like the FAA and NASA. Her portfolio covered aviation operations and safety policy, focusing on unmanned aircraft systems and space policy.

Jester’s legislative acumen was honed further during her time in state government as the chief legislative aide to a Massachusetts House of Representatives member. Her educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in political science from Boston College, with minors in economics and international studies.

Implications for NASA’s Strategic Direction

Jester’s appointment as deputy chief of staff is seen as a strategic move to leverage her extensive experience in government affairs and legislative strategy. Her deep understanding of policy and legislative processes is expected to enhance NASA’s ability to navigate complex governmental landscapes and foster innovation in space exploration.

According to industry experts, Jester’s role will be crucial in ensuring that NASA’s policies align with broader governmental objectives and in securing the necessary legislative support for future missions. Her background in both federal and state government positions her uniquely to bridge gaps between NASA and legislative bodies.

“Jackie Jester’s appointment is a testament to her leadership and expertise in navigating the intricacies of space policy and legislative affairs,” said Janet Petro. “Her experience and vision will be invaluable as NASA continues to push the boundaries of space exploration.”

Looking Ahead

As Jester steps into her new role, the focus will be on how she will influence NASA’s strategic initiatives and policy execution. Her leadership is expected to bring a renewed emphasis on collaboration between NASA and legislative entities, ensuring that the agency’s goals are met with robust support and innovative solutions.

With Jester at the helm as deputy chief of staff, NASA is poised to strengthen its legislative partnerships and advance its mission of exploration and discovery. Her appointment marks a significant step forward in aligning NASA’s strategic objectives with the dynamic landscape of space policy and government affairs.