9.12.2005
NASA's Second in Command
With Senate Judiciary Committee confirmations hearings of Judge John Roberts underway today, it's nice to have a nomination for a top government job that should be easier for folks to agree on:The White House announced it will tap Shana Dale to be Deputy Administrator of NASA. Ms. Dale, a lawyer, would be the first woman to hold the number two slot at the space agency.
Shana Dale is currently the Deputy Director for Homeland and National Security at the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP).
Previously she served as chief of staff and general counsel at OSTP.
She has made her mark in space law and business matters. Women in Aerospace notes, "Ms. Dale was the first woman to hold the position of Staff Director of the House Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics of the Committee on Science. Her leadership led to legislation directing NASA to purchase science data and services from the commercial sector, including the pioneering Scientific Data Purchase Initiative. While serving as Subcommittee Staff Director, Ms. Dale co-drafted, negotiated, and managed the Commercial Space Act of 1998 through enactment; managed an investigation into the safety of the Mir space station; and investigated and staffed a hearing on potential missile technology transfers to China. Ms. Dale has served as an outstanding role model for women seeking senior positions to impact federal research and development investments in space science, technology, and aeronautics."
She received he J.D. from California Western School of Law.
Space Law Probe congratulates Shana Dale. (And best luck to the departing deputy administrator, Fred Gregory whose retirement NASA announced on Friday.)
