Leadership Transition in the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in NASA
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Jet Director (JPL), Laurie Leshin, has announced her intention to leave office after more than three years at the head of this important planetary exploration institution. Its departure is scheduled for June and will be replaced by David Gallagher, who currently occupies the associated director position for strategic integration in the JPL. This transition occurs at a time when the laboratory has reached several significant milestones in its trajectory.
In a statement sent to JPL employees, Leshin expressed their desire to restart their research program at the Technological Institute of California (Caltech), which manages the JPL for NASA, as well as spending more time to their family. The director also mentioned that her daily life has been marked by the sequels of the Eaton fire, which has affected many in their environment. Despite her departure as director, Leshin will continue her work as a teacher in Caltech, maintaining her position as professor of geochemistry and planetary science.
Leshin has led the JPL for a period of notable successes, including the launch of key missions such as Emit, Swot and Psyche, among others. In his message, he highlighted the achievements during his mandate and the importance of the technological innovations developed both in the earth and in space. David Gallagher, who will assume the direction, has 36 years of experience in the JPL and has performed a variety of functions within the laboratory, which makes it an ideal candidate to lead the institution in this new stage.
