Reynolds received the “Yes, If” coin from Russ DeLoach, NASA chief of Safety and Mission Assurance

NASA Chief of Safety and Mission Assurance Russ DeLoach recently presented a “Yes, If” coin to Kaci Reynolds, associate director for NASA’s Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) Program, for her attention to detail, proactive approach and commitment to customer service.

According to Wes Deadrick, IV&V Program director, Reynolds is more than an exceptional employee, she is the glue that holds the team together. 

“Given the complexity and uniqueness of our funding model, it’s difficult for me to do justice in characterizing just how critical Kaci’s role is within our program,” said Deadrick. “I don’t know how we would function without her.”

Reynolds always provides exceptional customer service and leadership, which were especially vital during the IV&V Program’s recent transition to a new governance model. The transition was important, but also difficult and multi-faceted, involving several agency mission directorates. Her ability to maintain relationships, understand requirements between different programs, and also understand constraints were essential to the IV&V Program’s success. She also excelled at identifying challenges and addressing customer concerns by providing timely communications and positive solutions.

“Kaci consistently serves as the vital component or ‘bridge’ that enables effective communications between leadership and management, financial and resource specialists, and the technical workforce,” said Ken Vorndran, IV&V Program deputy director, who nominated Reynolds for the award. “Her approach to customer interactions formed trusting partnerships that led to identifying common ground and win-win solutions.”

Reynolds has more than 20 years of experience with IV&V and began her career as a co-op in 2002 while she was a student at West Virginia University. Her management of IV&V products and services related to program planning and governance, budget execution, and financial management helped the IV&V Program exceed its goals and objectives.