Acting Chief of Safety and Mission Assurance (SMA) Nathan Vassberg started his aerospace career intending to work with airplanes. Yet early opportunities in SMA opened doors he hadn’t expected, and the work grabbed his interest immediately. That spark and the breadth of SMA work turned into a 35-year career for Vassberg. His experience working on all major human spaceflight programs since the start of his career provides a unique perspective on vehicles, international partnerships and program integration.

Russ DeLoach, NASA’s chief of Safety and Mission Assurance (SMA), recently presented seven employees with “Yes, If” awards to recognize their instrumental roles in support of NASA’s mission. Two NASA retirees also received "Yes, If" awards.

NASA Chief of Safety and Mission Assurance Russ DeLoach recently presented two “Yes, If” coins to Ames Research Center personnel while visiting the center for the SMA Directors Meeting.

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 Program, for her attention to detail, proactive approach and commitment to customer service. 

John Livacich, Safety and Occupational Health manager at Ames Research Center, recently received a “Yes, If” coin for his proactive approach to mitigating risks and ensuring safe and reliable lifting operations.

As NASA’s Planetary Protection Officer, James “Nick” Benardini knows his role is all about the community: his NASA discipline colleagues, agency programs and projects, the international community, and academia. 

Merriam Webster defines a leader simply as a “person who leads.” For Kennedy Space Center Safety and Mission Assurance (SMA) Director Ronnie Rodriguez, a leader is better defined by why people follow him or her.

Ken O’Connor, Mishap program executive at the NASA Safety Center, received the “Yes, If” coin from Chief of Safety and Mission Assurance Russ DeLoach during his retirement celebration on May 5. O’Connor retired after more than 30 years of NASA service. 

Jean Hill, Human Landing Systems (HLS) and Lander Ground Operations Design Systems Safety Reliability and Maintainability engineer, Exploration Research and Technology Office at Kennedy Space Center, received a “Yes, If” coin for continuously embracing the “Yes, If” approach in her work. Hill is willing to have the tough and honest conversations that address mitigations needed to ensure the HLS program is meeting and identifying safety requirements.