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 the Facility Safety program executive at Headquarters, Jose Caraballo works with Safety and Mission Assurance managers and various institutional groups to help them accomplish the agency’s mission of keeping NASA employees safe.

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. 

For years, Jean-Marie Lauenstein has been the sole Subject Matter Expert in Silicon Carbide Wide Band Gap Power Device Radiation Hardness Assurance, which is critical to the advancement of technology within NASA. Because of this, Lauenstein had to be more forward-thinking when planning her retirement. She provided her three-year retirement notice in 2018, giving both herself and the NASA Electronic Parts and Packaging Program managers enough time to prepare to transfer knowledge and find a reliable replacement. 

Kevin Monette, NASA safety specialist at the Kennedy Space Center’s Resident Office at Vandenberg Space Force Base, was recognized as a “Yes, If” coin recipient on Oct. 18, 2021, for his constant commitment to safety on Launch Services Program missions.