James E. Hattaway Named NASA KSC Associate Director

NASA officials recently named James E. Hattaway Jr. as the new associate director of Kennedy Space Center (KSC). He assumes the responsibilities of this role immediately.

“I have always been proud to be a part of NASA and the KSC team,” said Hattaway. “Being selected for this position is truly an honor. I am excited about this opportunity and look forward to continuing to work with the 45th Space Wing and the NASA contractor community as we return to flight, complete assembly of the Space Station, move forward with the Orbital Space Plane, and continue our Expendable Launch Vehicle Program.”

In this capacity, Hattaway will provide executive oversight of institutional operations at KSC. This will include integrating and deciding cross-organizational institutional issues in matters related to financial management, work force planning, infrastructure management and information technology. In addition, Hattaway will provide oversight for NASA Exchange operations, and he will serve as KSC’s point of contact for Agency initiatives such as implementation of the President’s Management Agenda, Freedom to Manage, Competitive Sourcing and the NASA Shared Services Center.

“I am proud to share the leadership of KSC with a man of Jim’s caliber,” said incoming KSC Director James Kennedy. “He has tremendous relevant experience in managing the institution of KSC after being here for 27 years. He also shares the core values of NASA that will enable us to return to flight safely, continue to explore the universe with our exciting ELV missions, and complete the assembly of the International Space Station. Jim is a truly respected and trusted member of the KSC community and will add significantly as associate center director.”

Hattaway attended Middle Georgia College and the University of Georgia until 1970, when he enlisted in the United States Army. After completing basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C., and a brief stay at Fort Lee, Va., he was assigned to the United States Readiness Command at MacDill Air Force Base near Tampa, Fla.

Upon completion of his military service, Hattaway earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Tampa in 1973, and a master’s degree in acquisition management from the Florida Institute of Technology in 1979.

Hattaway entered federal service in 1974 as a contract negotiator for the U.S. Air Force at Warner Robins Air Force Base, Ga. In 1977, he transferred to KSC as a contracts specialist. Since joining NASA, he has held numerous managerial positions serving as chief, Purchasing Services Section; chief, Construction and Ground Support Equipment Section; chief, Operations Contracts Office; and deputy director, Procurement Office. In 1995, he was appointed to his most recent position of director of the Procurement Office.

Throughout his career, Hattaway has received numerous honors and awards, including certificates of commendation from the KSC center director in 1988 and 1994, NASA Exceptional Service Medal in 1990, NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal in 1999, and the Meritorious Executive Presidential Rank Award in 2001.

Hattaway and his wife, Judy, reside in Titusville, Fla. They are the parents of two adult daughters, Jennifer and Jessica.