Shana Dale, Former NASA Deputy Administrator, Joins the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies as Senior Fellow

Arlington, VA–hana L. Dale, the immediate past Deputy Administrator of NASA, is joining the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies as a senior fellow. Dale is a recognized senior executive and leader in aerospace and homeland security, and has broad experience in national security. She also has extensive federal government knowledge and experience, and proven abilities navigating the legislative process, White House policy and procedures, and agency operations.

“I am so delighted to bring my hands-on experience to the Potomac Institute, which is regarded as a leading science and technology think tank. I want to be involved in policy research and this is an excellent fit given my background in homeland security and intelligence work,” comments Dale. “The Potomac Institute has so many well-respected scientists and engineers affiliated with it. They bring a strong technical capability to studies of national significance and I am honored to be part of the team.”

While serving as second-in-command, Dale was responsible to the NASA Administrator for providing overall leadership, planning, and policy direction. She helped lead NASA as it undertook the enormous transition from retiring the Space Shuttle to developing the United States’ next human space flight capability. Dale also represented NASA to the White House, U.S. Congress, other U.S. government offices, foreign governments, industry, non-governmental organizations, and the public.

Her concern for adequate NASA appropriations and the perceived lack of NASA’s relevance by the American public led her to revitalize legislative strategy, public outreach, and strategic messaging in order to strengthen NASA’s position with Congress, the White House, and the American public. Through her leadership in this effort, NASA officials now speak to groups beyond the traditional aerospace audiences — broadening outreach with a focus on NASA-related technologies, and how NASA makes major contributions to the nation’s innovative and economic competitive edge.

While serving at the White House, immediately after 9/11, Dale worked very closely with the newly emerging Office of Homeland Security in the White House to ensure that science and technology became a fundamental tool in efforts to protect the country. Her efforts resulted in her leading the Homeland & National Security Division at the Office of Science and Technology Policy. Dale adds, “9/11 galvanized the country. Those involved in the effort are so deeply passionate about protecting our homeland and there are so many issues we still have to grapple with as a nation in order to continually accomplish that. Being able to help in this effort is immensely satisfying.”

“Ms. Dale has demonstrated over and over again a real commitment to sustainable solutions and streamlining operations. She has led top-level, high-profile projects, and assessed and directed the negotiation process on complex strategic initiatives. She is a respected legislative expert, spokesperson, and public speaker,” adds Michael Swetnam, Chairman and CEO of the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies. “We are thrilled to have her join our diverse collection of science, technology and national security experts.”

Dale is known for her deep understanding of the inner workings of the U.S. Congress, White House, and NASA. Before joining NASA, Dale was Deputy Director for Homeland and National Security for the Office of Science and Technology Policy in the Executive Office of the President. She also served over ten years on Capitol Hill including her tenure as Staff Director of the House Subcommittee on Space & Aeronautics.

She received her B.S. with honors in management information systems from the University of Tulsa and her J.D. from California Western School of Law. She is a member of the bars of California and the District of Columbia, and is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court.

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The Potomac Institute for Policy Studies is an independent, 501(c)(3), not-for-profit public policy research institute. The Institute identifies and aggressively shepherds discussion on key science, technology, and national security issues facing our society. From these discussions and forums, we develop meaningful policy options and ensure their implementation at the intersection of business and government.