NASA MSFC Internal Memo: Ares Personnel Announcement

From: Cook, Stephen A. (MSFC-JP01)
Sent: Friday, July 24, 2009 10:45 AM
To: MSFC-DL-JP-All-Personnel
Cc: Lightfoot, Robert M. (MSFC-DD01); Hansen, Lauri N. (JSC-ZF111); Hanley, Jeffrey M. (JSC-ZA111); Morcone, Jennifer J. (MSFC-CS20); Jim Chilton; Lyles, Garry M. (MSFC-ED01); Otte, Neil E. (MSFC-EE03); Cianciola, Chris (MSFC-QD30)
Subject: Ares Personnel Announcement

Team,

We are pleased to announce that effective immediately, Danny Davis will take over as manager of the Ares Vehicle Integration Office (VI), acting, pending approval by HQ. Danny brings a wealth of hardware experience, as well as experience working with in-house and contracted projects. With the work we have before us it’s essential we have a permanent lead in integration. Daryl Woods has done an excellent job as the day-to-day VI manager over the last few months, and will continue as the VI deputy.

In addition to this personnel change, we are moving the avionics/software efforts and Ares Instrument Unit contract and workforce into Vehicle Integration, essentially bringing avionics and software into one office. Doing so will simplify interfaces and clarify accountability.

Going forward, Craig McArthur will manage the day-to-day operations of the Upper Stage Office with Teresa serving as the acting manager. Craig has been working side-by-side with Danny over the last few years and we have confidence he will do an outstanding job leading the Upper Stage team until we select a permanent manager. Upper Stage has a strong team and will continue to function well. A close partnership with Engineering, and executing the new model will be especially critical as we move forward.

As a team, we all benefit from a strong technical integration office. The VI team has a challenging task with many interfaces at L2, 3 and 4. This team has made great progress ensuring technical information, decisions and requirements are shared effectively and in integrating the entire ascent stack. We ask your full cooperation with Danny, Craig and the whole team as we make these important changes.

Thanks and have a great weekend!

Steve and Teresa