Janet Kavandi has been elevated from senior vice president to executive VP of Sierra Nevada Corp.'s space systems group.
The former NASA astronaut will manage the SSG business organization and its programs that include the Dream Chaser, a cargo spacecraft the company is manufacturing under its Commercial Resupply Services 2 contract with the space agency, SNC said Thursday.
"Janet is a natural and experienced space leader, respected scientist and accomplished astronaut," said SNC Chairwoman and President Eren Ozmen.
“In a year that has reminded us of the power of tenacity, technology and imagination to accomplish tremendous feats in space, it is only fitting that a leader of Janet's experience and vision lead us into our exciting future.”
Kavandi served as director of NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland before she joined the company in September 2019.
She is a recipient of NASA Space Flight Medals, the Distinguished Service Medal and Outstanding Leadership Medals.
