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Stennis Space Center Director Rick Gilbrech and Marshall Space Flight Center Director Todd May presented annual NASA Honor Awards to Stennis employees during an onsite ceremony Aug. 9.
Three Stennis employees received NASA’s Outstanding Leadership Medal. This medal is awarded to government employees for notable leadership accomplishments that have significantly influenced the NASA mission. The award recognizes an individual’s leadership and effectiveness in advancing NASA’s goals and image.
Kenneth R. Human of Covington, Louisiana, received the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal for his work as Stennis associate director. Human has played a key role in strengthening the workforce culture, helping Stennis gain recognition as the “best place to work” among all NASA centers for six consecutive years and one of the top workplaces among all federal agencies for five consecutive years. He is noted for exemplary leadership and innovative legal and business strategies in support of Stennis and NASA
Robert S. Harris received the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal for progressive leadership as procurement officer and senior procurement official at Stennis. Harris is responsible for overseeing a $4.7 billion acquisition management program and supporting more than 40 resident agencies of the Stennis federal city. He is noted for innovative procurement and high-impact savings strategies, model leadership and exceptional contributions to the business and cultural success of Stennis and NASA.
Marguerite M. Jones Mandeville, Louisiana, received the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal for her work as deputy director of the NASA Safety and Mission Assurance Directorate at Stennis. Jones provided leadership and technical guidance to the successful expansion of restricted airspace at Stennis, a critical need to assure the primacy and privacy of the center’s mission. In doing so, Jones demonstrated exemplary leadership in managing complex relationships between NASA and other agencies and components.
Eight Stennis employees received NASA’s Exceptional Service Medal. This medal is awarded to government employees for sustained performance that embodies multiple contributions to NASA projects, programs or initiatives.
Randall R. Canady (retired) of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, received the NASA Exceptional Service Medal for contributions in project construction and management at Stennis, including as chief of the Project Management Division in the Engineering and Test Directorate. Canady joined NASA in 1991. At Stennis, he assisted in the identification of priorities for the revitalization and sustainment of propulsion test facilities and infrastructure, including enhancements for safety and operability. His achievements helped advance NASA mission goals and heighten Stennis’ reputation as a world-class facility.
Andrew L. Clarke of Long Beach, Mississippi, received the NASA Exceptional Service Medal for 31 years of service at Stennis including as a project engineer, project manager, facilities manager and real property accountable officer. Clarke has worked on – and often led – more than 40 high-visibility projects that have impacted both Stennis activities and physical landscape. He has contributed to the center with achievements and influence in construction projects, refurbishment projects, public outreach and mentoring
Wendy T. Holladay of Slidell, Louisiana, received the NASA Exceptional Service Medal for more than 35 years of ongoing service in various roles at Stennis. Beginning in 1982 as a NASA electronics engineer at Stennis, Holladay’s knowledge and safety awareness have been critical in maintaining the safety and quality of the center’s test facilities and operations. Beyond technical achievements, Holladay has proven to be an exceptional mentor to both NASA engineers and aspiring college and high school students.
Randolph R. Holland (retired) of Picayune, Mississippi, received the NASA Exceptional Service Medal for more than 32 years of service as a project manager at Stennis. Holland began his NASA career as a data and control systems engineer. He led recovery and mitigation projects at Stennis following Hurricane Katrina and provided exceptional leadership and management of other critical site projects as well. His achievements have helped to advance propulsion test quality and capabilities at Stennis.
Melissa M. Huggins of Slidell, Louisiana, received the NASA Exceptional Service Medal for technical capabilities and leadership as a NASA control system engineer at Stennis. She has been recognized as a consummate team player who works to ensure engine test sequences are programmed correctly, to meet all customer requirements and to enable safe, accurate test activities. Huggins serves as a coach and mentor, helping engineers become reliable resources for the test operations team.
Paul T. Rieder of Slidell, Louisiana, received the NASA Exceptional Service Medal for 26 years of ongoing service as a NASA aerospace technologist at Stennis. He has excelled in project engineering and provided critical mechanical designs to important NASA propulsion test projects. Throughout his Stennis career, Rieder has worked to meet and exceed customer requirements and expectations, helping to advance the technical capabilities and reputation of Stennis.
Steven W. Taylor of Pass Christian, Mississippi, received NASA’s Exceptional Service Medal for his work as a NASA senior procurement analyst and senior contracting officer at Stennis. Since 2008, he has made exceptional contributions, particularly in procurement guidance and support on a number of high-profile projects. Taylor also has provided strategic support and leadership regarding small businesses. He has made key contributions to produce millions of contract dollar savings annually and is recognized as a consummate acquisitions professional.