Administrator Bill Nelson's appointment Monday of Joseph Pelfrey to head NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center was a local hire for NASA.

Mr. Pelfrey has been serving as acting director of the center since July 2023, following the retirement of Jodi Singer. Mr. Pelfrey joined Marshall in 2004.

Joseph Pelfrey of Marshall Space Flight Center. (MSFC Facebook)

“Joseph is a respected leader who shares NASA Marshall's passion for innovation and exploration,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “As Center Director, he will lead the entire Marshall workforce, including a team of world-renowned scientists, engineers and technicians who work on nearly every NASA mission.

“I am confident that under Joseph’s leadership, Marshall will support Artemis and the Moon to Mars mission and continue to make important advances that will benefit all humanity.”

Mr. Pelfrey, a Huntsville resident, began his career as an industry partner supporting the development of space station payload hardware and joined Marshall full-time in 2004 as an aerospace engineer in the Science Mission Systems Directorate. He went on to serve in various leadership roles within NASA's International Space Station, Space Launch System, and Space Transportation programs, overseeing the development, integration, and operations of multiple payload facilities and scientific experiments.

He was appointed Marshall's Deputy Director in April 2022.

“Marshall is known for its expertise in exploration and scientific discovery, and I am honored and humbled to have been chosen to lead this center into the future,” Pelfrey said. “We are committed to leading the Artemis SLS and human landing system development and leveraging our capabilities to make significant advances in human landing and cargo systems, habitation and transportation systems, advanced manufacturing, mission operations, and disconnection. “We will continue to shape the future of human space exploration through cutting-edge science and technology missions.” ”

In 2008, Pelfrey joined Marshall's engineering department as design integration lead for Ares I Upper Stage, a rocket that influenced NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) development. In 2011, he was appointed Manager of Engineering Tasks for SLS's Spacecraft/Payload Integration and Evolution Office and then Manager of Marshall's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services Project.

In 2012, Pelfrey was named deputy manager of the Exploration and Space Transportation Development Office in Marshall Aviation's Flight Programs and Partnerships Office, and was later named manager. In 2016, she was appointed to the senior management position of Director of Operations in Marshall's Engineering Department. Senior Executive Service is a personnel system that covers most managerial, supervisory, and policy positions in the executive branch of the federal government.

Mr. Pelfrey served as deputy manager of Marshall's Human Exploration Development and Operations Office from 2018 to 2020 and as manager from 2020 to 2022. In this role, he oversaw the management and implementation of Marshall's work in the area of ​​human exploration and transportation projects. Habitat systems, payload and mission operations and integration. Project development and integration of International Space Station payloads, facilities, environmental controls, and life support systems.

“I'm thrilled to hear that Joseph Pelfrey has been appointed director of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. Marshall has been tireless during Mr. Pelfrey's time as acting director of the center,” Huntsville's mayor said. Tommy Battle said. “He was a homegrown candidate, and we are grateful that he will remain and lead Rocket City for many years to come. With Pelfrey at the helm, Marshall Space Flight Center will continue to serve as his NASA I am confident that it will exceed the needs of

“We wish Pelphrey every success in his future with Marshall.”

A native of Cheraw, South Carolina, Pelfrey earned a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering from Auburn University in 2000. He lives in Huntsville with his family.

“I was thrilled to hear that Joseph Pelfrey has been appointed director of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. Mr. Pelfrey has served as acting director since July 2023 and has demonstrated outstanding leadership.” said Madison County Commission Chairman Mac McCutcheon. “Pelfrey's dedication and work ethic are unparalleled, and I'm excited that he will lead Marshall Space Flight Center to new heights in the coming years.”4

“I wish him every success and look forward to a continued partnership with Madison County and Marshall Space Flight Center.”

Marshall manages NASA's Michaux Assembly Facility in New Orleans, one of NASA's largest field centers. Some of the largest elements of the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft are located here. artemis A campaign is being created.

The center is also responsible for overseeing and executing an approximately $5 billion portfolio of human spaceflight, science and technology development efforts. Its workforce consists of nearly 7,000 employees, including government employees and contractors.

“With 20 years of service under his belt, Joseph brings a passion for innovation and exploration to this role as he leads a team of 7,000 employees and oversees a budget of approximately $5 billion.” said Robert Aderholt. said Congressman (R-Haleyville). House Appropriations Committee and Commerce, Judiciary, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee. “I am eager to work with Director Pelfrey to ensure Marshall remains at the forefront of human spaceflight, science and technology development efforts.”