Aug 16, 2011

Beth Dickey Headquarters, Washington
202-358-2087 beth dickey-1@nasa gov RELEASE: 11-261

NASA NAMES TERRY WILCUTT AGENCY SAFETY CHIEF

WASHINGTON -- Terrence W Wilcutt has been appointed NASA's chief of safety and mission assurance, effective Sept 1

Wilcutt is a retired Marine colonel and veteran astronaut who is serving as director of safety and mission assurance at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston He will assume the post from Bryan O'Connor, who will retire from the agency on Aug 31

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden announced the appointment Tuesday

"As NASA looks beyond the space shuttle to new programs of human exploration, technology development and scientific research, we remain committed to the highest standards for mission success and the well-being of our work force," Bolden said "Terry Wilcutt has more than 20 years of experience in human spaceflight and safety, as well as the integrity and courage necessary to lead what arguably is NASA's most important support organization, the Office of Safety and Mission Assurance, and serve as my conscience on issues of safety as did Bryan O'Connor during our time together I am delighted Terry stepped forward to guide us safely into the future "

In his new role, Wilcutt will be responsible for the development, implementation and oversight of safety and mission assurance policies and procedures for all NASA programs

"I look forward to continuing Bryan's work and to meeting the challenges of the next chapter in human space exploration as well as the rest of NASA's diverse portfolio," Wilcutt said

Wilcutt joined NASA as an astronaut in 1990 He was the pilot on two space shuttle missions, STS-68 in 1994 and STS-79 in 1996 He commanded two others, STS-89 in 1998 and STS-106 in 2000 He served as manager of safety and mission assurance for the Space Shuttle Program, and as Johnson's deputy director of safety and mission assurance before becoming director in 2008

Wilcutt will maintain offices in Houston and Washington For his complete biography, visit:

http://www jsc nasa gov/Bios/htmlbios/wilcutt html

For information about NASA and agency programs, visit:

http://www nasa gov

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