NASA Names New Head of Technology, Policy, Strategy

Ibadan, 26 September 2023 – NASA Administrator Bill Nelson have announced that Monday Charity Weeden will serve as associate administrator for the agency’s Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy (OTPS). Weeden succeeds Bhavya Lal, who left the agency in July, and Ellen Gertsen, who had been serving as the office’s acting leader.

Prior to joining NASA, Weeden served as vice president for global space policy and Government relations at Astroscale U.S., leading its spaceflight safety and long-term space sustainability efforts. Before Astroscale, she was senior director of policy at the Satellite Industry Association. She is a 23-year veteran of the Royal Canadian Air Force, with more than 2,000 flight crew hours on the CP-140 long-range patrol aircraft.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson stated, “When we established the Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy, the goal was to address a need for strategic advice that cuts across our mission directorates, centers, and other organizations to guide NASA’s success. I am confident Charity and the OTPS team will help us continue that crucial work.” Nelson further stated, “I want to thank former OTPS Associate Administrator Bhavya Lal and Ellen Gersten, who stepped in after Bhavya’s departure, for their leadership and guidance.”

The Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy at NASA Headquarters in Washington provides agency leadership with high-quality, evidence-driven advice that guides strategic planning and investments. Furthermore, the office works across NASA’s mission directorates and with the broader space community. Its researchers focus on key areas aligned with agency-level activities and develop options aimed at informing and shaping policy.