Director, Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Laurie Leshin has been director of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory since May 2022. She is the first woman to serve as JPL director. Leshin was president of Worcester Polytechnic Institute from 2014 to 2022. At NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center from 2005 to 2008, she served as director of science, then deputy director for science and technology, leading strategy, planning, and implementation of more than 50 Earth and space flight projects. In 2010, Leshin became deputy associate administrator of the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters, overseeing future human spaceflight. Her numerous honors include NASA’s Outstanding Leadership Medal and Distinguished Public Service Medal.
YEARS ON LA500: 1
