NASA’s Laurie Leshin to step down as JPL director; colleagues reflect on her leadership

Dr. Laurie Leshin has announced her decision to step down as the director of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), effective June 1.

In her LinkedIn post, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead JPL and highlighted the achievements of the team during her tenure.

She also said that Dave Gallagher, JPL’s associate director for Strategic Integration, would succeed her as the 11th director of JPL.

Following her announcement, colleagues and peers shared their reflections and well-wishes. Many praised her leadership and the positive impact she had on JPL’s culture and mission.

Christa Peters-Lidard, director, Sciences and Exploration Directorate at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, commented on Dr. Leshin’s post on LinkedIn, “Thank you for your leadership and service to the agency, and congratulations on all your accomplishments. Best wishes!”

Veronica McGregor, Digital News and Media manager, NASA JPL, wrote, “Thank you, Laurie, for your incredible leadership through some of the toughest challenges at JPL. You leave the lab a much better place than when you arrived. We will miss you!”

Rob Manning, chief engineer at NASA JPL, said, “From your first days at JPL where you literally talked to (nearly) every employee under the tents in the mall to get the pulse of JPL, you have been an inspiration. We understand how hard these times have been, but are all still sad to see you leave. You understand and celebrate the wonderful spirit of JPL. Thank you for giving so much to us. I hope that you will be energized by your return to your passion understanding Mars geology, its bio habitability and history. There is still oh so much to learn about our wonderful universe. All the best.”

Hiro Ono, PI, EELS | planetary roboticist at NASA JPL | MARS 2024 presenter, commented, “Laurie, I was literally shocked by the news. It’s very sad honestly that you are stepping down. You always radiated positive vibe to the entire lab. How fortunate we were to have you as the Director in such a difficult time. You will surely be remembered as one of the most beloved JPL directors. Thank you so much, and May the Force be with you!”

NASA Acting Administrator Janet Petro acknowledged Leshin’s contributions in an official statement separately released and sent out to members of the press by NASA and which we also received, saying, “Laurie Leshin’s leadership at JPL has been nothing short of extraordinary. She brought a sharp scientific mind, a strong sense purpose, and a clear vision that helped propel the lab forward during a pivotal time. From groundbreaking missions to remarkable technological milestones, Laurie advanced JPL’s legacy of exploration and innovation. We are grateful for her service and wish her the very best as she continues to inspire in the next phase of her career.”

The transition to Dave Gallagher as the new director is seen as a continuation of JPL’s commitment to excellence. Gallagher, who has been with JPL for over three-and-a-half decades, is recognized for his strategic insight and dedication to space exploration. In the announcement, it was noted about Gallagher that “Along with having served as the director and deputy director for Astronomy, Physics, and Space Technology, he was manager of JPL’s Advanced Optical Systems Program Office,” adding, “An electrical engineer, Gallagher also managed the Spitzer Space Telescope and, among other roles, led the team that built and tested the Wide Field/Planetary Camera 2 (WF/PC-2) — a critical instrument that corrected the spherical aberration on NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope.”

The incoming director had this to say about the outgoing director: “Laurie has made a significant impact on energizing and focusing the lab, guiding it back on track after the Covid-19 pandemic. I wish her great success in this next chapter of her career, and I look forward to a very smooth transition at the lab.”

As Dr. Laurie Leshin prepares to step down, the JPL community reflects on her impactful tenure and looks forward to the laboratory’s continued success under new leadership.