NASA has selected veteran engineer Stephen Cash to lead the Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama starting October 19.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman recently named Stephen Cash as the new director of the Marshall Space Flight Center. This change takes effect on Monday, October 19. Cash is a veteran engineer and aerospace leader. He returns to the Alabama facility where he started his career forty years ago.
Also, the Marshall center serves as a hub for propulsion technology. Isaacman praised Cash for his deep experience with complex space hardware. He noted that Cash understands the high stakes of human spaceflight missions. The new director will guide the team through future Artemis goals.
Next, Cash will oversee a large team of over 5,000 employees. This group includes both civil servants and contractors. They work on space systems, scientific research, and advanced technology. The center remains vital to the development of the Space Launch System rocket.
Meanwhile, the team manages the Human Landing System Program. These efforts support long-term lunar exploration and future trips to Mars. Marshall also leads research into nuclear power and propulsion systems. These technologies will help humans travel deeper into the solar system.
As a result, Cash feels honored to return to his professional home. He plans to work closely with the talented staff at the center. He wants to continue the facility's history of achieving difficult space goals. The team expects him to foster engineering excellence through hands-on work.
After that, we look at his professional history. Cash began his NASA journey at this center in 1982. He spent 34 years at the agency before his initial retirement in 2016. He held senior roles in engineering and management during his first tenure.
Furthermore, Cash managed the Space Shuttle Propulsion Office for many years. He also directed the Safety and Mission Assurance Directorate. These roles gave him vital experience in quality engineering and mission safety. He even joined the Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame in 2024.
Finally, Cash replaces Rae Ann Meyer. She served as the acting center director since September 2025. Meyer provided steady leadership during this transition period. She now returns to her previous position as the deputy center director.