JPL Leadership Shakeup: Laurie Leshin Steps Down, Dave Gallagher Takes the Helm
In a significant development for space exploration, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is undergoing a leadership transition. Laurie Leshin, who has served as director of NASA’s JPL since early 2022, is stepping down on Sunday, June 1st, for personal reasons. Her tenure saw the launch of several key missions, including EMIT, SWOT, Psyche, PREFIRE, Europa Clipper, and SPHEREx. Leshin will remain a Bren Professor of Geochemistry and Planetary Science at Caltech. This decision marks the end of a pivotal era for the renowned institution.
Taking over the reins is David Gallagher, a veteran of JPL with 36 years of experience. Gallagher, who has been serving as the Lab’s associate director for Strategic Integration, was chosen by Caltech, which manages JPL for NASA. His deep understanding of JPL's operations and his track record of leadership make him a natural fit to guide the lab into the future.
During her time as director, Leshin oversaw a period of considerable achievement for JPL. As she stated, "I am proud of the many things JPL has accomplished over the past three years... In addition to the long list of missions that have launched or moved toward launch during that time, we saved Voyager more than once and flew into history on Mars with Ingenuity. We have made more amazing scientific discoveries than I can name, including finding potential ancient Martian biomarkers with Perseverance.” Furthermore, she highlighted, "We’ve driven the forefront of technology on Earth and in space." These accomplishments reflect JPL's continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration and scientific discovery.
Gallagher's appointment has been met with optimism and confidence. NASA Acting Administrator Janet Petro stated, "Laurie Leshin’s leadership at JPL has been nothing short of extraordinary... I’m equally confident in Dave Gallagher’s ability to lead JPL’s next chapter." Gallagher himself expressed gratitude for Leshin's leadership, “Laurie has made a significant impact on energizing and focusing the lab, guiding it back on track after the Covid-19 pandemic.” He added, "We have exciting opportunities ahead helping to advance our nation’s space agenda and a fantastic team to help realize them.”
Gallagher's extensive experience at JPL includes roles as director and deputy director for Astronomy, Physics, and Space Technology, as well as manager of JPL’s Advanced Optical Systems Program Office. Notably, he managed the Spitzer Space Telescope and led the team that built and tested the Wide Field/Planetary Camera 2 (WF/PC-2), a crucial instrument that corrected the spherical aberration on NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. This experience positions him well to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for JPL.
Leshin's departure marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another for JPL. Her leadership has been praised for its energy and focus. As she noted in message to JPL employees that “leading JPL has been the honor of a lifetime.” With Gallagher at the helm, JPL is poised to continue its legacy of innovation and exploration, contributing significantly to NASA's missions and the broader understanding of our universe.
What impact will this leadership change have on upcoming NASA and JPL missions? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below.
