Brings 36 Years Experience To Top Leadership Role

NASA Acting Administrator Janet Petro announced the appointment by Caltech of David Gallagher as the next and 11th Director of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. Caltech manages the JPL for NASA, and Gallagher will replace Laurie Leshin, who has decided to step down from the position on June 1.

Gallagher is an electrical engineer and has been with the lab since 1989. Besides managing the Spitzer Space Telescope, and he led the team that built and tested the Widefield/Planetary Camera 2 that helped correct the spherical aberration on NASA’s Hubble Telescope. He also managed the JPL Advanced Optical Systems program office and served as Deputy Director and Director for Astronomy, Physics, and Space Technology.

Petro said in a statement announcing the leadership change:

“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.”

Leshin is a distinguished geochemist who assumed the role in 2022 and has also served as the Vice President of Caltech.

She said, “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. And we’ve driven the forefront of technology on Earth and in space. I know those achievements will continue under Dave’s capable leadership.”

Of Gallagher, Petro said, “I’m equally confident in Dave Gallagher’s ability to lead JPL’s next chapter. He brings decades of experience, a steady hand, and a deep understanding of what makes JPL unique. With Dave at the helm, JPL remains well-positioned to continue delivering for NASA and the nation – pushing the boundaries of science and discovery for the benefit of all.”

FMI:  www.nasa.gov/