Alabama leaders across the local, state and federal levels are sharing their appreciation and best wishes for Jody Singer after she announced her retirement Monday from a 38-year career with NASA.
Singer has served as director of the Marshall Space Flight Center since 2018 – she was the NASA center’s first female director. Her retirement is effective July 29.
As director, Singer managed one of NASA’s largest field installations, with nearly 7,000 employees and contractors with an annual budget of approximately $5 billion.
According to a news release, Singer joined NASA in 1985 as an intern. She came onboard the Space Shuttle Program in 1986 as an engineer and was the first female project manager for the reusable solid rocket booster project before serving as deputy manager of the Space Shuttle Propulsion Office until the program’s retirement. Cumulatively, Jody was part of 110 space shuttle launches.
She’s a graduate of the University of Alabama and was named a 2019 Woman of Impact by Yellowhammer News.
RELATED: Jody Singer is a 2019 Woman of Impact
At that time, she said, “Reach for your dreams, work hard, and don’t give up — even if it gets hard.”
“Reflecting on my own career, I know I would not have gotten where I am today without the guidance of others. So I would also say to women, seek out mentors and peers to help you grow into the leaders they are destined to become! The sky is the limit – literally.”
That mentality has inspired admiration from many state leaders:
During a trailblazing 38-year career at @NASA, Jody Singer has reached for the stars every single day. Alabama is grateful for her service to our nation and her leadership at @NASA_Marshall. Please join me in wishing her all the best in her well-deserved retirement! https://t.co/2qA7vOrTN6
— Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) July 17, 2023
?? (1/3) From becoming the first female center director at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville to leading her team through the successful Artemis I mission, Jody Singer’s leadership has taken space exploration to new heights.https://t.co/loEasqjv5R
— Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) July 17, 2023
Congratulations, Jody, on a 38-year long career dedicated to servant leadership, innovation, and the future of space exploration. Your legacy at @NASA_Marshall will continue to inspire generations to come! https://t.co/uhwI7CzVEL
— Dale W. Strong (@RepDaleStrong) July 17, 2023
I would like to congratulate Director Jody Singer of @NASA_Marshall on her retirement. We thank you for your years of service to the future of space exploration and American excellence.
— Robert Aderholt (@Robert_Aderholt) July 17, 2023
I want to congratulate Jody on her retirement and immense contribution to the State of Alabama. Under her guidance, we’re on the cusp of sending more astronauts to the moon, and we are sincerely thankful for her service to our country and our state. https://t.co/l0zsDeH4sr
— Nathaniel Ledbetter (@RepLedbetter) July 17, 2023
After 38 years of dedication to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, Jody Singer’s vision for one of NASA’s largest field installations will be seen and felt for many years to come.
Her service to the MSFC and the City of Huntsville has been unmatched. https://t.co/xITQRDgWnA
— Tommy Battle (@TommyBattle) July 17, 2023
Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270
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