Pete is the NASA HQ’s Program Executive (PE) for the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) Mission, in the Joint Agency Satellite Division (JASD) within the Science Mission Directorate (SMD) at NASA Headquarters in Washington DC. Pete also serves as the Ombudsman for NASA Headquarters.
Pete’s 33 years of government service has included extensive experience in aviation and space operations, space system development and acquisition of joint space agency & joint international space systems in the US Air Force (USAF) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Pete was a Flight Commander for the Defense Support Program (DSP) and the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) during his operational tours in the USAF. At NOAA, Pete was NOAA’s Program Manager for several important high value operational environmental satellite systems, including NOAA’s International Satellite Ocean Altimetry Program known as Jason-3. Pete’s 33 years of work in government space programs has been recognized numerous times, notably: by the U.S. Air Force Meritorious Service Medal awarded for distinguished service to the USAF, by Vice President Gore’s National Performance Review “Hammer Award”, by the U.S. Department of Commerce Gold Medal, the Departments’ highest civilian honor for distinguished leadership in developing innovative systems acquisition and contractor teaming methods to build operational environmental satellites and most recently by NASA HQ’s for NASA’s Exceptional Achievement Medal for developing and launching the JPSS-1 mission in 2017.
As a graduate from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in FL for his undergraduate degree and Webster University for his Master’s degree, he has enjoyed a diverse aerospace career. Along with all his extensive work experience, Pete is an Excellence in Government Senior Fellow and is a Graduate of the US Office of Personnel Management Senior Executive Service (SES) Candidate Development Program.