05.31.

07

Lori J. Rachul
Media Relations Office
216-433-8806
lori.j.rachul@nasa.gov

RELEASE: 07-013

GLENN DEPUTY DIRECTOR RICHARD S. CHRISTIANSEN TO RETIRE

Cleveland -- Richard S. Christiansen, deputy director of NASA's Glenn

Research Center, will retire today after more than 27 years of
government service.

Christiansen served as the Deputy Director since November 16, 2003 and
shared responsibility with the Center Director for planning,
organizing and directing the activities required in accomplishing the
missions assigned to the center.

During his time at NASA Glenn, he led the efforts in formulating and
implementing a strategy to secure a better position for the center
and was instrumental in building partnerships throughout the agency
and with the space flight centers, resulting in significant roles for
the center in exploration.

"I have known Rich since very early in our careers and always have
valued his advice and counsel over the years," said NASA Glenn
Director Dr. Woodrow Whitlow Jr. "We have had the opportunity to work
on many projects for the agency and have impacted NASA's directions
on several fronts. At Glenn, he has been instrumental in changing the
culture of the center and in helping to define a role in the area of
spaceflight systems development while ensuring excellence in
aeronautics and space research."

Prior to his assignment as Deputy Director, Christiansen served as the

Associate Director for Planning at NASA's Dryden Flight Research
Center, Edwards, Calif. He was responsible for overseeing the
development of the center's long-range strategic management plan and
creating a vision for the future of flight research.

Christiansen began his career with NASA in 1980 at Ames Research

Center, Moffett Field, Calif., where he was responsible for
conducting systems analysis and large-scale aerodynamic and
propulsion wind tunnel tests of subsonic vertical or short take-off
and landing concepts.

He has held increasingly responsible positions during his NASA career.

Christiansen served as director of Programs, Aerospace Technology
Enterprise, at NASA Headquarters from October 1998 to June 2000. In
this capacity, he was responsible for strategic management of all
Enterprise programs planned and conducted for national and agency
goals in aeronautics and space transportation. From 1997 to 1998, he
served as Acting Associate Administrator of the Aeronautics and Space
Transportation Technology Enterprise.

Christiansen has received numerous honors and awards including: two

Exceptional Performance Awards; Superior Accomplishment Award; two
Group Achievement Awards; the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal; and,
since becoming a member of the Senior Executive Service, has three
times earned the Presidential Rank of Meritorious Executive.

For more information about Glenn, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/glenn

-end-