NASA Names Stephen Cash Director of Marshall Space Flight Center

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman has appointed Stephen Cash as director of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Cash, a veteran NASA engineer and aerospace executive, will assume the role Monday, October 19, returning to lead the center where he began his career more than 40 years ago.

Stephen Cash Returns to Lead NASA Marshall

“Marshall’s contributions to NASA’s missions are historic, and there is no question why it is a center of excellence in the field of propulsion,” Isaacman said. “Steve Cash is a Marshall legend who has spent his career in hardware and people, having a seat at the front of the decision-making table when human spaceflight is at stake. Steve brings the experience, technical judgment, and mission focus we need to lead the center into its next chapter. I also thank Leigh Ann Meyer for her leadership during this transition and for her continued service to NASA.”

“Leading a NASA center requires a commitment to its people and the technical capabilities entrusted to them,” said Amit Kshatriya, NASA deputy administrator and chief engineer. “Steve understands that Marshall’s treasure is Marshall’s workforce, and that engineering excellence is maintained by giving talented people the opportunity to design, build, test, and learn through hands-on work. As Marshall continues to enhance the manufacturing, structural loading and dynamics, and propulsion capabilities that support NASA’s exploration operations, Steve’s leadership will help ensure our employees have the opportunity to develop and apply the expertise needed to accomplish the agency’s most ambitious missions.”

Marshall’s Role in Artemis and Future Mars Missions

As center director, Cash will lead one of NASA’s largest field centers, overseeing more than 5,000 civil and contract employees and a broad portfolio of propulsion, space systems, scientific research, and technology development activities.

Marshall plays a key role in NASA’s Artemis program, including development of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, management of the Human Landing System program, and other capabilities supporting continued exploration of the Moon and future missions to Mars. Marshall also has contributed to advances in nuclear power and propulsion, an area expected to grow as NASA works toward sending the first humans to Mars.

“It’s a great honor to be back at Marshall Space Flight Center,” Cash said. “I am humbled to stand alongside the brilliant minds here as we continue to turn the impossible into everyday history.”

Stephen Cash’s NASA and Aerospace Career

Cash began his NASA career at Marshall in 1982 and spent 34 years with the agency, holding senior engineering and management positions while supporting some of the nation’s most important human spaceflight programs.

During his NASA career, Cash served as manager of Marshall’s Space Shuttle Propulsion Office, overseeing the critical propulsion systems that supported the shuttle through its final mission. He later served as director of Marshall’s Safety and Mission Assurance Directorate from 2011 until his retirement in 2016, providing leadership in safety, reliability, and quality engineering to support mission success across the center.

After retiring from NASA, Cash continued working in the aerospace industry as vice president of Advanced Space Systems at AXT, where he supported the development and execution of major spaceflight programs. In 2024, he was inducted into the Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame for his contributions to engineering and the nation’s space program.

Leigh Ann Meyer to Return as Deputy Center Director

Cash will succeed Leigh Ann Meyer, who has served as Marshall’s acting director since September 2025. Meyer previously served as deputy center director and deputy director at Marshall, providing leadership and continuity across the center’s programs and operations during her tenure as acting director. She will return to her role as deputy center director.

Marshall Space Flight Center’s Legacy

Founded in 1960, Marshall Space Flight Center has played a central role in American space exploration for more than 60 years. Its work includes developing the Saturn rocket that carried astronauts to the Moon during the Apollo program and advancing the propulsion systems, infrastructure, and technology that will support the next era of human spaceflight.

Learn more about NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center below.

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George Alderman / Cheryl Warner
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1600
[email protected] / [email protected]

Lance Davis
Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama
256-544-0034
[email protected]