Sumara Thompson-King is seen here being sworn in by Robert Lightfoot, Associate Administrator (left) at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC on June 2, 2014. Thompson-King assumed the role of General Counsel on Sunday, June 1, 2014 after Michael Wholley, former General Counsel, retired. She started her career at NASA in the Office of Chief Counsel at Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD in 1986. In 1991, she became a senior attorney at NASA Headquarters and in 1995 was promoted to the Deputy Associate General Counsel (Contracts) position. She is the first woman and first African American to serve as General Counsel at NASA Headquarters. (Photo Credit: NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Sumara Thompson-King is seen here being sworn in by Robert Lightfoot, Associate Administrator (not pictured) at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC on June 2, 2014. Thompson-King assumed the role of General Counsel on Sunday, June 1, 2014 after Michael Wholley, former General Counsel, retired. She started her career at NASA in the Office of Chief Counsel at Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD in 1986. In 1991, she became a senior attorney at NASA Headquarters and in 1995 was promoted to the Deputy Associate General Counsel (Contracts) position. She is the first woman and first African American to serve as General Counsel at NASA Headquarters. (Photo Credit: NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Sumara Thompson-King is seen here after being sworn in by Robert Lightfoot, Associate Administrator (left) at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC on June 2, 2014. Thompson-King assumed the role of General Counsel on Sunday, June 1, 2014 after Michael Wholley, former General Counsel, retired. She started her career at NASA in the Office of Chief Counsel at Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD in 1986. In 1991, she became a senior attorney at NASA Headquarters and in 1995 was promoted to the Deputy Associate General Counsel (Contracts) position. She is the first woman and first African American to serve as General Counsel at NASA Headquarters. (Photo Credit: NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson shakes hands with NASA General Counsel Iris Lan after she was ceremonially sworn in as the General Counsel, Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Iris Lan is ceremonially sworn in as NASA’s General Counsel by NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Iris Lan, right, is sworn in as NASA’s General Counsel by NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, Monday, June 5, 2023, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Iris Lan gives remarks after she was ceremonially sworn in as NASA’s General Counsel by NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Acting General Counsel and Associate General Counsel for Acquisition Law Scott Barber speaks during a Strengthening Acquisition and Program Management at the Agency fireside chat, Thursday, May 18, 2023, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)

Acting General Counsel and Associate General Counsel for Acquisition Law Scott Barber speaks during a Strengthening Acquisition and Program Management at the Agency fireside chat, Thursday, May 18, 2023, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)

Jeff Renshaw is the lead attorney for procurement law in the Office of the General Counsel for NASA’s Stennis Space Center and the NASA Shared Services Center.

NASA General Counsel Sumara M. Thompson-King introduces NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine during the International Institute of Space Law (IISL), Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition finals, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2019 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Director of Glenn Research Center, Dr. Marla Peréz-Davis speaks on a panel with NASA's three other female center directors: Janet Petro of Kennedy Space Center, Vanessa Wyche of Johnson Space Center, and Jody Singer of Marshall Space Flight Center, moderated by NASA General Counsel, Sumara Thompson-King, left, during the "DirectHERS" - Launching Through the Glass Ceiling event, Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA senior leaders participate in a procurement discussion with employees on Nov. 29, 2022, at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The conversation focused on strengthening acquisition and program management within the agency. From left are David Mitchell, chief program management officer; Craig McArthur, OCFO/director for Strategic Investments Division; Scott Barber, associate general counsel for Acquisition Law; Karla Smith Jackson, assistant administrator for Procurement; NASA Associate Administrator Bob Cabana; and NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy.

NASA General Counsel, Sumara Thompson-King, left, moderates a panel discussion with NASA's four female center directors: Dr. Marla Peréz-Davis of Glenn Research Center, right, Vanessa Wyche of Johnson Space Center, Janet Petro of Kennedy Space Center, and Jody Singer of Marshall Space Flight Center, during the "DirectHERS" - Launching Through the Glass Ceiling event, Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Official portrait of Shana L. Dale, deputy administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. As deputy administrator, Dale serves as the agency’s second in command and oversees the day-to-day work of NASA’s functional offices, such as the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Office of General Counsel and Strategic Communications. Photo credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls

A NASA Kennedy Space Center employee asks a question during a procurement discussion on Nov. 29, 2022, at the space center in Florida. NASA senior leaders participating in the discussion with employees are NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy; NASA Association Administrator Bob Cabana; Karla Smith Jackson, assistant administrator for Procurement; Scott Barber, associate general counsel for Acquisition Law; Craig McArthur, OCFO/director for Strategic Investments Division; and David Mitchell, chief program management officer.

NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy provides opening remarks for a panel discussion with NASA's four female center directors: Dr. Marla Peréz-Davis of Glenn Research Center, third from left, Vanessa Wyche of Johnson Space Center, center, Janet Petro of Kennedy Space Center, second from right, and Jody Singer of Marshall Space Flight Center, right, moderated by NASA General Counsel Sumara Thompson-King, second from left, during the "DirectHERS" - Launching Through the Glass Ceiling event, Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Director of Marshall Space Flight Center, Jody Singer, right, speaks on a panel with NASA's three other female center directors: Dr. Marla Peréz-Davis of Glenn Research Center, second from left, Vanessa Wyche of Johnson Space Center, center, and Janet Petro of Kennedy Space Center, second from right, moderated by NASA General Counsel, Sumara Thompson-King, left, during the "DirectHERS" - Launching Through the Glass Ceiling event, Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

From left to right, NASA Deputy Administrator, Pam Melroy, Deboshri Sadhukhan, Director of NASA’s Glenn Research Center, Dr. Marla Peréz-Davis, Director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, Vanessa Wyche, Director of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Janet Petro, Director of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, Jody Singer, and NASA General Counsel, Sumara Thompson-King, pose for a photo after the "DirectHERS" - Launching Through the Glass Ceiling event, Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy provides opening remarks for a panel discussion with NASA's four female center directors: Dr. Marla Peréz-Davis of Glenn Research Center, Vanessa Wyche of Johnson Space Center, Janet Petro of Kennedy Space Center, and Jody Singer of Marshall Space Flight Center, moderated by NASA General Counsel Sumara Thompson-King, during the "DirectHERS" - Launching Through the Glass Ceiling event, Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy provides opening remarks for a panel discussion with NASA's four female center directors: Dr. Marla Peréz-Davis of Glenn Research Center, Vanessa Wyche of Johnson Space Center, Janet Petro of Kennedy Space Center, and Jody Singer of Marshall Space Flight Center, moderated by NASA General Counsel Sumara Thompson-King, during the "DirectHERS" - Launching Through the Glass Ceiling event, Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA senior leaders participate in a procurement discussion with employees on Nov. 29, 2022, at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The conversation focused on strengthening acquisition and program management within the agency. From left are David Mitchell, chief program management officer; Craig McArthur, (in view behind Mitchell) OCFO/director for Strategic Investments Division; Scott Barber, associate general counsel for Acquisition Law; Karla Smith Jackson, assistant administrator for Procurement; and NASA Associate Administrator Bob Cabana. Also participating, but not pictured, is NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy.

NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy provides opening remarks for a panel discussion with NASA's four female center directors: Dr. Marla Peréz-Davis of Glenn Research Center, Vanessa Wyche of Johnson Space Center, Janet Petro of Kennedy Space Center, and Jody Singer of Marshall Space Flight Center, moderated by NASA General Counsel Sumara Thompson-King, during the "DirectHERS" - Launching Through the Glass Ceiling event, Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Director of Marshall Space Flight Center, Jody Singer, right, speaks on a panel with NASA's three other female center directors: Dr. Marla Peréz-Davis of Glenn Research Center, second from left, Vanessa Wyche of Johnson Space Center, center, Janet Petro of Kennedy Space Center, second from right, moderated by NASA General Counsel Sumara Thompson-King, left, during the "DirectHERS" - Launching Through the Glass Ceiling event, Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Members of NASA’s Mission Support Directorate met with leaders from NASA’s Stennis Space Center and the NASA Shared Services Center during an onsite visit June 3. The group also participated in an in-depth tour of the NASA Stennis facilities. Pictured (left to right) are Ron Bald, chief counsel for the Office of the General Counsel at NASA Stennis and NASA Shared Services Center; Dinna Cottrell, chief information officer for the NASA Stennis and NASA Shared Services Center Office of the Chief Information Officer; Eli Ouder, procurement officer for NASA Stennis and NASA Shared Services Center; Stacy Houston, executive officer for NASA’s Mission Support Directorate; Michael Tubbs, acting director for the NASA Stennis Center Operations Directorate; Michael Hess, deputy associate administrator for NASA’s Mission Support Directorate; Rodney McKellip, associate director for NASA Stennis; Nichole Pinkney, program manager for NASA’s Mission Support Directorate; Duane Armstrong, manager for the NASA Stennis Strategic Development Office; Gary Benton, director for the NASA Stennis Safety and Mission Assurance Directorate; and Alison Butsch, associate chief financial officer for the External Business Operations Division within the NASA Stennis Office of the Chief Financial Officer.

Gwynne Shotwell, president and chief operating officer of SpaceX, speaks to members of the news media at Launch Complex 39A. At left is Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana. At right is Timothy Hughes, senior vice president and general counsel for SpaceX. On Feb. 18, a Falcon 9 rocket with a Dragon spacecraft atop is scheduled to lift off from the launch pad for the SpaceX CRS-10 mission. The historic site is where American astronauts first launched to the moon and was last used in 2011 for the final mission of the Space Shuttle Program. In April 2014, NASA officials signed a 20-year property agreement with SpaceX for use and operation of the launch pad for their Falcon 9 and Falcon 9 Heavy rockets. The SpaceX CRS-10 liftoff is another milestone further establishing Kennedy as a premier, multi-user spaceport. The Dragon spacecraft will deliver 5,000 pounds of supplies and research materials to the space station.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After the signing of a lease agreement between Spaceport Florida Authority (SFA) and United Space Alliance (USA) for the use of a hangar at Kennedy Space Center, (foreground left) Marcie Harris, USA site director, and (foreground right) Ed Gormel, Spaceport Florida executive director, hold a symbolic ribbon. Behind them are (left to right) Rochelle Cooper, USA associate general counsel; Marv Jones, KSC associate director; Greg Popp, Spaceport Florida business manager; Congressman Dave Weldon; and State Rep. Mike Haridopolos. The hangar was originally developed by the state as part of a joint NASA/SFA Reusable Launch Vehicle Support Complex at KSC. USA plans to use the state-developed 50,000-square-foot facility to store and maintain Space Shuttle ground equipment

Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana speaks to members of the news media at Launch Complex 39A. At left is Gwynne Shotwell, president and chief operating officer of SpaceX. At right is Timothy Hughes, senior vice president and general counsel for SpaceX. On Feb. 18, a Falcon 9 rocket with a Dragon spacecraft atop is scheduled to lift off from the launch pad for the SpaceX CRS-10 mission. The historic site is where American astronauts first launched to the moon and was last used in 2011 for the final mission of the Space Shuttle Program. In April 2014, NASA officials signed a 20-year property agreement with SpaceX for use and operation of the launch pad for their Falcon 9 and Falcon 9 Heavy rockets. The SpaceX CRS-10 liftoff is another milestone further establishing Kennedy as a premier, multi-user spaceport. The Dragon spacecraft will deliver 5,000 pounds of supplies and research materials to the space station.

Timothy Hughes, senior vice president and general counsel for SpaceX speaks to members of the news media at Launch Complex 39A. Behind him, from left, are Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana and Gwynne Shotwell, president and chief operating officer of SpaceX. On Feb. 18, a Falcon 9 rocket with a Dragon spacecraft atop is scheduled to lift off from the launch pad for the SpaceX CRS-10 mission. The historic site is where American astronauts first launched to the moon and was last used in 2011 for the final mission of the Space Shuttle Program. In April 2014, NASA officials signed a 20-year property agreement with SpaceX for use and operation of the launch pad for their Falcon 9 and Falcon 9 Heavy rockets. The SpaceX CRS-10 liftoff is another milestone further establishing Kennedy as a premier, multi-user spaceport. The Dragon spacecraft will deliver 5,000 pounds of supplies and research materials to the space station.

Gwynne Shotwell, president and chief operating officer of SpaceX, speaks to members of the news media at Launch Complex 39A. At left is Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana. At right is Timothy Hughes, senior vice president and general counsel for SpaceX. On Feb. 18, a Falcon 9 rocket with a Dragon spacecraft atop is scheduled to lift off from the launch pad for the SpaceX CRS-10 mission. The historic site is where American astronauts first launched to the moon and was last used in 2011 for the final mission of the Space Shuttle Program. In April 2014, NASA officials signed a 20-year property agreement with SpaceX for use and operation of the launch pad for their Falcon 9 and Falcon 9 Heavy rockets. The SpaceX CRS-10 liftoff is another milestone further establishing Kennedy as a premier, multi-user spaceport. The Dragon spacecraft will deliver 5,000 pounds of supplies and research materials to the space station.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The signing of a lease agreement between Spaceport Florida Authority (SFA) and United Space Alliance (USA) for the use of a hangar at Kennedy Space Center brings smiles to the participants. Seated at the table are (left) Marcie Harris, USA Site Director, and (right) Ed Gormel, Spaceport Florida Executive Director. Observing behind them are (left to right) Rochelle Cooper, USA associate general counsel; Marv Jones, KSC associate director; Greg Popp, Spaceport Florida business manager; Congressman Dave Weldon; and State Rep. Mike Haridopolos. The hangar was originally developed by the state as part of a joint NASA/SFA Reusable Launch Vehicle Support Complex at KSC. USA plans to use the state-developed 50,000-square-foot facility to store and maintain Space Shuttle ground equipment

Members of the news media are at Launch Complex 39A for a briefing from Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana; Gwynee Shotwell, president and chief operating officer of SpaceX; and Timothy Hughes, senior vice president and general counsel for SpaceX. On Feb. 18, a Falcon 9 rocket with a Dragon spacecraft atop is scheduled to lift off from the launch pad for the SpaceX CRS-10 mission. The historic site is where American astronauts first launched to the moon and was last used in 2011 for the final mission of the Space Shuttle Program. In April 2014, NASA officials signed a 20-year property agreement with SpaceX for use and operation of the launch pad for their Falcon 9 and Falcon 9 Heavy rockets. The SpaceX CRS-10 liftoff is another milestone further establishing Kennedy as a premier, multi-user spaceport. The Dragon spacecraft will deliver 5,000 pounds of supplies and research materials to the space station.

“I grew up in Venezuela and studied in the military high school Gran Mariscal de Ayacucho. They would frequently bring in speakers, usually professional that were doing important work. Here comes Dr. Humberto Fernandez-Moran, a Venezuelan scientist working at NASA He was speaking to us about teamwork and he told an anecdote about this janitor that was mopping the floors in one of the NASA installations, when someone asked the man what he was doing. The janitor turned around and said “I’m sending people to the Moon.” In that moment I thought, “Wow, NASA is a really inclusive place to work because they value all the contributions of the people that work for them.” When I immigrated to the United States, I didn’t start my career at NASA. I worked in various positions in the private and public sector. When I saw this position open and applied, I was reminded of that story. Later on, I worked for NASA as part of the new employee orientation team for a little over a year I would share that story with the new hires to let them know that NASA was extremely inclusive and that their work would matter. Regardless of the scope of their contribution you were part of a team working toward the same goal. When someone asks me about my job? I respond with immense pride I am part of the Office of the General Counsel – International Law Practice Group and I send astronauts into space." NASA Legal Administrative Specialist, Linda Perozo, poses for a portrait outside her home in Maryland, Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)