NASA Welcomes Jeret Howard: From Contractor to Civil Servant

Jeret Howard, formerly a contractor and now a logistics management specialist at NASA's Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, has become a civil servant, marking a significant step in his career dedicated to national service. This transition aligns with NASA's directive to bolster the expertise within its civil service workforce by converting contractors.

Howard's journey with NASA spans over 15 years, initially as a mechanical technician involved in maintaining and constructing test stand infrastructure. His new role focuses on ensuring the availability of essential hardware and components for propulsion testing. Leveraging his extensive technical experience, Howard plays a crucial part in anticipating the engineering team's needs and managing taxpayer resources effectively.

"It is absolutely a continuation of service," Howard stated, reflecting on his career path from a young soldier to a NASA civil servant. "It is a point of pride to go from being a 17-year-old just wanting to serve your country to coming full circle like this, hoping to one day retire from NASA."

His responsibilities include not only procurement but also direct collaboration with new technicians and support for critical testing operations, including those for Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket. Howard views his work as a challenging puzzle, where each task brings new opportunities for problem-solving and skill application.

Residing in Kiln, Mississippi, Howard is motivated by a desire to serve as a role model for his children. He believes his career provides a chance to make his family proud and inspire his daughter to achieve her aspirations. He also shares a passion for space exploration with his teenage son, who dreams of becoming a NASA engineer, emphasizing the importance of focusing on potential rather than limitations.

The Howard family balances their demanding careers with an active lifestyle, enjoying outdoor activities like dirt biking and boating. This family ethos mirrors the broader ambitions of NASA, particularly its commitment to returning humans to the Moon through the Artemis program. The family's enthusiasm for space exploration was evident during the Artemis II mission launch, which they experienced together with amplified excitement.

As Howard's role now directly contributes to NASA's mission and the commercial companies utilizing Stennis for propulsion testing, he is actively involved in securing America's leadership in space. His work not only supports current space endeavors but also aims to inspire future generations of engineers, including his own son.

For more information on NASA's Stennis Space Center, visit: www.nasa.gov/stennis