New Officers Elected To Public Affairs Team

The Coalition for Space Exploration officially announced Wednesday its leadership for 2008. Mary Engola, of Ball Aerospace and Technologies Corporation, has been named the organization’s new chairwoman, and will serve a one-year term effective January 2008 through December 2008.

The Coalition for Space Exploration is a collaboration of space industry businesses and advocacy groups whose mission is to educate and inform the public on the value and benefits of space exploration and to help ensure the United States will remain a leader in space, science and technology.

Engola will lead the Public Affairs Team, which conducts the organization’s marketing, communications and public outreach efforts. In this capacity, she will collaborate with the organization’s Government Affairs Team to support its work as well.

"Mary has been an active, valued member of the Public Affairs and Government Affairs Teams for the Coalition," said Joe Mayer, the organization’s outgoing chairman. “Her move into this role will advance the mission of our organization."

Engola is currently the manager of customer and industry relations for Ball Aerospace, where she develops and disseminates key messages, strategic plans and communications strategies. Prior to this position, she was the legislative affairs specialist for the company’s Washington, DC operations. Engola represents Ball in local and national advocacy groups, and has received a Citation for Space Exploration Advocacy. She has been an active member of the Coalition since its inception.

"I am honored to have this opportunity with the Coalition and am eager to implement our plans for 2008," said Engola (above right). "Our primary goal is to secure political support and budget resources for NASA and space exploration. We have also identified opportunities for public outreach to promote understanding and the benefits generated from space exploration."

The Coalition also selected Tracy Lamm of Pratt Whitney & Rocketdyne, Inc. as deputy chairman for 2008. Lamm will serve the Public Affairs Team in a supporting role to Engola to facilitate activities and outreach throughout the year.

Lamm (right) is communications manager for PWR, where he oversees all Southeastern state government, local community and customer relations efforts and supports the company’s activities at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, Kennedy Space Center and Stennis Space Center. He previously worked at MSFC on government relations and outreach. Lamm also served as a Congressional fellow from NASA and the intergovernmental affairs officer while at NASA headquarters. He holds a leadership role with the Alabama Space Coalition and works with several other space advocacy organizations.

"Tracy’s extensive knowledge of the space program and his long-standing relationship with NASA complement the work of the Coalition and will contribute to the success for our plans in 2008," said Mayer (below, right).

In 2007, the Coalition coordinated several grassroots events across the country targeting a variety of audiences from Congressional leaders on the Hill to youth at the X Games in Los Angeles. The organization uses a variety of marketing communications tools – public relations, advertising, video blogs, online media and opinion editorials – to disseminate messages about the importance of space exploration.

The Coalition has also sponsored a series of Gallup public opinion polls, which have shown strong support for America’s investment in space.

"As we look to the next phase of space exploration, it is crucial for us to educate and inspire others to support NASA and its programs," said Engola. "This is a critical time for our industry, and advocacy organizations like the Coalition play an instrumental role as we transition into the future."

FMI: www.spacecoalition.com