According to an official announcement, Hughes will provide enterprise-level leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for NASA's launch infrastructure. He will have direct responsibility for launch operations at Kennedy and the Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia, and will work across government, industry, and local leadership to strengthen coordination among stakeholders supporting NASA's spaceports. The role aims to enable increased launch cadence and support execution of the President's National Space Policy.
Hughes most recently served as NASA's chief of staff. Prior to that, he was deputy national security advisor for Strategic Communications at the White House, chief administrative officer for the City of Jacksonville, chief of staff to former Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry, and chief executive officer of the Downtown Investment Authority. He is a U.S. Air Force veteran who served as a KC-135 aircrew member during operations over the Middle East in support of the Gulf War.
Brian brings a unique combination of operational expertise, strategic leadership, and public service experience at the highest levels of government. His track record leading complex organizations and executing high-stakes missions makes him exceptionally well-suited to help shape the future of NASA's launch operations as we accelerate into a new era of exploration and innovation.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said in a statement: "Brian brings a unique combination of operational expertise, strategic leadership, and public service experience at the highest levels of government. His track record leading complex organizations and executing high-stakes missions makes him exceptionally well-suited to help shape the future of NASA's launch operations as we accelerate into a new era of exploration and innovation."