Dick Wisniewski

Richard Wisniewski has more than 45 years of experience in aerospace activities. He has been actively involved in human space flight, aeronautical and space research, DOD-NASA cooperation, and international cooperative programs. His experience and accomplishments were gained in employment with NASA, aerospace industry, and consulting. He retired from NASA in 1990 to accept a position in industry. He was asked to return to NASA by the NASA Administrator in 1994 to lead efforts in downsizing NASA. He completed the downsizing effort and became a consultant in 1999.

He held a number of executive positions within NASA and was a Group Director within industry. His most recent position in NASA was Deputy Associate Administrator of the Office of Space Flight – the Headquarters Office responsible for management of the Shuttle, the Space Station, Expendable Launch Vehicles, Space Communications, and four NASA Centers. He managed and allocated a significant portion of a $4 billion budget.

He started as a researcher in NACA and progressed in NASA to senior executive manager. He has filled key assignments in advanced concept development, mission analysis, program management, strategic planning, core capability assessment, infrastructure re-structuring, business management, privatization, outsourcing, A-76 implementation, reinvention, and down-sizing planning and implementation. He demonstrated both people management skills and analytical capabilities. He held a significant leadership role in NASA’s most ambitious and highly successful downsizing effort – the Zero Base Review. It saved over $4 billion dollars in four years. It was and still is the basis for most of NASA’s outsourcing, privatization, and performance based contracting actions.

His consulting activities have involved a wide range of activities including program/project reviews and assessments, outsourcing, privatization, and new business assessments. He has consulted for a number of companies.

His most notable awards include the NASA Equal Opportunity Award, the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal, the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, and the Federal Government Presidential Meritorious and Distinguished Executive Rank Awards.