NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman appointed Stephen Cash as director of the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, effective Monday, Oct. 19. Cash is a veteran NASA engineer and aerospace executive who returns to lead the center where he began his career.
Leadership Transition
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman named Stephen Cash to lead the agency's Marshall Space Flight Center, effective Monday, Oct. 19. Cash succeeds Rae Ann Meyer, who served as acting center director since September 2025.
Meyer will return to her previous role as deputy center director. Isaacman expressed gratitude for Meyer's leadership during the transition period.
Career Background
Cash began his career at Marshall in 1982 and spent 34 years with NASA. During his tenure, he served as manager of Marshall's Space Shuttle Propulsion Office and later as director of the Safety and Mission Assurance Directorate until his retirement in 2016.
Following his retirement, Cash worked in the aerospace industry as vice president for advanced space systems at Axient. In 2024, he was inducted into the Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame.
Center Responsibilities
As center director, Cash will oversee a workforce of more than 5,000 civil service and contractor employees. The center manages a broad portfolio including propulsion, space systems, and scientific research.
Marshall plays a critical role in NASA's Artemis program, including development of the Space Launch System rocket and management of the Human Landing System Program. The center also advances nuclear power and propulsion for future deep space missions.
Key facts and where they come from
- Stephen Cash was appointed director of the Marshall Space Flight Center effective October 19.
effective Monday, Oct. 19.
- Cash began his career at Marshall in 1982.
Cash began his NASA career at Marshall in 1982 and spent 34 years with the agency
- Rae Ann Meyer served as acting center director since September 2025.
Rae Ann Meyer, who has served as Marshall’s acting center director since September 2025.