Chief of Staff at AURA. Advisor to the Director of STScI on operations of the Institute with special attention to preparations for the operation of the James Webb Space telescope slated for launch NET March 2021. Responsible for restructuring risk management process at the Institute to better serve the high profile projects being supported operationally and scientifically.

Kurt is an experienced aerospace executive who has well-developed strategic vision and proven leadership ability. He has a successful track record of leading and directing a portfolio of large and small cutting edge flight and research projects from inception through to completion. He has led teams that have delivered several missions (Dawn, New Horizons, Van Allen Probes (formerly RBSP), BRISSON, BOPPS and Parker Solar Probe) to successful completion with on cost and on schedule performance in tight budget environments, including fixed price deliveries. Greater than Top Secret clearance.Kurt has also led several successful bid and proposal efforts. He was responsible to the full range of business development activities both for domestic and international products and services. A professional aerospace executive and program manager, Kurt offers pragmatism and organizational strengths, combined with commercial awareness, political sensitivity and strategic thinking. These traits help him maintain a firm grasp on the essential issues, while focusing on real business benefits. He is an excellent facilitator and negotiator, and brings to the table a sense of mission and ownership to all his engagements. Kurt led the Civil Space business area comprised of over 650 engineering and science professionals focusing on developing and delivering high quality spacecraft, research and technology products on time and on cost to current and future sponsors including NASA, NOAA, and other civil agencies. Kurt provides leadership in Congressional interactions as well as policy level discussions with OSTP and OMB directly and through lobbyists

Deputy executive responsible for management of all civilian space program elements at APL. Focussed mainly on technology and business strategy development as well as on sponsor engagement

May 2008 to July 2009). Lead a portfolio of NASA projects in technologies supporting human spaceflight operations, managing the activities of several project managers. Proposal manager for a New Frontiers class mission ($900 million dollars) to Venus in collaboration with the Goddard Space Flight Center.

member of the 2006 NASA SESCDP class

Selected into the NASA Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program in June 2006. Program Executive Officer for Dawn, New Horizons and ASPERA-3 missions responsible for engineering and management direction. Led the multi-Center, multi-Agency team of 1,500 people that delivered a successful launch and operation of the New Horizons spacecraft. Directed the NEPA/nuclear launch approval process for the Pluto mission. Developed and led the briefings to White House senior officials, Congress members and staff, and senior NASA, DOE, EPA, and DHS officials. Led the nuclear launch accident contingency planning effort for the Pluto mission.Responsible for the overall leadership and management of the Dawn mission to the asteroid Vesta and dwarf planet Ceres. Executive Secretary for the Mars Program Independent Assessment Team investigating the twin failures of the Mars Climate Orbiter and the Mars Polar Lander missions.

Identification technical requirements at NASA that may be filled by on-going or potential research conducted at the University of Utah. Worked with University of Utah researchers in identifying NASA technology requirements that matched the researcher's area of expertise. Developed and taught graduate course in Public Administration.

Developed new business opportunities for this consortium of 65 universities and colleges. Directed the writing of 5 proposals to major government agencies and one foundation. Managed program staff of 5 professionals. Developed budget proposals and forward pricing models including overhead rate projections.

Performed full functions and authorities of this SES position (as an NEX) under the direction of the NASA Administrator. Recruited, hired and supervised a staff of 27 including procurement and contracting officers, lawyers (general and patent), engineers, security officers, environmental scientists and administrative staff. Developed and implemented strategic direction for management of the JPL institution to correct serious management and financial deficiencies at Caltech/JPL and the NMO. On-site institutional/business director of JPL, NASA's Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) with 7400 on-site employees. Directed the negotiation and administration of $5.5 billion dollar performance based contract. Directed oversight of operations at main site; well as various sites in California (e.g., Deep Space Network facilities; well as facilities in Spain and Australia). Represented NASA to the California Institute of Technology (CIT) and JPL at the President/Director level. Negotiated and approved agreements with senior NASA officials and foreign representatives on policy and operational issues.

Prepared and defended budget submissions to the NASA Comptroller, OMB and Congress. Responsible for budget development, management and operations for over 100 programs with an annual budget of $3.2 billion (1992 dollars). Planned, developed, integrated and implemented schedule control, resource allocation and program performance metrics for individual projects and for multiple, high risk R&D programs.

Trained as a program analyst with the Office of Space Science and Applications, responsible for Life Sciences, Microgravity Sciences and Shuttle Payloads divisions. Analyzed technical progress of projects to ascertain readiness and issues. Developed budget and resources plans and schedules and monitored progress against schedule and budget. Presented budget recommendations to the Associate Administrator and other senior NASA managers, including the NASA Administrator. Developed operating plan changes for programs for defense and submission to the Associate Administrator.