James Morhard was nominated by President Trump and confirmed to be NASA’s 14th Deputy Administrator. He was sworn in on October 17, 2018.

Jim helps provide overall leadership, planning, and policy direction. He performs duties and exercises powers delegated by the Administrator, assists him in making final agency decisions, and acts in his absence to govern NASA operations. Jim also is responsible for articulating and representing the agency’s vision.

Prior to his tenure with NASA, Morhard was the U.S. Senate Deputy Sergeant at Arms. He began his career as an analyst for the Secretary of the Navy, where he reviewed procurement and research and development programs. Beginning in 1991, Jim served on the Senate Appropriations Committee, working on the Defense and Military Construction, and Commerce, Justice, State Subcommittees.

In 2003, he became Chief of Staff of the whole Senate Appropriations Committee, where he worked with House and Senate Leadership, the Office of Management and Budget, and the White House to pass the 2004 and 2005 Omnibus Appropriations bills.

Jim earned his B.S. degree in accounting from St. Francis University, an M.B.A from George Washington University, and a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University.