U.S. Senate Confirms Vo Schaus as NASA Chief Financial Officer, Looks Forward to Returing to the Moon
By NASA // August 1, 2021
nasa & space news
(NASA) – Margaret Vo Schaus was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Friday as NASA’s chief financial officer.
“It’s an honor to be confirmed by the Senate to serve as the chief financial officer at NASA and I am grateful for the opportunity to help carry on this agency’s great legacy both in space and here on Earth,” said Vo Schaus.
“I look forward to working with Administrator Nelson and Deputy Administrator Melroy to oversee NASA’s budget to support the workforce and the groundbreaking missions ahead.”
Over the past decade, Vo Schaus has held numerous leadership roles with responsibility for the financial management and business operations of science and engineering organizations at the Departments of Energy and Defense.
She most recently served as the director for business operations in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, where she is responsible for oversight of a multibillion-dollar budget.
Vo Schaus has been recognized with awards, including the Office of the Secretary of Defense’s Exceptional Civilian Service Award, the Department of Energy’s Distinguished Career Service Award, and the Secretary of Energy’s Honor Award.
She is a first-generation Vietnamese American, born in Michigan and raised in Southern California.
She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in science, technology, and society, as well as English from Stanford University, and a Master of Science in management science and engineering from Stanford University.
“The budget is not just about enabling us to explore the cosmos – it allows us to create educational opportunities, incredible jobs, and inspire the next generation of astronauts and scientists here on Earth, who continue to raise the standard for scientific excellence around the globe,” said Vo Schaus.
“As we continue to explore the universe, expand critical Earth science research to combat climate change, and maintain the world’s most talented workforce, I am fully committed to helping ensure the president and administrator’s vision is carried out here at NASA.”
Vo Schaus said sending the first woman and person of color to the Moon and preparing for human spaceflight to Mars requires steady management, coordination, and planning, and that starts with managing the budget for all of NASA’s assets.
“Margaret will be integral to determining future missions and help turn program dreams into reality,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.
“She brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong commitment to supporting a diverse workforce, and I look forward to working with her on NASA’s budget as we look to the future.”
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