Executive Response to Changing Fortune: Sean O'Keefe as NASA Administrator

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By

W. Henry Lambright

Professor

The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs Syracuse University whlambri@Maxwell.syr.edu

This report describes the tenure of Sean O’Keefe as administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The report describes how O’Keefe faced three difficult challenges during his three years at NASA. His first challenge was to solve the space station’s financial mess. His second challenge was to manage the aftermath of the Columbia shuttle disaster. His third challenge was to steward the President’s 2004 vision for the further exploration of space. The report explores lessons learned about how executives deal with rapidly changing environments and changing fortunes. Organizational Transformation

Executive Response to Changing Fortune: Sean O'Keefe as NASA Administrator