b'InsightsPeople First. Mission Always: Insights from Jane Datta, Chief Human Capital Officer, National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationBy Michael J. KeeganSince NASAs inception, scientificJane joined me on The Business of Government Hour to discovery has been an enduringshare her insights into how the operations of her office mission of the agency. NASAsupport the mission of NASA. We also discuss current conducts scientific exploration,challenges, the response to the pandemic, the human gazing out into the galaxy andresources (HR) transformation, and the changing nature of beyond, seeking to discover thehow and where work is done. The following is an edited secrets of the universe, searchingexcerpt of our discussion, complemented with updated and for life in the solar system, andadditional research. protecting and improving life on Earth. It leads innovative and sustainable programs of exploration with commercialWould you tell us about the mission of your and international partners to enable human expansionofficeand its scale?across the solar systemand bring new knowledge and opportunities back to Earth. It also supports the growth ofMy office is an end-to-end human capital service the nations economy in space and aeronautics, increasesorganization, which means were in the people business. understanding of the universe and our place in it, worksWe think about it in terms of people first, mission always. with industry to improve Americas aerospace technologies,NASAs mission is incredibly important, and our people and advances American leadership. make mission success possible. We support about 18,000 civil servants who are spread across the country in many Integral to the success of NASAs mission is the people of thedifferent lines of business. These include human agency. Our vision is people first, mission always, declaresspaceflight, aeronautics research, and science missions. Its Jane Datta, chief human capital officer at NASA. Missionan exciting time for our agency. success relies upon strong workforce planning, acquiring top talent quickly, enhancing how people work, and growing employees and leaders, and creating a workplace environment that cultivates and fosters innovation and engagement. NASAs selection as the Best Place to Work in Government for the ninth year in a row is a testament to the dedication and determination of our world-class workforce through the most difficult circumstances our nation has faced in generations, said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. The top ranking was bestowed upon NASA by the Partnership for Public Service.32 www.businessofgovernment.org The Business of Government'