Sean O'Keefe

Sean O'Keefe has held senior leadership roles across the federal government, academia, and the private sector. Nominated by President George W. Bush and confirmed by the United States Senate, O'Keefe was appointed as the 10th administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, marking his fourth presidential appointment. Before joining NASA, he served as secretary of the Navy and as comptroller and chief financial officer of the Department of Defense. O'Keefe also spent eight years on the United States Senate Committee on Appropriations staff, serving as staff director of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.

As administrator, O'Keefe led NASA and managed its resources as the agency advanced exploration and discovery in aeronautics and space technologies. His tenure included eliminating a significant cost overrun in the space station program, guiding the agency through the Columbia accident and its aftermath, and reorganizing NASA to undertake the challenge of sending humans back to the Moon and on to Mars. In recognition of his leadership, Asteroid 78905 Seanokeefe was named in his honor.

O'Keefe has addressed the responsibilities of leadership during crisis, incorporating the Columbia tragedy into his lesson plan at Syracuse University's Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, where he has taught graduate courses in the Public Administration and International Affairs Department. He has reflected on the experience, emphasizing institutional accountability. O'Keefe is a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration, a member of the Committee on Climate Change Science and Technology, and a fellow of the International Academy of Astronautics.

After his terms at the Office of Management and Budget and NASA, O'Keefe served as chancellor of Louisiana State University, then as a vice president with General Electric, and later as chairman and CEO of EADS North America (now Airbus North America). He has authored works including "A World Lit by Lightning" and "From the Sea: Preparing the Naval Service for the 21st Century," both published by Naval Institute Press. O'Keefe holds the Phanstiel Chair in Strategic Management and Leadership at the Maxwell School and has been appointed University Professor at Syracuse University.

O'Keefe has been recognized by Irish American Magazine as one of the Top 100 Irish Americans, received the Syracuse University distinguished alumni Arents Award for excellence in public service, and was the recipient of the Meridian International Center's Corporate Leadership award. His honors also include the Distinguished Public Service Award, the Navy Public Service Award, and five honorary doctorates.