Forty years ago, tragedy struck as the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded just 73 seconds after launch. All 7 crew members perished. But from those ashes, the Challenger Centers arose. Our speaker this month, Mr. Mike Kinkaid, will share with us the work that he does to ensure the next 40 years of the Challenger Centers will be as dynamic and enriching as the first 40 years.
Mr. Kincaid oversees Challenger Center’s efforts to advance its mission of inspiring and engaging the next generation of STEM professionals through unique, hands-on STEM programs delivered at Challenger Learning Centers and in classrooms. He is responsible for the overall management and strategic direction of the organization, working closely with the board of directors, staff, donors, and key stakeholders to set strategy, ensure the financial health and sustainability of the organization, expand reach, and strengthen impact on students.
Prior to coming to the Challenger Center, Mike enjoyed a 37-year career at NASA. He first joined NASA’s Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, Texas, as an intern in 1987, and went on to lead various organizations at JSC, including serving as Director of Education, Deputy Director of Human Resources, and Deputy Chief Financial Officer. He was also the Director of External Relations at JSC, where his office interacted with stakeholders across the country.
Mike then moved to Headquarters, where he served as the Associate Administrator of NASA's Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM). For seven years, he oversaw the strategic direction and leadership in engaging America’s educators, students, and institutions in NASA’s missions, contributing to both NASA’s mission success and the broader U.S. STEM education ecosystem. Mike chaired NASA’s STEM Board, which integrated, oversaw, and assessed agency-wide STEM engagement functions and activities. He led initiatives that spanned the agency, the federal government, and international collaborators to foster space education, share best practices, and unite efforts to stimulate interest in space, science, and technology among students worldwide.
Mike retired from NASA in November 2024.
