Samuel L. Venneri
Chief Technologist

Samuel L. Venneri was appointed Chief Technologist at NASA Headquarters, Washington, DC, in November 1996 He reports directly to the NASA Administrator. He serves as the principal advisor and advocate on matters concerning Agencywide technology policy and programs. As Chief Technologist, Mr. Venneri also chairs NASA's Technology Leadership Council, whose members consist of the Enterprise Associate Administrators, the Chief Engineer and Chief Information Officer, the Comptroller and NASA Center Directors.

Before being named Chief Technologist, Mr. Venneri served as Director of the Spacecraft Systems Division in the former Office of Space Access and Technology. In that position he was responsible for the planning, advocacy and direction of all spacecraft and advanced instrument research and technology activities within that office.

Mr. Venneri started his career at NASA in 1981 as a Program Manager in the Materials and Structures Division, Office of Aeronautics and Space Technology. He was responsible for the technical direction, management and coordination of programs in spacecraft design technology, structural dynamics, computational analysis and design methodology and aircraft and engine materials and structures technology. Mr. Venneri was named Director of that office in 1984.

Prior to joining NASA, Mr. Venneri was an aerospace consultant consultant with Swales and Associates, and principal engineer with Fairchild Space Electronics. In those positions, he worked in a variety of areas relating to spacecraft structural design and analysis as well as launch vehicle systems.

Mr. Venneri received his B.S. in aerospace engineering from Pennsylvania State University in 1969, and M.S. in engineering science from George Washington University in 1975. He is presently completing a doctoral program in engineering at George Washington University.

March 1998