On December 16th, 2022, it was announced that Dr. Marla Perez-Davis will be joining the National Space Council’s Users Advisory Group (UAG). The Council is chaired by United States Vice President Kamala Harris, and the UAG provides recommendations to the Council on matters regarding government policy and actions affecting technology related to space exploration. The Council was established in 1989, however became inactive between 1993-2017. The Council is supported by the UAG and a team of staffers from the Office of the President led by a civilian Executive Secretary.
The UAG is chaired by Retired United States Air Force General Lester Lyles, and consists of 30 members with titles ranging from President and CEO to Middle School Teacher. Representatives hail from both federal and non-federal organizations including NASA, SpaceX, and North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University.
Dr. Perez-Davis is the Director of Kent State's new Center for Advanced Air Mobility. Dr. Perez-Davis formerly served as the Director of NASA’s Glenn Research Center where she oversaw all operations of the renowned research institution.
Dr. Perez-Davis has a passion for diversity in STEM fields, a passion she shares with all who speak with her. She is the recipient of numerous awards including but not limited to the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal, the prestigious Presidential Rank Award for Meritorious Executives, and being honored as one of 2015 Crain’s Women of Note, and one of the Top 25 Elite Business Women.
For more information about this appointment, visit