NASA Administrator Michael Griffin has appointed Joe Davis as Chief of Strategic Communications, responsible for the overall communications and outreach strategy for the agency. David will oversee NASA’s offices of Public, Legislative and External Affairs, as well as the Office of Education.
“Joe’s media, political and Capitol Hill experience will serve NASA well as we continue to build support for the President’s space policy,” said Griffin. “He’s energetic, organized, and I believe he’ll be able to bring the agency’s communications efforts together to advance NASA’s projects and programs with one, clear voice.”
Before joining NASA, Davis was principal deputy director of Public Affairs for the U.S. Department of Energy. He served as the spokesperson for both the Secretary of Energy and the agency. He also served as a member of the management committee and was responsible for all local, national and international public affairs activities.
While at the Department of Energy, Davis directed public outreach and communications on a number of high-profile policy initiatives, including Yucca Mount nuclear waste repository, comprehensive energy legislation, and matters related to budget and security. He also has extensive experience in crisis communications.
Prior to joining the Bush Administration, Davis served as the communications director and spokesperson for former U.S. Senator Spencer Abraham of Michigan. Davis was responsible for building public relations campaigns in support of several successful legislative initiatives and he handled public affairs communications for Abraham’s Budget, Judiciary, and Commerce, Science and Transportation Committees service.
Also while in the U.S. Senate, Davis was communications director and spokesperson for the Senate Republican Conference, under the chairmanship of U.S. Senator Connie Mack of Florida. Davis was responsible for communications and public affairs activities for the Republican caucus and its legislative agenda.
“Every day, NASA delivers value back to the American taxpayers and I’m excited to be part of an experienced team to continue to build on NASA’s historic accomplishments,” added Davis.
Before going to work on Capitol Hill, Davis was a senior manager of media relations for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers. He is a veteran of several Washington-based trade associations and numerous political campaigns.
Davis is a graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and holds the unusual distinction of being the only student in the university’s history to play for both the Pride of the Southland Marching Band and the Volunteers football team.
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