The American Astronautical Society (AAS) today announced the appointment of Dr. Mary Lynne Dittmar to the newly-created position of Vice President, Strategic Communications and Outreach. In this role she will represent AAS’ positions to all space stakeholders. By reaching out more proactively to the space community and beyond, AAS hopes to increase the visibility of its high quality programs, publications and services and attract new members.
Dittmar is based in Houston, Texas, where she will lead the development and execution of AAS’s Communication and Outreach strategic plan. She will coordinate with interested organizations on mutual pursuits that support the AAS goals of “Advancing All Space”. In addition, she will have overall responsibility for the Society’s external affairs and media coordination.
“Mary Lynne is a great addition to the AAS”, said Frank Slazer, President of the Society. “She brings extensive experience in strategic planning in the commercial, government and grassroots space sectors and is nationally known for her groundbreaking work on the public’s perception of space. This expertise, together with her high-level management skills, will benefit AAS and the space community as a whole.”
“I am excited to join the officers of such a dynamic and forward-looking organization,” Dr. Dittmar said. “The AAS has long been recognized for the excellence of its national meetings, symposia and publications, and for the influence it has had on the U.S. space program. The Society encourages young people to become the next generation of space scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs, and is cooperating with other space organizations across the globe on a variety of initiatives. I look forward to representing the Society’s interests and expanding its strategic communications capabilities.”
During her 20 year career in space-related fields, Dittmar served as Chief Scientist and Senior Program Manager for Boeing’s Commercial Space Utilization Program, and Manager of the Flight Operations group on the International Space Station Program. Since 2004 she has been President and CEO of Dittmar Associates in Houston, Texas, where she has led a number of influential studies of public perception and strategic communications in the U.S. space program. She has recently supported NASA Headquarters’ Office of Strategic Communication in the development of the NASA Strategic Communications Implementation Plan and currently supports the NASA Johnson Space Center in strategic planning as well as outreach to “Gen Y” professionals in the space community and among the general public. In addition to her position with AAS, she is also a member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) where she serves on the AIAA Economics Technical Committee, and is a Fellow of the Scientific Research Society, Sigma Xi.
About the AAS
Formed in 1954, the American Astronautical Society is America’s premier network of space professionals, technical and non-technical, dedicated to advancing all space activities. We strongly support the U.S. Space Exploration Policy, and are members of the Coalition for Space Exploration and the Space Exploration Alliance. We are also committed to strengthening the global space program through cooperation with international space organization.
Press Contact:
Mary Lynne Dittmar
281-335-3626
info@dittmar-associates.com
