Preview
Creation Date
1-2016
Biography
Ms. Suzy Cunningham is Kennedy Space Center’s (KSC’s) Strategy & Integration Mgr. for Communications and Public Engagement (CPE). She works with NASA, Industry, Academic, DoD & other state/federal leaders to research community, Center and organizational issues and initiatives related to CPE. She determines the impact of those functions on KSC and the Agency and collaborates to develop strategic approaches and recommendations that synergize efforts and best utilize resources. She also serves as NASA liaison for efforts including Space Congress, Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, and Space Walk of Fame.
Ms. Suzy Cunningham was previously KSC’s Strategic Planning Mgr. She advised Sr. Mgt. on KSC strategic planning activities/analyses concerning present & future KSC operations and development, and facilitated development of Center-wide strategic policies & initiatives. She was strategic planning liaison to Air Force 45th Space Wing (45 SW), and was a Space Florida (SF) Board Advisory Member
Prior to this, Ms. Cunningham was KSC’s Lead for Partnerships & Industry. She led a team in establishing & maintaining strategic partnerships with NASA, Industry, Academia, DoD, & other state/federal entities. She was KSC’s liaison to Governor’s Commission on Future of Space & Aeronautics in Florida, and KSC SF liaison. She was also a Sr. technical expert on NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) Orbiter Thermal Protection System (TPS) Gapfiller Assessment Group.
Before this, Ms. Cunningham was Acting Deputy/Senior Spaceport Manager for KSC/45 SW Cape Canaveral Spaceport Planning & Customer Service Office. She established the office, including briefings to KSC/45 SW Sr. Mgt & White House Office of Science & Technology Policy (OSTP). She was the customer’s primary interface for facilities/services for launch, test, & technology development. She was also a NASA technical expert on STS-107 Columbia Mishap Investigation/Reconstruction Team and NESC Space Shuttle & International Space Station Recurring Anomalies Team.
Ms. Cunningham was previously a KSC Advanced Development & Shuttle Upgrades Project Mgr. Her projects included Orbiter TPS and bio-regenerative exploration. Her teams published on material/process improvements, presenting at 1999 International Astronautical Federation Congress in Amsterdam.
She served as an Executive Intern to KSC Director Robert Crippen in 1994.
Ms. Cunningham has received NASA’s Government Invention of the Year Award, Exceptional Service Medal, Center Director’s “Gold Dollar” Award, NASA’s “You Make a Difference” award, Air Force 45SW Operational Readiness Inspection Award, and group achievement/performance awards. She’s also an Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA).
Prior to her position at KSC in 1986, she worked as an Aerospace Engineer at Allison Gas Turbine.
Ms. Cunningham completed a BS degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla, and an MS degree in Space Systems Operations from the Florida Institute of Technology.
Ms. Cunningham is active in education/outreach. She mentors K-12 students/new hires and represented KSC on Agency Outreach teams. She enjoys touring students, dignitaries, etc., sharing NASA’s story. She’s also a singer and performs for NASA, AIAA, National Space Club (NSC), etc. She’s a member of NSC, Women in Aerospace, and AIAA (Space Transportation Technical Committee & served on Technical Committee on Management).
She resides in Merritt Island near the nation’s Spaceport with her husband Phil.
