Stennis Space Center Announces New Senior Executive Service Appointment

Rodney McKellip, a native of Picayune, Mississippi, and resident of Slidell, Louisiana, has achieved federal Senior Executive Service (SES) status and been appointed to lead NASA’s Center Operations Directorate at Stennis Space Center.

McKellip’s appointment as director of the Center Operations Directorate was effective Aug. 11. He previously served as deputy director of the area since March 2019 and as acting director since January 2021.

“Throughout his 22-year NASA career, Mr. McKellip has served in multiple management positions at Stennis in support of four mission directorates, with progressively greater responsibility and accountability in project, program, division, and directorate leadership,” Stennis Director Rick Gilbrech said. “I am pleased to announce his service in this key center position.”

McKellip’s appointment to the center operations position was made possible by his attainment of SES status. The SES classification was created in 1979 and represents federal employees who use well-developed executive skills to administer programs at the highest levels of the government. The program requires candidates to demonstrate skills in five key areas – leading change, leading people, results driven, business acumen, and building coalitions.