Former NASA official Rita Willcoxon has been named vice president and strategic account executive for NASA and civil space at Leidos.
Willcoxon will be responsible for strengthening and advancing trusted relationships with NASA and civil space customers, and enhance strategic initiatives to foster growth within those accounts.
Willcoxon spent the majority of her career at NASA, where she served as the director of launch vehicle processing at NASA’s John F. Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Willcoxon was appointed by the NASA administrator to lead several cross-agency teams, including Reinvention of Station and Shuttle Utilization and the development of Agency Capability Roadmaps in support of NASA’s long term Exploration Mission.
“Rita’s substantial experience in the space domain, including significant roles in both human space flight and NASA’s science missions, will enhance Leidos’ strategic pursuits,” said Bill Bender, Leidos senior vice president of strategic accounts and government relations.
“Her vast knowledge and experience in both government and the industry will strengthen our ability to support our customers and their critical missions,” Bender added.
Willcoxon brings over 35 years of experience, having served in key roles at NASA, the Defense Department and General Electric. Most recently, she worked for Dynetics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Leidos, as human lander system integrated product team lead.
