Debra L. Johnson, Who Is Director of the Office of Procurement at the NASA Johnson Space

Debra L. Johnson, who is Director of the Office of Procurement at the NASA Johnson Space Center, entered Government service in 1973. In addition to her responsibilities to the Center, Ms. Johnson earned two degrees: a B.S. in Administration and an M.B.A. both from Texas Southern University. Ms. Johnson; thereafter, expanded her professional horizons by completing the Management Education Program (MEP) and the Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program (SESCDP) (NASA Headquarters). In 2004, Ms. Johnson was selected for the Foundation for Women’s Resources Leadership Texas Program – thus, further enhancing her leadership skills and becoming part of a national network of more than 3,000 Foundation Program graduates.

While advancing her education, Ms. Johnson was also steadily expanding her professional horizons at the Center. She was named Business Manager of the Information Systems Business Office and Assistant Director of the Business Management Directorate. In 1998, Ms. Johnson joined the Senior Executive Service. This led to her becoming Deputy Director of the Office of Procurement in 2000 and, in March 2004, Director of the Office of Procurement.

Ms. Johnson has been the recipient of several highly prestigious awards. In 1995, she was awarded the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, and in 2002 was presented with the Women of Color Government and Defense Technology Award. Finally in 2005 and 2009, Ms. Johnson received two presidential recognition awards: the Presidential Rank of Meritorious Executive Award and the Presidential Distinguished Rank Award, respectively.