Hansel D. V. Gill, Director, Michoud Assembly Facility
Since being named to the position in April 2024, Director Hansel Gill has overseen one of the world’s largest manufacturing facilities, which provides the crucial infrastructure where elements of NASA’s Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft are assembled. Michoud also provides facilities for non-NASA governmental and commercial technology-based industry tenant operations.
Prior to this assignment, Gill served as Michoud deputy director. He also served as subsystem manager for production of the SLS Block 1B Exploration Upper Stage, from 2016 to 2021, in the Block 1B Development Office and the Stages Element Office, providing technical leadership for SLS core stage and exploration upper stage planning and production operations. From 2015-2016, Gill served as technical assistant to the Office of the Director, Marshall Space Flight Center.
In 2013, Gill served as team lead and acting assistant branch chief for the Metals Joining and Processes Branch of the Metals Engineering Division. He was responsible for materials process development and characterization, product management, and corrosion engineering, supporting the advanced exploration and manufacturing needs aligned with agency strategic vectors. While in this position, Gill led the production for the EFT-1 multi-purpose crew vehicle stage adaptor (MSA) providing the structural interface for Orion and the Delta IV launch system supporting the EFT-1 Orion Flight Test.
Throughout his career, Gill has received various awards including the NASA Honor Award Exceptional Achievement Medal, Director’s Commendation Honor Award, Safety Flight Awareness Awards, 24th STEM Global Competitiveness Conference Black Engineer of the Year Award – Modern Day Technology Leader distinction.
Director Gill earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Oakwood University in 1996 and his master’s degree in industrial and systems engineering from the University of Alabama – Huntsville in 2007. He resides in Huntsville, AL with his wife, Arnissa and daughter, Addison.
Lisa McCollum, Manager, Habitation Systems Development Office at NASA’s MSFC
Lisa McCollum serves as the Manager of the Habitation Systems Development Office at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in Huntsville, Alabama. In this role, she leads a team of technical experts, project managers, and systems engineers supporting the development of habitation systems for Moon Base, as well as formulation efforts for future lunar and deep space exploration capabilities. Ms. McCollum has been with NASA since 2012, bringing over a decade of experience in engineering leadership and project management across multiple human spaceflight programs, including Commercial Crew, Orion Launch Abort System, and Space Launch System. Ms. McCollum holds a B.S.E. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. She is a native of Tennessee and lives in Decatur, Alabama with her husband Nicholas.
Marvin W. Barnes, Technical Integration Manager, Nonmetallic Materials and Processes Branches at NASA's MSFC
Marvin W. Barnes is the Technical Integration Manager for the Nonmetallic Materials and Processes Branches at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) and a FY 2025 White House Leadership Development Program Fellow. Over his 18-year career with NASA, Mr. Barnes has held various leadership roles within MSFC's propulsion and materials departments, spearheading pivotal projects in advanced aerospace materials, specialized manufacturing processes, solid rocket motors, and nuclear propulsion technology.
A champion of aerospace innovation and technical excellence, Mr. Barnes previously served as Branch Chief of NASA MSFC's Advanced Propulsion Branch, where he led teams developing next-generation propulsion systems. He is deeply committed to fostering inclusive leadership and creating pathways for emerging talent in STEM fields—values that align closely with Dr. King's vision of opportunity and service.
A proud UAH alumnus, Mr. Barnes earned his BSE in Chemical and Materials Engineering from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and holds an MS in Materials Science and Engineering from North Carolina State University. He remains actively connected to the Huntsville community through mentorship and outreach, and outside of his professional endeavors, he is an avid maker and woodworker driven by endless curiosity and a passion for hands-on problem-solving.