Ginger Kerrick, a flight Director at NASA, was the first person of Hispanic heritage to lead Mission Control. She was also the first non-astronaut to serve as a spacecraft communicator. Currently, she is responsible for directing the activities of the ground support team during human spaceflight operations.
Before serving in her current position, Kerrick led the development of new flight techniques, procedures, and flight rules. She coordinated with Shuttle Program Management and international partners to ensure the integration of all mission requirements and operations.
Between 1997 and 2001, Kerrick worked with the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center, RSC-Energia, the Mission Operations Directorate, and the Astronaut Office to assist in the integration of preflight training and mission execution products for all Expedition crews. Prior to that he developed and conducted crew, flight controller, and instructor training for the ISS Environmental Control and Life Support System.
Among Kerrick's accomplishments have been the 2001 NASA Superior Achievement Award, the 2004 Texas Tech University Distinguished Alumni award and many others. Kerrick earned a master’s degree in physics from Texas Tech University.
