Brian Welch
Headquarters, Washington, DC                November 15, 1996
(Phone:  202/358-1600)


RELEASE:  96-240

VENNERI NAMED NASA CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER

     Samuel L. Venneri has been named Chief Technologist at 
NASA Headquarters, Washington, DC.  Venneri will report 
directly to Administrator Daniel S. Goldin, and serve as the 
principal advisor and advocate on matters concerning 
Agencywide technology policy and programs.  As Chief 
Technologist, Venneri also will chair NASA's Technology 
Leadership Council, whose members consist of the Enterprise 
Associate Administrators, the Chief Engineer and Chief 
Information Officer, the Comptroller and NASA Center 
Directors.

     "Sam brings great knowledge and expertise to this new 
position," said NASA Administrator Daniel S. Goldin.  "As 
Chief Technologist he will provide a technology strategy, 
organizational structure and development process that will 
result in a stronger, more integrated Agencywide technology 
program."  The appointment is effective immediately.

     Before being named Chief Technologist, Venneri served as 
Director of the Spacecraft Systems Division in the former 
Office of Space Access and Technology.  In that position he 
was responsible for the planning, advocacy and direction of 
all spacecraft and advanced instrument research and 
technology activities within that office.

     Venneri started his career at NASA in 1981 as a Program 
Manager in the Materials and Structures Office, Office of 
Aeronautics and Space Technology.  He was responsible for the 
technical direction, management and coordination of programs 
in spacecraft design technology, structural dynamics, 
computational analysis and design methodology and aircraft 
and engine materials and structures technology.  Venneri was 
named Director of that office in 1984.

     Prior to joining NASA, Venneri was an aerospace 
consultant with Swales and Associates, and principal engineer 
with Fairchild Space Electronics.  In those positions, he 
worked in a variety of areas relating to spacecraft 
structural design and analysis as well as launch vehicle 
systems.

     Venneri received his B.S. in aerospace engineering from 
Pennsylvania State University in 1969, and his M.S. in 
engineering science from George Washington University in 
1975.  He is presently completing a doctoral program in 
engineering at George Washington University.
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