A seasoned administrative professional shares her journey from aerospace to NASA, highlighting how volunteer work, professional development, and mentorship shaped her leadership career while inspiring others in the field.
Her Story
About Lorna
Lorna D. is an accomplished administrative professional with over 25 years of experience supporting NASA operations, mission control, and program management. Currently serving as the Lead Administrative Specialist for KBR’s Mission Systems Operations Contract (MSOC) at the Johnson Space Center, she leads an administrative team, implements process improvements, and coordinates complex domestic and international travel. Lorna is Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certified and a Microsoft Office Specialist, bringing both technical expertise and strategic insight to her role in aerospace program management. Her career began in 1996 as a Senior Administrative Coordinator with SpaceHab/Johnson Engineering, where she managed logistics, personnel onboarding, and international travel coordination. She then supported United Space Alliance for 14 years, providing essential administrative support to flight controllers, crew trainers, and program management teams in the Extra Vehicular Activities Division. Throughout her career, Lorna has been instrumental in developing SharePoint sites, helping to manage morale budgets, and executing high-profile events, consistently improving administrative workflows and ensuring mission success. Lorna’s dedication and professionalism have been recognized through numerous awards, including the prestigious Colleen Barrett Award for Administrative Excellence in 2023 and multiple MSOC Excellence Awards. Beyond her professional work, she has served in leadership roles with the International Association of Administrative Professionals, including Vice President and Treasurer of the Texas-Louisiana Division. Celebrating more than 20 years supporting space flight operations, Lorna remains a respected mentor, leader, and advocate for excellence in administrative support.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lorna
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to having a strong foundation of faith and having a desire to do my very best, which has guided and supported me throughout my career.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to keep developing my skills, never stop learning, and never stop reaching for the stars.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to join professional groups and organizations to build your network, collaborate with professionals in your field, and get certified in key skills.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—in my field right now is maintaining clear and effective communication across all departments. It's really important to keep up with new communication tools.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are honesty, trust, and loyalty. I cherish my family and friends, enjoy crafting and antiquing, collecting space memorabilia, and love designing and creating designer Christmas trees—passions that reflect my lifelong connection to creativity and my roots in the aerospace community.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Lorna
How Others Inspired Me to Lead
From aerospace leadership to mentoring the next generation of administrative professionals at NASA.
I began my career with a major aerospace company in 2005 and immediately became part of a mission-focused team. From the start, colleagues recognized my potential and encouraged me to pursue leadership opportunities. My journey began through volunteer work for charitable causes, which helped me develop essential leadership skills.
One of my first initiatives was coordinating a Dress for Success suit drive for a local organization. I partnered with boutiques to host a professional fashion show, and together we collected business attire for women entering the workforce. The organization’s mission is to create lasting change by equipping thousands of Houston-area women each year with the resources needed to achieve long-term employment and success—ultimately strengthening our community with skilled leaders.
The success of that effort opened the door to my next opportunity: joining the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), a global nonprofit dedicated to advancing the administrative profession. Through IAAP, I gained access to relevant training, essential resources, and numerous volunteer roles—each one building my leadership experience through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and certification.
As my professional network expanded across the U.S., I sought additional development opportunities. I earned Microsoft Office Specialist certification and later completed Lean Six Sigma Green Belt training, further enhancing my ability to lead and drive process improvements.
Working at NASA’s Johnson Space Center has provided countless opportunities for growth. Inspired by those who guided me, I’ve made it my mission to give back to the administrative profession. For the past decade, I’ve mentored and supported fellow administrative professionals in developing their skills. Currently, I lead a study group of approximately 20 admins, where we focus on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and critical skills such as mastering crucial conversations.
Leadership is not a destination—it’s a journey shaped by those who invest in us. I am grateful for the mentors and experiences that have empowered me to lead and, in turn, help others succeed.
Lorna DeArmond
Lead Administrative Specialist
Mission Control Center
Johnson Space Center – Houston
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