Marie Kiely Tynan, PhD

Dr. Marie Kiely Tynan is a retired NASA professional whose distinguished career spanned 35 years, from 1980 to 2015. Her work encompassed management analysis, internal controls, computer security, technical writing, training, quality management, and organizational systems. Among her notable accomplishments, she served as NASA Headquarters Operations’ first Computer Security Manager, reporting directly to the Associate Administrator of HQ Operations. In this role, she delivered entity presentations at Agency-wide meetings chaired by the NASA-wide Computer Security Manager. She also led internal controls initiatives, contributed to IT policy and oversight, developed the first automated Inspector General audit tracking system, and represented Stennis Space Center in converting property records into the Agency’s first automated, standardized NASA Equipment Management System, for which she received an Agency Group Achievement Award. She also played a significant role in implementing ISO 9001 Management Systems within NASA Headquarters’ Office of Facilities and Management, resulting in a NASA Group Achievement Award and recognition at a Space Shuttle launch ceremony.

Tynan’s career was distinguished by her ability to move from a humanities-based academic background into increasingly technical and managerial environments. She earned a PhD in English Literature from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1979, along with a master’s degree from UNC in 1973 and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama in 1971, where she was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and recognized in Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities. Her technical and managerial development continued throughout her NASA career through extensive professional education and computer training. She also attended Harvard Business School’s program in Strategies for Enhancing Executive Influence.

Dr. Tynan published two papers during her career. She wrote and presented “Strategic Planning in NASA for an Automated Information Management Program” at the 1986 Society of Women Engineers National Convention and Student Conference, Insuring the Future with Technology, held in Hartford, Connecticut. Her paper was included in the convention proceedings and documented the strategies NASA IT managers used to standardize on IBM PCs for institutional applications and Apple computers for engineering and scientific enterprises. In 1991, she also published “NASA IT Security and Quality: They Work Together” in IEEE Aerospace & Electronic Systems Magazine. The paper described how the emerging field of IT security and traditional quality assurance complemented each other in educating users to protect and enhance the quality of their data and systems.

Her accomplishments were recognized through exceptional service, leadership, performance, computer-security, and agency-wide awards, as well as her selection as a Senior Fellow of the Council for Excellence in Government. Following her NASA career, Tynan continued to pursue writing, learning, and community involvement. She authored Bipolar Extremes: A Memoir, published in 2019, and later published Bipolar Extremes: The Poems, combining her own poetry with selections of classical poetry. Her literary work reflects her interest in using writing to promote greater understanding, resilience, and hope for people living with bipolar disorder, their families, and friends.

She remains active through organizations including the Daughters of the American Revolution and The Wednesday Club, a cultural and civic organization of female leaders. She continues to read, travel, write, and share the lessons of a career defined by perseverance, adaptability, continuous learning, and a willingness to take on difficult challenges.