Q&A with Gateway: Meet Kay Bond, Gateway Resource, Contract, and Export Control Manager
The Gateway, a multipurpose outpost orbiting the Moon and vital part of NASA’s Artemis program, is built with sound engineering and operational principles that will serve as a staging point for deep space exploration and model for future missions to Mars. As the Resource, Contract, and Export Control manager for the Program, Planning and Control Office of the Gateway program, NASA Johnson Space Center-based Kay Bond is multifaceted in her roles within Gateway. Bond manages business resources for the Gateway Systems Engineering and Integration Office, which involves the planning, integration, and tracking of financials and personnel.
Bond’s newest responsibility is providing Gateway management and integration of the Human Space Flight Technical Integration Contract as the Gateway Technical Management Representative.
Keep reading to learn more about Kay Bond, and don’t forget to follow the Gateway on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news, milestones, and activities!
What does your office do for the Gateway program?
The Program Planning and Control Office is responsible for program lifecycle, resource management, configuration management, IT security, cost and schedule, audits, export control, and acquisition and procurement.
What are you most excited to share about Gateway and what it will do for human exploration as part of the Artemis program?
I am beyond excited for the moment when we return to the Moon long term to explore and inspire all of humanity. I have vivid memories of watching shuttle launches as a kid and hope my kids and others in their generation will be inspired by the Artemis missions to help further human exploration as well.
How has your personal background influenced your work in the Gateway program?
I have varied experience in systems integration and operations, business management, and program integration that is a great fit for developing and implementing new processes in both technical and resource management for the Gateway.
What has been your favorite memory while working at NASA?
I have had so many exciting experiences throughout my career but, honestly, nothing can top the thrill of a shuttle launch! I was at Kennedy Space Center in 2007 inspecting the Columbus module and its contents before launch (which was also super cool), and was able see the launch of STS-117/13A while I was there.
Being surrounded by such a high-performing group of people, what’s a great piece of advice you’ve learned?
Throughout my career, I have learned to seek out mentors and advisors who I admire and who have skills and experience that I can leverage in my own development. There is so much to learn outside of our individual training and experiences, and I appreciate all the advice and support my mentors have shared throughout my career.
In line with JSC’s DARE | UNITE | EXPLORE, how do you see yourself fitting into the vision?
I have always been passionate about human space exploration and am excited that I am working to enable long-term human exploration not just in cislunar space, but beyond.
More about Kay:
Where did you grow up?
I grew up near Mabank, Texas, on Cedar Creek Lake, and Coppell, Texas, outside of Dallas.
If you could temporarily live (or visit) in another part of the world, where would that be?
I love to travel and experience different cultures around the world. One of my favorite places to return to would be to visit my brothers-in-law in Amsterdam, because we get more of an immersive experience with them and it’s such a beautiful city that is easy to get around. I would also enjoy a return trip to Italy, Japan, Botswana, or to explore somewhere new with my kids.
How long have you been at JSC?
I’ve been at Johnson for 22 years! I started as a co-op (similar to the current Pathways program) in 1999 and was hired permanently in 2002.
Describe yourself in five words:
Hardworking, detailed, empathetic, curious, and independent.
Favorite thing(s) to do to unwind:
I enjoy building LEGO, playing games, working puzzles with my kids (ages 6 and 8), spending time with friends and family, playing with my crazy dog, reading, and listening to podcasts.
How has the pandemic shaped your work style?
The drastic increase in the use of collaboration tools by everyone has really improved my ability to easily integrate across centers and with our international and commercial partners. It has also allowed me to develop relationships with folks outside of Johnson when travel is not possible.
Name one thing we would be surprised to learn about you.
I love listening to house and dance music and want to learn how to DJ someday.
At Johnson, we are laser-focused on the next: going forward to our lunar neighbor to build outposts in uncharted territory while revolutionizing the strategies and technologies that will eventually open up the universe. The Gateway is a critical component of the Artemis program and embodies Johnson's DARE | UNITE | EXPLORE vision: We dare to expand frontiers. We unite with our partners to complete bold missions. We explore space to benefit humanity.
DARE | UNITE | EXPLORE
