Gail left NASA Goddard for a 14-month detail at the Executive Office of the President, Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). This 14-month detail was a transitional job – an excellent time to examine her goals, values, and career objectives. Prior to then, most people likely characterized Gail as a task-oriented workaholic who cared about her coworkers and people in her division, yet whose default setting was “task.” In 1996 Gail returned to Goddard, with rekindled passion, renewed commitment, and a heartfelt focus on relationship building. In 1996 she joined the budget and accounting community as Special Assistant to the Goddard Chief Financial Officer.
Since 1997, Gail’s chaired an Agency-wide Career Development Committee for the NASA Chief Financial Officer. Her team designed competency-based career development guidance for their community that is considered a Federal Best Practice.
Gail is also the Program Manager for the award winning Leadership Alchemy Program, a transformational program dedicated to “whole-person” leadership development from the “inside-out.” As an ambassador of positive change, Gail’s vision is to build a strong work community where all employees have space to grow and where everyone is valued, fully engaged, and a passionate contributor. She has coordinated the Exploring Leadership Colloquia Series since the fall 1997 and serves on several Center and Agency-level teams focused on leadership and culture change. Gail is also a member of Goddard’s Women’s Advisory Committee.
Gail’s undergraduate degree is in psychology from the University of Connecticut. She earned a Masters in Public Administration from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs in 1987. In October 2000, Gail earned a certificate in organizational learning from George Mason University and is certified as a coach by The Newfield Network.