Elaine Ho

Elaine Ho serves as the associate administrator for NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement.  She provides strategic direction and leadership to engage, inspire, and attract future generations of explorers by connecting students to NASA’s mission, work, and people. 

Experience

Ho, who will remain associate administrator for the Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity while a replacement is sought, brings a deep expertise in STEM engagement, workforce development, and executive leadership.  She previously served as the deputy associate administrator for NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement, where she managed a wide-ranging portfolio of projects and initiatives that benefitted students, universities, and educational institutions across the country.  During her tenure, she successfully launched three regional workforce development programs to address the space industry’s urgent and rising demand for skilled technicians.  Ho also served in a rotation at the White House’s National Space Council as the first director of Space STEM Policy where she galvanized federal agencies, industry, and non-profit organizations to make commitments and take action to inspire, prepare and employ the space workforce of today and tomorrow. 

Ho has served in various leadership roles at NASA, including associate administrator for NASA’s Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity, where she played an instrumental role in fostering a NASA culture that values the unique backgrounds of our workforce to bolster innovation and drive mission success. Ho has also served in other large federal agencies, like the IRS and Department of Agriculture, and the White House including senior policy advisor in the Office of the First lady, chief of staff of the United States Digital Service, and deputy chief of staff for workforce in the Office of Science and Technology Policy. 

Prior to her federal service career, Ho was a practicing attorney, specializing in employment law. She also served over four years active duty as an Air Force criminal prosecutor and continues her military service today as a Colonel in the Air Force Reserves.

Education

Ho received her degree in civil engineering from Duke University and her Juris Doctor from the University of Florida.

Personal

Ho lives in McLean, Virginia, with her wonderful husband and three beautiful children.