Faces of SLS: Van Strickland

The sense of accomplishment that comes with working on SLS is hard to put into words. Knowing your small contributions will pave the way for larger breakthroughs that will be here for generations leaves me speechless. I am proud to work with some of the brightest minds in the world. One day I will look back and see that we were a part of history in the making, and that is priceless.

As the strategic planning and development manager, I am responsible for ensuring that the SLS Program is prepared to enter into — and successfully complete — program reviews, like the critical design review. This review provided a final look at the design and development of the integrated rocket. It’s important because now that we’ve successfully passed this milestone, we’re moving into the final design and fabrication phase of development.

I also made sure we were properly synced up with SLS team members, industry partners and stakeholders. This includes serving as the primary interface between the Standing Review Board, an independent team that assesses the program’s readiness for building the rocket. My job is unique and awesome because although we have agency, center and program guidance, we still have the flexibility to be creative and innovative in our approach as we develop the next space vehicle to explore beyond Earth’s orbit.

I call a lot of places home. I was born in Opelika, Alabama. I spent several years in Tuscaloosa, where I attended the University of Alabama and met my soulmate, Rosalynne. I eventually moved to Madison, Alabama, where Rosalynne and I eventually settled and experienced the birth of our first child, Lauren. We then moved to Moorpark, California, and extended our family with the birth of our son, Miles. We ultimately moved back to Madison, where we’ve now lived for 15 years.

Along with my years at the University of Alabama, I also was a student at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and Alabama A&M University. I have a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in business administration.

Outside of work, I love playing tennis and going to the gym. I have a non-stop routine of volunteering for my church, fraternity and community. My passion is being a positive role model for the next generation of leaders, scientist, educators and visionaries who will ensure that we continue to move onward and upward toward greatness.