Laurie Labra
Vice President, Science and Space Human Exploration Division
KBR
Laurie Labra leads a diverse team of more than 2750 employees, generating over $500 million in annual revenue and providing world-class research, engineering and technology development, information systems, human health and\ performance, operations, and missions solutions. The Human Exploration
Division (HED) portfolio includes the Integrated Mission Operations Contract (IMOCIII), Mission Systems Operations Contract (MSOC), Extravehicular Activity Space Operations Contract (ESOC), Exploration Extravehicular Activity Services (xEVAS) Contract, and Human Health Performance Contract (HHPC) at Johnson Space Center (JSC), which are valued at more than $4 billion. HED is critical to NASA’s human spaceflight operations including mission planning, training and execution of all human spaceflight missions. HED is key to implementing NASA’s commercial spaceflight vision and actively supports private astronaut training and other commercial concepts. HED is also proud to serve its local community participating in more than 30 community service events annually.
Prior to her current role, Labra served as a program manager for both the IMOCII and MSOC at JSC. As the program manager for IMOCII, Labra was responsible for a $1.3 billion contract and a workforce of more than 700 personnel. She led the scheduling, cost and technical performance of this highly visible contract, which provides 24/7/365 support to the International Space Station (ISS). Under her leadership, the IMOCII contract established efficient business methodologies, resulting in strong technical performance and excellent award fee scores. IMOCII also exceeded all small business goals. On MSOC, Labra was responsible for a $1.13 billion contract and a workforce of more than 500 personnel. This program provides full life cycle support to the JSC Flight Operations Directorate Mission Systems, including the Mission Control Center, the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility and the training systems used for all human exploration activities, including the ISS and Exploration Program.
Labra began her career in 1988 as an astronaut instructor for the Space Shuttle Program at JSC. Over her career, she has held multiple leadership roles with increasing levels of responsibility. She has led numerous contract transitions for large programs, including the Facilities Development and Operations Contract (FDOC) program where she successfully merged two large contracts; transitioned 1,200 people, nine subcontracts and 30,500 pieces of property; and stood up two office facilities—all in 54 days while continuing to provide 24/7/365 operations to the ISS program and launching a shuttle mission. She also led the organization through the space shuttle transition and retirement.
A native of the Houston area, Labra holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Houston. Her accolades include the highly selective NASA Silver Snoopy Award, the NASA Star Award, and the SGT President’s Award. She enjoys participating in STEM outreach activities and serves on the Limitless Space Institute Board of Advisors and the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership (BAHEP) Board of Directors.
Related Sessions
New Generation Space Leaders: Leadership Exchange “Speed Mentoring”
Monday, April 7, 2025
2:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Track: New Generation Space Leaders