James Kenyon Director, Advanced Air Vehicles Program, Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate NASA

Dr. James Kenyon is responsible for the overall planning, management, and oversight of the directorate’s efforts to develop innovative concepts, technologies, and capabilities to enable revolutionary advances for a wide range of air vehicles.  He supports the mission directorate and the ARMD associate administrator in a broad range of activities, including strategic and program planning, budget development, program review and evaluation, and external coordination and outreach.

Prior to joining NASA, Kenyon worked with Pratt & Whitney, where he held key leadership roles in business development, program management, and engineering, including serving as executive director of advanced programs and technology. He led program management and engineering teams to successfully execute major technology development and demonstration programs to mature advanced technologies for future jet engine products.

Dr. Kenyon joined Pratt & Whitney after 17 years as a civilian in the Department of Defense (DoD), including six years in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. There he was responsible for strategic planning, policy guidance, and management oversight of all DoD aerospace science and technology programs, including fixed and rotary wing aircraft, turbine engines, aircraft power and thermal management, hypersonics, and unmanned aircraft systems. Prior to that, he served as a researcher and program manager for high cycle fatigue science and technology programs, and developed the Air Force Research Laboratory’s strategy and plans for aviation energy efficiency and alternative fuels. Kenyon also assisted in leading an interagency committee to develop national policy for aeronautics research and development.

Dr. Kenyon has been awarded the Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Civilian Service as well as multiple Special Act and Civilian Achievement awards. He has authored more than 30 publications on turbine engine vibrations and high cycle fatigue. He is a Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, as well as a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society.

Dr. Kenyon received a Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology, a Master of Science in Engineering degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Carnegie Mellon University.

Official Bio