The office holder also has an important place within United States space policy,[1] and is assisted by a deputy administrator.

The administrator serves as NASA's chief executive officer, accountable to the President for the leadership necessary to achieve the agency's mission.

[3] Daniel Goldin held the post for the longest term (nearly 10 years), and is best known for pioneering the "faster, better, cheaper" approach to space programs.

[6] She replaced Bill Nelson, who was nominated by President Joe Biden on March 19, 2021,[7] confirmed by the Senate on April 29, and officially sworn in on May 3.

[8] The current nominee for administrator is entrepreneur and commercial astronaut Jared Isaacman, who was nominated by President-elect Donald Trump on December 4, 2024.