For Release: June 21, 1995

Steve Roy
Office of Media Services
(205) 544-0034
steve.roy@msfc.nasa.gov

RELEASE: 95-42

MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY GRADUATE RECOGNIZED AS PRESIDENTIAL DISTINGUISHED EXECUTIVE

NASA manager Fred S. Wojtalik has received the Presidential Rank of Distinguished Executive for sustained extraordinary achievements in government service. The Distinguished Executive award is granted by the President to only one percent of Senior Executive Service members.

Wojtalik currently serves as the manager of the Observatory Projects Office, directing the design and development of the Advanced X-Ray Astrophysics Facility project at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. His previous positions have included the Hubble Space Telescope Project Office, where he was deputy manager for Systems Engineering and Integration and later, both project office deputy manager and manager. His early career was marked by contributions in the development of the Lunar Rover Vehicle project ("Moon Buggy") and the High Energy Astronomy Observatory project.

NASA has honored Wojtalik with the Exceptional Service Medal for contributions to the development of the Lunar Rover, the Outstanding Leadership Medal for technical management of the High Energy Astronomy Observatory project and the Distinguished Service Medal for his work on the Hubble Space Telescope. In 1991, the President honored Wojtalik with the rank of Meritorious Executive.

Born in Hamtramck, Mich., Wojtalik graduated from Hamtramck High School in 1948. He was awarded a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from Michigan State University in 1952 and obtained a master of science degree in management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1969. He has been with the Marshall Center for 34 years.

Wojtalik and his wife, the former Joanna Oshab of Hamtramck, live in Huntsville. They have three children: Mark, David, and Jan.