#United States #Washington #USRA #La Belle-Hamer #Suzanne Hansen

USRA Welcomes New Board Members

The Universities Space Research Association (USRA), a notable coalition of 123 academic institutions, recently announced the induction of Dr. La Belle-Hamer and Ms. Suzanne M. Hansen to its Board of Trustees. This significant appointment took place during the organization's annual meeting on March 27, 2026. The decision promises to steer the association towards a more innovative future in space research and technology.

Introducing the New Trustees

Dr. La Belle-Hamer

Dr. La Belle-Hamer has been appointed as the Region IX Trustee, bringing over 25 years of expertise in managing cutting-edge research facilities, big-data centers, and NASA satellite ground systems. Currently, she holds the position of Deputy Director at the Geophysical Institute of the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF). Her previous role as Vice Chancellor for Research at UAF from 2020 to 2025 showcases her leadership capabilities and commitment to advancing aerospace science.

With a notable legacy of approximately 20 years as Director of the Alaska Satellite Facility, Dr. La Belle-Hamer’s contributions to the field have earned her various accolades, including the 2021 NASA Exceptional Public Achievement Medal and the 2015 William T. Pecora Award. She possesses a strong academic background in Space Physics, with a Ph.D. and M.S. from UAF and a B.A. in Physics from the University of California, Berkeley.

Ms. Suzanne M. Hansen

Appointed as the At-Large Financial Trustee, Ms. Hansen brings a wealth of experience with four decades in business leadership. Since 2022, she has engaged as an independent contractor for several entities, including various DOE National Labs and a start-up in the Fusion Energy sector. Notably, she served as Director of Business Services and Technology at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory from 2015 to 2022, where her responsibilities encompassed finance, supply chain management, and advancing proposals.

Her extensive tenure includes vital roles at Brookhaven National Laboratory and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, where she further honed her expertise in business services. In addition to her operational roles, Ms. Hansen is dedicated to guiding high-potential individuals through career development as an Executive Coach.

Vision for the Future

Dr. Elsayed Talaat, President and CEO of USRA, expressed enthusiasm about the new appointments, stating, “We are delighted to welcome the new Trustees to the Board. I look forward to guidance from Dr. La Belle-Hamer and Ms. Hansen in the Association's strategic direction, ensuring that innovative space science and technology research continues to thrive through collaborative excellence and sound governance.”

The governance of USRA is deeply rooted in the academic community, comprising representation from 122 universities dedicated to aerospace and aeronautics research. The Council of Institutions plays a pivotal role in shaping corporate bylaws and conducting trustee elections, firmly positioning USRA at the forefront of space-related research and education.

Conclusion

The appointment of Dr. La Belle-Hamer and Ms. Suzanne M. Hansen to the USRA Board heralds a new chapter for the association as it continues to lead in the fields of space science and technology. With their exemplary qualifications, both trustees are expected to enhance the strategic focus of the organization, fostering an environment of innovative research and collaboration across the academic spectrum.

For further information on USRA and their initiatives, visit www.usra.edu.