Joel Wells
Former Strategic Communication Manager
External Relations
Joel Wells was the strategic communication manager at NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Fla. In this role, he coordinated the development and implementation of an annual communication plan. The plan is executed by KSC's External Relations directorate and enables strategic and consistent communication to NASA's many audiences including media, elected officials, educators, industry and the general public.
From 2002 to 2005, Wells was NASA's primary interface to the Florida Governor's office and State Legislature. As the state government liaison, he facilitated information sharing between state and NASA leaders regarding NASA's Vision and specific Kennedy Space Center initiatives, and supported the development of pro-space policy by the legislature.
From 1995 to 2002, Wells served as Kennedy Space Center's primary media spokesman for the Space Shuttle and Reusable Launch Vehicle Programs. By providing live launch commentary, coordinating major film and documentary productions, moderating NASA news conferences and producing multi-media news products, Wells promoted NASA's goals and achievements to an international audience.
Prior to that position, he worked in the NASA Procurement Office at KSC from 1991 to 1995. As a NASA Procurement Analyst, Wells was responsible for pre-award contract acquisition activities. He reviewed large NASA procurements to assure adherence to NASA policy and federal law, conducted one-on-one business counseling with large and small business executives, and conducted market research of candidate NASA contractors. His efforts helped KSC surpass their small business contract goals.
Wells earned the prestigious Space Flight Awareness Honoree award in 2004 for his support of space shuttle return-to-flight efforts. That same year, he was awarded the Center Director's Gold Dollar award for teamwork and innovation. He was nominated in 1995 to receive NASA's Exceptional Achievement Award and has received many performance awards for individual and team achievements since.
Wells was born in Gainesville, Fla., and raised in Titusville, Fla., on the threshold of America's gateway to space. He attended Titusville High School and graduated from Bethel Christian Academy in 1988. He graduated with a Bachelor's degree from the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Fla., in 1993.
He now lives in Mims, Fla., and is married to the former Christie Lampard of Miami, Fla. They have two sons, Jace and Judah. Wells is an ordained minister and pastors the Pentecostals of Titusville. He has served as sectional youth president for 5 years, overseeing the youth ministries of 18 Central Florida churches.
July 2007
Biographies - Current Employees