Alex Olley, an Air Force veteran from Spartanburg, South Carolina, now serves as a contract specialist at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. Stationed in the International Space Station Procurement Office, Olley embarked on his NASA journey as a Pathways intern in January 2023. His goal was to transform his lifelong dream into reality by utilizing his extensive experience in the defense and space industries to support one of humanity’s most ambitious projects.
In his current role, Olley manages the procurement of essential supplies, services, and research for the International Space Station. This position demands meticulous attention to federal regulations and a profound grasp of business practices, all while aiding the astronauts residing and working 250 miles above Earth. Olley expresses great pride in his contribution to NASA’s mission, stating, “I’m incredibly grateful for my time here, and it feels like a significant achievement, especially because many of my friends and family have shared how inspired they are to pursue their own goals as a result.”
The guiding principle imparted by Bradley Niese, the director of Johnson’s Office of Procurement, has played a pivotal role in shaping Olley’s NASA experience: “People are the mission, and if we take care of the people, the mission will take care of itself.” This philosophy has underscored the importance of nurturing relationships within the office, fostering smoother operations and heightened motivation.
Olley emphasizes the impact of a strong support system, stating, “It’s much easier to be passionate about the mission when you know everyone around you shares the same dedication. With such a strong support system, I’ve learned that I can achieve anything, no matter how challenging or confusing the task may seem at first.”
Despite his successes, Olley initially grappled with imposter syndrome, feeling he lacked the qualifications to contribute meaningfully. “I felt like I didn’t belong or wasn’t good enough to contribute meaningfully toward our goals,” he admitted. However, his decision to share a work process idea with his team, which was enthusiastically embraced and implemented, served as a turning point. This experience led to his involvement in the “Better toGether” wellness initiative, cleverly named after the office code “BG.” The program promotes physical and mental well-being through activities like NASA Moves, encouraging employees to track their steps and engage in at least 20 minutes of physical activity each day. Olley also conducts biweekly meetings to offer desk-friendly wellness tips such as stretches to prevent carpal tunnel and improve posture.
As NASA sets its sights on the Moon and Mars with the Artemis missions, Olley is dedicated to uplifting the Artemis Generation. He encourages others to embrace his perspective on Johnson’s mission: “Dare, Unite, and Explore.” Olley urges, “DARE to take on the challenge and face it head on, UNITE with your peers, and never be afraid to EXPLORE the unknown.”
