Sometimes, unexpected changes in a well-planned career path can lead to surprising growth opportunities and exciting new experiences. For Jason Phillips, turn to NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Phillips joined the U.S. Air Force in 1994 and plans to serve for at least 20 years, but in 2010 (preparing for a third deployment after 14 years of service), he found himself facing a medical separation from the military. "In a very short time, I had to find out the next step in my career and lifestyle and no longer involve active military personnel," he said.

Thanks to a special recruitment agency obtained by the procurement office of Peterson Air Force Base, Phillips was able to transition to civil servants and use his experience as an Air Force contracting officer to take on new positions. Phillips returned to Houston and moved from the Department of Defense to NASA as a contract specialist, supporting all aspects of the Center Operations Agency during Johnson’s first decade. Then, his mission was to serve as the challenge of being the chief contractor in the Johnson International Space Station Program Procurement Office.

Phillips currently leads a team of highly skilled acquisition professionals who support a variety of contracts to sustain the operation of the International Space Station, maximize the science of science in orbital laboratories, and pave the way for a seamless transition to commercial low-earth orbital destinations. He oversees the team’s daily work, which includes strategic planning and acquisition of contracts worth over $21 billion. Specifically, the team handles NASA's cargo recharge service contracts, cooperation agreements with the Space Development Center, and research, engineering and mission Integration Services-2 contracts.

“I am responsible for providing high-quality procurement products, services and support to ensure that the requirements of technology customers are met and exceeded while maintaining applicable regulations, regulations and guidelines,” he said. This work includes revising the program’s original acquisition strategy to minimize latency, target cost savings, and highlighting critical infrastructure and services (such as environmental controls and life support systems) on the space station.

Phillips likes to see the direct impact of his work. "This career field almost always allows me to see the fruits of my labor, whether I am buying office supplies and equipment or managing construction projects," he said. He is also proud to support career developments in procurement professionals and technicians. “It pays homage to those who are in front of me and who provide me with their leadership and procurement technology knowledge.”

Phillips said staying modest and accountable is key to finding a mission-centric solution. He also warned against assumptions. “The people around you are very willing to provide ideas and insights into solutions to problems,” he said. “A lot of knowledge can be gained by listening.”

He encouraged Artemis Generation to seek opportunities to expand its technical knowledge and develop professionally. “Help yourself so that you can help others.”