Labra leads a diverse team of over 2200 employees, generating over $340M revenue and providing world-class research, engineering and technology development, information systems, human health and performance, operations and missions solutions. The Human Exploration Division (HED) portfolio includes the IMOCII, MSOC, ESOC, and HHPC contracts at Johnson Space Center, which are valued at over $3.8B. HED is critical to NASA’s human spaceflight operations including mission planning, training and execution of all human spaceflight missions. HED is key to implementing NASA’s commercial spaceflight vision and is actively supporting private astronaut training and other commercial concepts. HED is also proud to serve our local community participating in over 30 community service events in 2019.
Prior to this role, Labra served as the Program Manager for both the Integrated Mission Operations Contract (IMOCII) and the Mission Systems Operations Contract (MSOC) at Johnson Space Center. As the Program Manager for IMOCII, Labra was responsible for a $1.3B contract and a workforce of over 700 personnel. She led the scheduling, cost, and technical performance of this highly visible contract, which provides 24/7/365 support to the International Space Station. Under her leadership, the IMOCII contract established efficient business methodologies, resulting in strong technical performance and excellent award fee scores. IMOCII also exceeded all small business goals. On MSOC, she was responsible for a $1.13B contract and a workforce of over 500 personnel. This program provides full life cycle support to the JSC Flight Operations Directorate Mission Systems including the Mission Control Center, the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility, and the Training Systems used for all human exploration activities, including the International Space Station and Exploration Program.
Labra began her career in 1987 as an astronaut instructor for the Space Shuttle Program at JSC. Over her career, she has held numerous leadership roles with increasing levels of responsibility. She has led numerous contract transitions for large programs including the FDOC program where she successfully merged 2 large contracts, transitioned 1,200 people, 9 subcontracts, 30,500 pieces of property, and stood up 2 office facilities—all in 54 days while continuing to provide 24/7/365 operations to the ISS Program and launching a Shuttle mission. She also led the organization through the Space Shuttle transition and retirement, which resulted in a workforce reduction of 40%, while successfully flying out the space shuttle program.
A native of the Houston area, Labra holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from The University of Houston. Her awards include the highly selective NASA Silver Snoopy, the NASA Star Award, and the SGT President’s Award. She enjoys participating in STEM outreach activities and serves on the Limitless Space Institute Board of Advisors. She is an active member of the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church congregation leading numerous community service events.
Laurie and her husband, Joe, have two grown children and live in Friendswood, Texas.