NASA communications chief resigns

WASHINGTON, June 30 (UPI) -- The U.S. space agency's chief of strategic communications announced his resignation Monday to leave for an unspecified position in the private sector.

Robert Hopkins served as a senior adviser to National Aeronautics and Space Administration Deputy Administrator Shana Dale and as assistant administrator for the recently established Office of Communications Planning before assuming the strategic communications role.

"In these positions, he led the formulation of a strategic communications framework and implementation plan for the agency that provided a foundation for activities including planning for NASA's 50th anniversary in 2008," officials said in a statement.

"Bob is innovative and empowers his people to think outside the box," Dale said. "He and his team have developed message themes that resonate with the American public and figured out creative, new ways to deliver those messages. He will be missed."

Chris Shank, currently director of strategic investments for NASA, was named acting chief of strategic communications.