Rand,

The rest of the NASA transition team has been announced. They have some more experienced space policy people.

http://change.gov/learn/obama_biden_transition_agency_review_teams_asdsad33refe7/

NASA, Edward Heffernan
NASA, Alan Ladwig
NASA, George Whitesides

FWIW,

– Al

“For the last seven years, Roddy has counseled a number of Fortune 100 companies through crisis and conflict situations. He has enjoyed managing highly charged issues across a range of industries, including open source technologies, security software, interactive media and biotechnology – sometimes for long stints, before the European Commission, in Southeast Asia and throughout the United States. Roddy combines his media background, new media interests and Mexican heritage to advise clients who seek to understand and connect with a variety of audiences”

http://www.newpersuasion.com/who-we-are/our-staff/senior-vp.html

I think if you wanted to attach a negative to him it would be to maybe call him a “snake oil salesman”?

If he lands a job in a future administration involved in space it would be to SELL the NEW policies, probably to the youth vote, he has been involved in that before.

http://www.dmnews.com/ZOT-Group-plucks-NASArsquos-press-pro/article/37260/

“Young has been tapped by the ZOT Group, a Web consultancy focusing on emerging standards and communications, as communications director, a new position. Young, who started in the post last Monday, will oversee all client and corporate marketing and PR initiatives.”

Hasn’t there been a push to make an internet standard for space?

“Prior to joining ZOT, Young worked for more than 10 years in the PR and public policy arena. As Goldin’s press secretary, he shaped the space agency’s message and fostered relations with the national media. He was also responsible for conveying the importance of the Shuttle-Mir program, John Glenn’s return to space and the goals of the International Space Station.”

http://change.gov/learn/science_tech_space_and_arts_team_leads

NASA Review Team Lead
Lori Garver is currently the President of Capital Space, LLC. For the past 25 years, Garver has been a leader in the aerospace community, working in senior roles in the non-profit, government and commercial sectors, including serving as executive director of the National Space Society and as a Vice President of DFI International. In addition, Garver previously served as NASA’s Associate Administrator of Policy.

Roderic (“Roddy”) Olvera Young is Senior Vice President of TMG Strategies, directing the firm’s Technology and Environment team and providing strategic counsel to the firm’s clients on their high profile conflict and crisis issues across a range of industries. He previously worked on Banking and Appropriations Committee assignments and served as the Press Secretary to NASA’s Administrator as a Presidential appointee.