(John M. Hairston is donating lunch with him at the Blue Point Grille to the winning bidder.)

John M. Hairston serves as Director of the External Programs Directorate at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's John H. Glenn Research Center. He was appointed to this position in June 1991.

In this capacity, he is responsible for the development and implementation of outreach, educational and informational programs that contribute to scientific literacy and strengthen awareness and participation of target groups in NASA Glenn's mission and vision.

He earned a bachelor of science degree in English from Bluefield State College, Bluefield, West Virginia and has a master's degree in Educational Administration from Cleveland State University, Cleveland. His studies also include completion of courses at John F. Kennedy's School of Public Policy, Cambridge, MA; Kent State University; and Case Western Reserve University.

Prior to joining NASA Glenn, Hairston spent 27 years with the Cleveland City School System. He held a series of responsible positions there including English Teacher, Special Project Center Director, Assistant Education Program Manager, Staff Development Director and Chief of the Community Relations Department.

Hairston is Board President Elect of the Glennville Development Corporation and has received numerous awards including a Key of the City of Cleveland (2001), United Cerebral Palsy President's Humanitarian Award (1999), NASA's Exceptional Achievement Medal (1993), and NASA's Medal for Outstanding Leadership (1997). He was appointed to the Martin Luther King Ohio State Commission by then Governor George Voinovich (1992) and was presented a Congressional Record Commendation from Congressman Louis Stokes (1989).

Hairston is also very active in the community, serving as co-chairman of Cleveland's Empowerment Zone. He is currently President of the Glenville Church of God's Deacon Board and board member for the Western Reserve Historical Society. Hairston has served on the United Way Allocation Committee and the Ohio Aerospace Council. Additionally, he was President Elect for the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections.

Hairston and his wife, Delaney, reside in Cleveland, Ohio. They have 4 children and 8 grandchildren.