Allison Bolinger Inspires Fairfield County Attendees at Recent P.O.W.E.R. Event

For Immediate Release
July 20, 2026
                       

 
LANCASTER, OH- Fairfield County attendees recently gathered for the latest Purposefully Offering Women Empowerment Resources (P.O.W.E.R.) event, featuring Fairfield County native and Lancaster High School Alumni Hall of Fame inductee Allison Bolinger, who shared lessons on leadership, resilience, and professional growth drawn from her 25-year career at NASA.
 
Bolinger presented Tough & Competent – Lessons from a Mission Control Mindset, offering an inside look at the mindset required to lead high-performing teams in high-pressure environments. Drawing from her experience supporting human spaceflight and serving the last eight years as a NASA flight director, she emphasized the importance of preparation, adaptability, confidence, and teamwork when facing complex challenges.
 
A Fairfield County native, Bolinger began her NASA career as an intern in 2001 before earning a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering from Purdue University in 2004. Since joining NASA full-time, she has supported numerous spacewalks, including serving as lead spacewalk flight controller for Space Shuttle Endeavour's final mission. She currently serves as deputy chief of NASA's Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, overseeing daily operations at the facility used to train astronauts for spacewalks.
 
More than a story of professional achievement, Bolinger's presentation demonstrated how determination, continuous learning, and strong local roots can lead to extraordinary opportunities. Her message encouraged attendees to embrace challenges, lead with confidence, and pursue excellence in their own careers.
 
P.O.W.E.R. (Purposefully Offering Women Empowerment Resources) is dedicated to fostering a supportive workplace while promoting professional and personal growth. Through educational programs, networking opportunities, mentorship, and resources, the initiative empowers employees, encourages meaningful connections, and supports Fairfield County's commitment to attracting, developing, and retaining a talented workforce.
 
 
 

 
 
Pictured (L to R): County Administrator Aundrea “Aunie” Cordle, Commissioner Dave Levacy, Jay Bahnsen, Allison Bolinger, and Treasurer Jim Bahnsen
 
Founded in 1800 (three years before Ohio became a State), Fairfield County was the 8th county formed in the Northwest Territory. Today, more than 900 employees serve, connect, and protect the more than 158,000 citizens of Fairfield County, providing high-quality services and outstanding customer service at exceptional value to taxpayers. Fairfield County fosters economic and fiscal sustainability and works to enhance the County's reputation as a high performing, learning, and caring organization. For more information about the county, its services and employment opportunities, please visit https://www.co.fairfield.oh.us/