Age: 39
Job: Design and construction project manager, NASA Langley Research Center
At work: I oversee projects that range from workplace modernizations to highly technical research facilities. My role includes managing budgets, coordinating with contractors and ensuring every project aligns with the center’s long-term vision and master plan. In addition, I serve as the Americans with Disabilities Act facility compliance manager where I review design packages and provide architectural expertise to ensure our facilities are accessible and inclusive. For me, it’s more than just construction. I am passionate about shaping environments where people can thrive and ensuring everyone has a place at the table.
Home and family: I’m originally from Raleigh, North Carolina, but Hampton has been home for more than 20 years. I’m married to my supportive wife, Jasmine, a home-birth midwife and owner of Birth with Jazz. Together we are raising our two beautiful daughters, Rylee and Jianna.
Volunteer activities: Serving and giving back is important to me, so I volunteer year-round. I speak at career fairs and career days, sharing knowledge about architecture and NASA with students. Through my fraternal organization, King David Lodge No. 2, I’ve helped organize Easter egg hunts, food drives and clothing drives to support the community. I’m also on the board and director of marketing and communication for the Hampton Roads Committee of 200+ Men, where I mentor young men, contribute to the strategic planning committee and serve as program manager for the 200+ Scholars Breakfast, which recognizes academic excellence from students across Hampton Roads.
Motivating factor: Blazing trails and leading by example so others can see what’s possible. I’m driven by helping people reach their goals and creating opportunities for others to succeed.
Advice to young people: Finish what you start. I have seen how easy it is to lose interest or stop when something doesn’t feel exciting anymore, but the real growth comes from pushing through. Even if the outcome is not what you hoped for, the knowledge and experience you gain will serve you later in life. Everything you do has a purpose.
Professional goal in five years: I want to serve in a higher-level leadership role at NASA where I can help shape and strengthen the culture, making it a place where people feel supported and able to do their best work.
The one thing I’d change about Hampton Roads: I would strengthen the pipeline between our colleges, trade schools and local employers so more graduates can build their careers here in the 757. I would like to see more internship and apprenticeship pathways, coordinated recruiting and competitive entry-level opportunities to help us retain that fresh energy and grow the region.
Region’s biggest asset: Its location. Each city has its own unique character and beauty, which collectively makes for a strong and thriving region. On top of that, we are positioned right between Washington, D.C., and Raleigh, putting us close to two major markets, which provides us with great access and connectivity.
Downtime: I enjoy catching up with family and friends and having an enlightening conversation, but more than anything I just love being a dad. I enjoy being home with my family, eating together, watching TV, listening to music and having dance parties.
What really gets under my skin: The avoidance of accountability. You cannot solve a problem without first identifying it. And without accountability, it becomes difficult to define the problem, making it even more challenging to move forward with solutions for success.
https://www.pilotonline.com/2025/10/27/top-forty-under-40-2025-ryan-kendall/
