Dynamic leader with NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service, excelling in strategic planning and stakeholder engagement. Achieved significant conservation milestones, including securing close to $30 million for endangered species initiatives. Expert in environmental compliance, fostering team growth, and building international partnerships to address climate and conservation challenges. Proven ability to drive operational efficiency and enhance program performance.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Office of Protected Resources (Senior Executive Service)
NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service
08.2021 - Current
Led domestic and international conservation programs for marine and anadromous species under key environmental laws.
Navigated complex challenges in environmental compliance and protected species conservation.
Guided national prioritization of protected resources issues to address emerging challenges effectively.
Cultivated strong relationships with partners and engaged stakeholders through public outreach initiatives.
Empowered and mentored employees, fostering an inclusive workplace focused on professional growth.
As President of the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization, cultivated international partnerships among all eight NASCO Parties and 39 affiliated non-governmental organizations to drive creation of NASCO's first comprehensive 10-year strategy and action plan, aligning stakeholders around a cohesive conservation vision for Atlantic salmon in response to climate change
Led office adaptation during resource reduction and shifting priorities, enhancing operational efficiency.
Restructured staff responsibilities to prioritize critical environmental compliance actions, improving program performance.
Advocated for conservation investment, persuading agency leadership to allocate over one-quarter of the $82 million Inflation Reduction Act funding toward technological solutions for mitigating risks to critically endangered North Atlantic right whales.
Conceived of and launched the Advanced Sampling and Technology for Extinction Risk Reduction & Recovery initiative, transitioning from regulatory reliance to technology-driven solutions for significant protected species challenges.
Fish and Wildlife Administrator (0480/ZPV)/ Deputy Regional Administrator
NOAA'S National Marine Fisheries Service
11.2017 - 08.2021
Drove executive leadership across regional divisions to achieve NOAA-wide objectives.
Oversaw staff development, budget management, and environmental policy execution.
Served as Federal Commissioner and head of the U.S. delegation to NASCO, representing U.S. interests.
Planned and hosted the NASCO 2018 annual meeting, leading negotiations for a critical new regulatory agreement on West Greenland's Atlantic salmon fishery.
Co-chaired the International Year of the Salmon initiative, coordinating research and outreach across Northern Hemisphere nations and NGOs.
Led the Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office through significant leadership transitions, ensuring mission continuity.
Provided staff support and information during organizational changes to sustain stability and performance.
Fish and Wildlife Administrator (0480/ZPV)/ Assistant Regional Administrator for Protected Resources
NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service
11.2014 - 11.2017
Led the Protected Resources Division at the Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office, overseeing ESA and MMPA programs.
Managed a $10M budget, ensured compliance with legal deadlines, and facilitated U.S.-Canada negotiations for shared species.
Fostered an inclusive team environment, promoting professional growth and development opportunities.
Directed NOAA's first climate scenario planning exercise to enhance resilience of U.S. Atlantic salmon.
Streamlined informal Section 7 consultations, reducing response time from 50 to 8 days through agency collaboration.
Oversaw completion of ESA status reviews and listing decisions for multiple species including sharks and sturgeon, ensuring protection under ESA.
Education
Master of Arts - Marine Affairs
UNIV. OF RHODE ISLAND
Kingston
05-1997
Bachelor of Arts - Biology
UNIV. OF RHODE ISLAND
Kingston
12-1991
Skills
Strategic leadership and planning
Budget and financial management
Environmental compliance and regulation
Stakeholder engagement and negotiation
Team leadership and building
Conflict resolution and problem solving
Coaching and mentoring
Resource allocation and partnerships
Decision-making and cross-functional collaboration
Government relations and coalition building
Certification
Leadership for a Democratic Society, 01/01/24
Storytelling for Leaders, 01/01/20
OPM Leadership Development, 01/01/19
Advanced Media Training, 01/01/18
Negotiation & Facilitation, 01/01/14
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Director, Office of Protected Resources (Senior Executive Service)
NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service
08.2021 - Current
Fish and Wildlife Administrator (0480/ZPV)/ Deputy Regional Administrator
NOAA'S National Marine Fisheries Service
11.2017 - 08.2021
Fish and Wildlife Administrator (0480/ZPV)/ Assistant Regional Administrator for Protected Resources
Chief of Procurement at NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science CenterChief of Procurement at NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center