T. Kevin O'Donnell, Ph.D.

Center Management and Operations

I assist in the day-to-day management of the Midwest Climate Adaptation Science Center (MW CASC), providing administrative, logistical, and technical guidance and support to the Regional Administrator and staff. I lead the implementation of the budget, monitoring the development, progress, and completion of financial actions to ensure timely budget execution. I provide guidance and training on policies and procedures to support staff and center activities.

Communications and Evaluation

I lead internal communications and collaborate with staff on external communications for the MW CASC. I lead the evaluation of MW CASC activities and research investments to assess center impact and outcomes.

Partner Engagement and Collaborative Impact

I work with multiple universities, federal agencies, states, tribal organizations, and other organizations to plan and implement collaborative projects and science initiatives to address prioritized climate science needs for the Midwest related to fish, Wildlife, land, water, and people.

Budget Development and Execution

I conducted annual, detailed out-year budget planning to meet the needs of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) program and identify key regional science and restoration program activities. I executed annual budgets by working with an internal EPA administrative team. I tracked milestones for funding obligations and expenditures to maximize timely use of appropriations and meet the intentions of the GLRI program authority and Congressional/Administration direction.

Program Planning, Management, and Evaluation

I led development, coordination, and execution of five-year plans for habitat restoration and invasive species GLRI program areas. I used program metrics and team meetings for continual assessment of program success, annual planning, priority setting, and budget decisions. I relied on my leadership skills to be inclusive, reach consensus, and make timely decisions.

Team Building and Partner Engagement

I fostered and maintained a network of colleagues from federal agencies, multiple Tribal Nations, states, local municipalities, advocacy groups, private industry, and other entities important to program success. These partnerships have included staff, managers, and political appointees. Mechanisms for partnership building included establishment of consensus-based, multi-agency teams to prioritize actions and science that address specific Great Lakes issues.

Briefings, Report Writing, and External Communication

I delivered briefings to EPA and other agency senior managers/political appointees, state agency directors, and Tribes. I summarized information to senior EPA officials to prepare them for Office of Management and Budget (OMB) briefings and senior leadership meetings. Program briefings covered program direction, financial and grants administrative issues, and proposed budgets. I have spoken at international, regional, advocacy, and public meetings. My speeches at external meetings highlighted program accomplishments and application of science and technologies. I prepared technical reports in response to new Congressional authorities and information requests.