National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Executive and Leadership Team

Harris Halverson, the Commander (Chief Executive Officer), NOAA Aircraft Operations Center at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, directs all aerial environmental data collection missions. Managing a specialized fleet of high-tech aircraft, the Commander (Chief Executive Officer), NOAA Aircraft Operations Center ensures the acquisition of precise atmospheric and oceanic measurements. This leadership role involves coordinating complex flight operations during severe weather events to provide emergency managers with real-time data. By optimizing flight logistics and maintenance protocols, Harris Halverson maintains the operational readiness of the entire aviation division. The Commander (Chief Executive Officer), NOAA Aircraft Operations Center also collaborates with meteorological research teams to refine data gathering techniques. Through rigorous safety standards and strategic resource allocation, the Commander (Chief Executive Officer), NOAA Aircraft Operations Center supports the broader mission of delivering accurate environmental intelligence to citizens and decision makers throughout the nation.

Imani Dunigan, the Program Analysis Branch Senior Analyst & Chief Financial Officer at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, directs the financial planning and budgetary oversight for the agency's diverse environmental programs. Managing the allocation of federal funds, the Program Analysis Branch Senior Analyst & Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources are directed toward high-impact research and operational initiatives. This leadership role involves conducting rigorous financial analysis to support strategic decision-making across the organization. By optimizing budget utilization, Imani Dunigan enhances the agency's ability to deliver critical weather and climate services. The Program Analysis Branch Senior Analyst & Chief Financial Officer also coordinates with department heads to ensure fiscal accountability and compliance with government regulations. Through the application of advanced analytical methods, the Program Analysis Branch Senior Analyst & Chief Financial Officer supports the agency's long-term financial stability and mission success in protecting marine and atmospheric environments.

Aras Zygas, the Chief of Staff at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, coordinates the daily administrative functions and strategic priorities of the executive leadership team. Managing internal communications, the Chief of Staff ensures alignment between various scientific departments and the agency's overarching mission. This leadership role involves facilitating high-level decision-making processes and overseeing the execution of organizational initiatives. By streamlining workflows and managing executive schedules, Aras Zygas enhances the overall productivity of the agency. The Chief of Staff also serves as a primary liaison between the leadership team and external government partners to ensure consistent policy implementation. Through the careful management of institutional resources, the Chief of Staff supports the delivery of essential environmental services. Ultimately, Zygas maintains the operational stability required to provide critical weather and climate data to decision makers across the country.

Irene Parker, the Chief Information Officer at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, directs the development and maintenance of the agency's complex digital infrastructure. Overseeing the secure storage and processing of vast environmental datasets, the Chief Information Officer ensures that critical weather and climate information remains accessible to the public. This leadership role involves implementing advanced cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive research data. By modernizing information systems, Irene Parker enables the rapid analysis of atmospheric and oceanic data. The Chief Information Officer also collaborates with technology teams to integrate high-tech instrumentation into the agency's digital network. Through the strategic deployment of cloud computing and data analytics platforms, the Chief Information Officer supports the agency's mission of providing real-time environmental intelligence. Ultimately, Parker ensures the reliability of the digital tools that underpin the agency's daily operations and long-term research goals.

Joseph Mani, the Chief Technology Officer, Nesdis at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, architects the satellite and remote sensing technologies essential for global environmental monitoring. Overseeing the technical development of advanced instrumentation, the Chief Technology Officer, Nesdis ensures the continuous flow of high-quality satellite data. This leadership role involves managing the integration of new sensor technologies into existing observation platforms. By driving innovation in data acquisition, Joseph Mani enhances the accuracy of weather forecasts and storm warnings. The Chief Technology Officer, Nesdis also coordinates with research partners to refine the processing of complex atmospheric signals. Through the strategic oversight of technical projects, the Chief Technology Officer, Nesdis supports the agency's ability to provide critical environmental intelligence. Ultimately, Mani maintains the technological edge necessary for the agency to monitor global climate trends and protect citizens from severe weather events.

Larissa Plants, the Office of Protected Resources Chief of Staff at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, manages the administrative and operational functions of the division dedicated to marine species conservation. Overseeing the coordination of regulatory programs, the Office of Protected Resources Chief of Staff ensures the effective implementation of policies designed to protect endangered marine life. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between scientific experts and policy makers to support habitat restoration efforts. By streamlining the administrative processes for resource management, Larissa Plants enhances the division's capacity to respond to environmental threats. The Office of Protected Resources Chief of Staff also monitors the progress of conservation initiatives to ensure alignment with federal mandates. Through the efficient management of staff and resources, the Office of Protected Resources Chief of Staff supports the agency's mission of maintaining healthy marine ecosystems for future generations.

Christina Durham, the Deputy Chief of Staff, National Ocean Service at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, coordinates the operational activities of the division focused on coastal management and marine commerce. Overseeing the execution of strategic projects, the Deputy Chief of Staff, National Ocean Service ensures that coastal restoration programs meet their defined objectives. This leadership role involves managing internal communications and supporting the alignment of regional initiatives with national goals. By facilitating collaboration across departments, Christina Durham enhances the efficiency of the agency's coastal services. The Deputy Chief of Staff, National Ocean Service also assists in the development of policies that support sustainable marine commerce and ecosystem health. Through the careful oversight of administrative workflows, the Deputy Chief of Staff, National Ocean Service supports the agency's mission of providing essential environmental services to coastal communities and decision makers throughout the nation.

Alesia Read, the Chief Of Staff, Office of Habitat Conservation at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, manages the administrative operations and strategic planning for the division responsible for restoring critical marine habitats. Overseeing the coordination of restoration projects, the Chief Of Staff, Office of Habitat Conservation ensures that scientific efforts align with the agency's broader environmental goals. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between field teams and executive leadership to support the successful execution of conservation programs. By streamlining internal processes, Alesia Read enhances the efficiency of habitat restoration efforts across the nation's coastal regions. The Chief Of Staff, Office of Habitat Conservation also monitors the allocation of resources to ensure the effective delivery of restoration services. Through the management of administrative workflows, the Chief Of Staff, Office of Habitat Conservation supports the agency's mission of maintaining healthy and resilient marine ecosystems for the benefit of the public.

Rebecca Ferro, the Deputy Director at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, oversees the integration of climate monitoring data into national policy frameworks. Managing cross-functional teams, the Deputy Director ensures the seamless delivery of environmental services to planners and emergency managers. This leadership role involves aligning scientific research initiatives with the agency's core mission of coastal restoration and marine commerce support. By streamlining internal processes, Rebecca Ferro enhances the efficiency of data dissemination across North America. The Deputy Director also coordinates with external stakeholders to expand the reach of environmental intelligence programs. Through the implementation of robust operational strategies, the Deputy Director drives the agency's capacity to respond to evolving climate challenges. Ultimately, Ferro secures the integrity of the information provided to the public by maintaining high standards of scientific rigor and operational excellence within the organization.

Everett Baxter, the Deputy Director at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, manages the strategic implementation of fisheries management services and marine ecosystem protection programs. Overseeing regional operations, the Deputy Director ensures compliance with federal environmental mandates while supporting sustainable marine commerce. This leadership role involves balancing complex scientific requirements with the practical needs of coastal communities. By fostering partnerships with industry leaders and conservation groups, Everett Baxter expands the impact of habitat restoration efforts. The Deputy Director also directs the allocation of resources to support long-term environmental monitoring projects. Through the application of advanced analytical tools, the Deputy Director optimizes the delivery of critical information to stakeholders. Ultimately, Baxter strengthens the agency's ability to maintain the health of marine environments while facilitating economic activity across the nation's vast coastal regions.