National Science Foundation Executive and Leadership Team

Xiaoyan Wang, the Chief Executive Officer at National Science Foundation, directs the overarching strategic vision for federal research funding. Overseeing the agency mission, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between national scientific priorities and resource allocation. This leadership role involves managing complex relationships with academic institutions and government partners to foster innovation in biotechnology and quantum science. By prioritizing STEM workforce development, Xiaoyan Wang directly impacts the long-term competitiveness of the United States in global markets. The Chief Executive Officer maintains rigorous standards for grant evaluation processes, ensuring that taxpayer investments yield significant breakthroughs. Through consistent engagement with the scientific community, the Chief Executive Officer promotes excellence in research and education. Ultimately, Wang secures the foundational support necessary for transformative discoveries that define the future of American science and engineering across diverse technical disciplines.

Jesse Simons, the Head Office Acting Chief Financial Officer at National Science Foundation, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for federal research investments. Overseeing the allocation of funds, the Head Office Acting Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance with federal financial regulations while maximizing the impact of grant distributions. This leadership role involves monitoring expenditures across diverse focus areas, including quantum science and biotechnology. By implementing robust financial controls, Jesse Simons directly protects the integrity of the agency budget. The Head Office Acting Chief Financial Officer collaborates with other executive leaders to align fiscal strategies with long-term research goals. Through precise reporting and analysis, the Head Office Acting Chief Financial Officer provides the transparency necessary for effective resource management. Ultimately, Simons maintains the financial stability required to support a vast network of researchers, entrepreneurs, and educational institutions throughout the United States.

Sean McCarville, the Business & To The Finance Advisor & Chief Financial Officer at National Science Foundation, directs the strategic financial planning and business advisory functions for the agency. Overseeing the long-term financial health, the Business & To The Finance Advisor & Chief Financial Officer ensures that funding strategies remain consistent with federal research priorities. This role involves providing expert guidance on complex financial matters to support the expansion of biotechnology and quantum science initiatives. By analyzing market trends and economic impacts, Sean McCarville directly informs the decision-making processes of the executive team. The Business & To The Finance Advisor & Chief Financial Officer maintains rigorous oversight of financial reporting to ensure accountability. Through strategic financial stewardship, the Business & To The Finance Advisor & Chief Financial Officer supports the agency mission of fostering innovation. Ultimately, McCarville secures the resources needed to sustain national scientific progress.

Teresa Grancorvitz, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer at National Science Foundation, executes operational strategies to improve the delivery of research and education funding. Overseeing the implementation of agency-wide initiatives, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer ensures that internal systems support the needs of scientists and engineers nationwide. This role involves refining the operational framework to enhance the efficiency of proposal reviews and grant management. By optimizing cross-functional workflows, Teresa Grancorvitz directly improves the speed and quality of service provided to the research community. The Deputy Chief Operating Officer works closely with other leaders to integrate new technologies into existing operational models. Through continuous process improvement, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer maintains high standards for organizational performance. Ultimately, Grancorvitz drives the operational agility necessary to adapt to the evolving demands of the scientific landscape and ensures consistent support for national innovation.

Lisa Haar, the Chief of Staff at National Science Foundation, coordinates internal operations and facilitates communication across executive leadership teams. Managing the daily workflow of the directorate, the Chief of Staff ensures that organizational objectives remain synchronized with federal mandates. This role involves streamlining administrative processes to enhance the efficiency of research funding cycles. By optimizing internal protocols, Lisa Haar directly supports the agency capacity to process proposals from scientists and engineers nationwide. The Chief of Staff acts as a primary liaison between departments, resolving operational bottlenecks that impede progress. Through careful oversight of agency resources, the Chief of Staff maintains the integrity of internal governance structures. Ultimately, Haar drives the operational excellence required to sustain the mission of advancing science and engineering, ensuring that all internal functions contribute effectively to the broader goals of the organization.

David Riggs, the Chief Information Officer, Office of at National Science Foundation, architects the digital infrastructure required to support large-scale research data and administrative systems. Overseeing the technological landscape, the Chief Information Officer, Office of ensures that secure and scalable platforms facilitate the submission and evaluation of research proposals. This leadership role involves modernizing data management capabilities to accommodate the growing needs of the STEM workforce. By implementing advanced cybersecurity measures, David Riggs directly safeguards sensitive research information and agency assets. The Chief Information Officer, Office of collaborates with other executives to align digital transformation efforts with the broader mission of advancing science. Through the deployment of innovative software solutions, the Chief Information Officer, Office of enhances the accessibility of resources for students and educators. Ultimately, Riggs provides the technical foundation necessary for the agency to maintain its leadership in scientific discovery.

Brian Stone, the Chief of Staff & Director, Performing The Duties of The NSF at National Science Foundation, manages the executive office and provides leadership for agency-wide research programs. Overseeing the coordination of high-level policy initiatives, the Chief of Staff & Director, Performing The Duties of The NSF ensures that all departments remain focused on the core mission of advancing science and engineering. This role involves facilitating communication between the agency and external stakeholders, including educational institutions and research partners. By aligning operational activities with strategic goals, Brian Stone directly supports the development of the STEM workforce. The Chief of Staff & Director, Performing The Duties of The NSF works to resolve complex organizational challenges that arise during the implementation of new research programs. Through dedicated leadership, the Chief of Staff & Director, Performing The Duties of The NSF maintains the momentum of national scientific efforts. Ultimately, Stone ensures organizational success.

Judith Sunley, the Senior Advisor To the Director at National Science Foundation, provides expert guidance on scientific policy and research strategy to the agency leadership. Overseeing the development of long-term research frameworks, the Senior Advisor To the Director ensures that funding priorities reflect the most pressing needs in science and engineering. This role involves analyzing emerging trends in biotechnology and quantum science to inform future investment decisions. By offering strategic counsel, Judith Sunley directly influences the direction of national research initiatives. The Senior Advisor To the Director collaborates with other executive leaders to integrate diverse perspectives into the agency planning process. Through deep expertise in scientific administration, the Senior Advisor To the Director helps navigate the complexities of federal research funding. Ultimately, Sunley supports the agency mission by ensuring that strategic decisions remain grounded in rigorous scientific analysis and forward-thinking policy development.