National Science Foundation Executive and Leadership Team

Xiaoyan Wang, the Chief Executive Officer at National Science Foundation, directs the overarching strategy and operational framework for the agency. This leadership position involves setting the direction for scientific research funding and policy, ensuring alignment with the congressionally mandated mission to advance national health, prosperity, and welfare. Wang oversees the integration of diverse scientific disciplines, fostering collaboration and innovation across all NSF-supported endeavors. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to representing the agency's interests to Congress, the scientific community, and the public, driving the organization's impact and long-term vision. This role is critical in navigating the complex landscape of federal research funding and scientific discovery, ensuring the National Science Foundation remains at the forefront of global scientific progress. Xiaoyan Wang's strategic guidance shapes the agency's response to emerging scientific challenges and opportunities, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of American innovation.

Caitlyn Fife, the Chief Financial Officer at National Science Foundation, directs the agency's financial operations, ensuring fiscal responsibility and strategic resource allocation. This leadership role encompasses managing the federal budget, overseeing financial planning and analysis, and ensuring compliance with all relevant financial regulations and reporting requirements. Fife is responsible for developing financial strategies that support the NSF's mission to advance science and engineering, thereby contributing to national health, prosperity, and welfare. The Chief Financial Officer oversees accounting, auditing, and budget formulation processes, providing critical financial insights to guide executive decision-making. By maintaining robust financial controls and optimizing resource utilization, Caitlyn Fife ensures that federal investments in research yield maximum impact and foster groundbreaking discoveries. This executive function is vital for sustaining the agency's operational capacity and its commitment to scientific excellence.

Jesse Simons, the Deputy Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Office Head at National Science Foundation, supports the Chief Financial Officer in managing the agency's fiscal operations and financial integrity. This role involves assisting in the oversight of budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting, ensuring adherence to federal financial management standards. Simons contributes to the development and implementation of financial policies and procedures that underpin the NSF's mission to advance scientific research and innovation. The Deputy Deputy Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities include supporting audits, managing financial systems, and providing analytical support for strategic financial planning. By ensuring accurate financial data and efficient resource management, Jesse Simons plays a key part in enabling the agency to effectively fund scientific endeavors that promote national health, prosperity, and welfare. This position is integral to the robust functioning of the finance division.

Clyde Richards, the Chief Information Officer at National Science Foundation, architects and executes the agency's comprehensive information technology strategy. This involves ensuring the secure, efficient, and effective management of all IT infrastructure, systems, and data resources that support NSF's mission of advancing science and engineering. Richards oversees the development and implementation of digital tools and platforms essential for research administration, data analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration across the nation. The Chief Information Officer's purview includes safeguarding sensitive research data, promoting cybersecurity best practices, and driving digital transformation initiatives to enhance operational agility and scientific output. By optimizing technology investments, Clyde Richards enables researchers nationwide to access critical resources and collaborate seamlessly, directly contributing to the agency's goal of promoting national health, prosperity, and welfare through scientific discovery. This leadership role is pivotal in modernizing the agency's technological capabilities.

Lisa Vonder Haar, the Chief of Staff at National Science Foundation, provides direct support and strategic counsel to the agency's leadership, ensuring efficient operations and effective execution of directives. This role involves managing key initiatives, coordinating inter-departmental efforts, and streamlining communication channels across the organization. Vonder Haar oversees the strategic planning process, monitors progress on critical projects, and facilitates decision-making to advance the NSF's mission of promoting scientific progress. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities include managing the executive office, preparing briefings for leadership, and ensuring that agency priorities are translated into actionable plans. By optimizing internal processes and fostering cross-functional alignment, Lisa Vonder Haar enhances the agency's capacity to support national health, prosperity, and welfare through scientific innovation. This position is central to maintaining organizational coherence and driving strategic objectives.

David Riggs, the Chief Information Officer, Office of at National Science Foundation, leads the strategic direction and operational management of the agency's information technology resources. This executive function focuses on enhancing the technological infrastructure that supports scientific research, data management, and administrative processes across the NSF. Riggs oversees the implementation of advanced IT solutions, cybersecurity protocols, and data governance frameworks to ensure the integrity and accessibility of information critical to scientific advancement. The Chief Information Officer, Office of's responsibilities include fostering innovation in IT services, managing technology budgets, and ensuring that digital capabilities align with the agency's overarching mission to promote national health, prosperity, and welfare. By driving technological modernization, David Riggs empowers researchers and staff with the tools necessary for groundbreaking discoveries and efficient operations, reinforcing the NSF's role in global scientific leadership.

Brian Stone, the Chief of Staff & Director, Performing The Duties of The NSF at National Science Foundation, executes critical leadership functions and directs key operational aspects of the agency. This dual role involves managing high-priority initiatives, coordinating strategic planning, and ensuring the seamless execution of the NSF's mandate to advance science and engineering. Stone oversees the integration of policy directives with operational realities, facilitating effective decision-making and resource allocation to support national health, prosperity, and welfare. The Chief of Staff & Director's responsibilities include advising senior leadership, managing the executive office, and driving cross-functional collaboration to achieve agency objectives. By providing strategic oversight and operational direction, Brian Stone ensures the National Science Foundation effectively fulfills its mission, fostering innovation and scientific discovery across the United States and globally. This leadership position is central to the agency's effective governance and programmatic success.

Judith Sunley, the Senior Advisor To the Director at National Science Foundation, provides expert counsel and strategic guidance on critical scientific and policy matters. This role involves analyzing complex issues, developing recommendations, and supporting the Director in shaping the agency's strategic direction and operational priorities. Sunley contributes to advancing the NSF's mission to promote scientific progress, fostering innovation that enhances national health, prosperity, and welfare. The Senior Advisor's responsibilities include liaising with external stakeholders, evaluating emerging research trends, and advising on the implementation of key initiatives. By offering specialized insights and strategic perspectives, Judith Sunley plays a vital role in ensuring the National Science Foundation remains at the forefront of scientific discovery and effectively addresses national challenges through research and education. This advisory position is crucial for informed leadership and strategic foresight.