USGS Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

USGS has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, information management, operations, and regional oversight.

Dedicated to understanding the Earth, USGS advances scientific knowledge to address national challenges related to natural resources and hazards, driving informed decision-making through rigorous research and data dissemination.

Leadership Roles at USGS

  • Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Water Resources - Nathaniel Booth
  • Chief of Staff - Andrew Street
  • Chief Technology Officer - Alica Weitzman
  • Chief of Staff & Regional Director, Office of Midcontinent (Interior Region 3 & 5) - Kaleb Blodgett
  • Interim Chief Information Officer - Keel Ross
  • Associate Chief Information Officer - Mary Swann
  • Solutions Architect & Associate Chief Information Officer, Usgs Office of The (Acio) - Thomas Burley
  • Chief of Staff - Energy and Minerals - Kendra Russell
  • Associate Chief Information Officer - Timothy Quinn
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Joanne Taylor
  • Nathaniel Booth - Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Water Resources

    Nathaniel Booth, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Water Resources at USGS, oversees critical operational aspects of the agency's water resource programs. Booth ensures the effective management and dissemination of data related to the United States' water systems, supporting scientific understanding of hydrological cycles and water availability. This leadership role involves optimizing operational efficiency and resource allocation within water resource studies, directly impacting the agency's ability to address water-related hazards and resource management challenges. By driving operational excellence, Nathaniel Booth enhances USGS's capacity to provide essential scientific insights for national water security and environmental sustainability.

    Andrew Street - Chief of Staff

    Andrew Street, the Chief of Staff at USGS, directs strategic initiatives and operational alignment across key departments. Street ensures the effective execution of agency-wide priorities, translating high-level objectives into actionable plans for scientific research and resource management. This leadership position involves coordinating inter-departmental efforts to enhance the agency's impact on understanding the United States' landscape, natural resources, and hazards. By optimizing internal processes and fostering collaboration, Andrew Street drives efficiency and supports the USGS mission of providing reliable scientific data to the nation. The role demands a comprehensive understanding of the agency's scientific endeavors and operational frameworks, ensuring seamless integration of diverse research activities.

    Alica Weitzman - Chief Technology Officer

    Alica Weitzman, the Chief Technology Officer at USGS, architects the agency's technological infrastructure and digital transformation strategies. Weitzman spearheads the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to support scientific data collection, analysis, and dissemination, ensuring USGS remains at the forefront of geospatial and earth science innovation. This critical role involves overseeing the development and implementation of robust IT systems that enable researchers to study the nation's landscapes, resources, and natural hazards. By driving technological advancements, Alica Weitzman enhances the agency's capacity to deliver timely and accurate scientific insights, directly contributing to informed decision-making for resource management and hazard mitigation across the United States.

    Kaleb Blodgett - Chief of Staff & Regional Director, Office of Midcontinent (Interior Region 3 & 5)

    Kaleb Blodgett, the Chief of Staff & Regional Director, Office of Midcontinent (Interior Region 3 & 5) at USGS, directs strategic operations and scientific endeavors within a significant geographic area. Blodgett ensures the effective implementation of USGS research priorities, focusing on the unique geological and hydrological characteristics of the Midcontinent region. This dual role involves both high-level strategic planning and direct oversight of regional scientific activities, including the study of landscapes, natural resources, and hazards pertinent to Interior Regions 3 and 5. By aligning regional efforts with national scientific objectives, Kaleb Blodgett enhances the agency's ability to address critical environmental and resource challenges across these vital areas of the United States.

    Keel Ross - Interim Chief Information Officer

    Keel Ross, the Interim Chief Information Officer at USGS, provides critical leadership for the agency's information technology systems and data management strategies. Ross ensures the integrity, security, and accessibility of vast scientific datasets, supporting the USGS mission to study the United States' landscapes, resources, and hazards. This interim leadership role focuses on maintaining operational continuity and advancing IT infrastructure to meet evolving scientific demands. By overseeing the technological backbone of the agency, Keel Ross facilitates efficient data analysis and dissemination, enabling scientists to deliver crucial insights for resource management and hazard preparedness nationwide.

    Mary Swann - Associate Chief Information Officer

    Mary Swann, the Associate Chief Information Officer at USGS, supports the strategic direction and operational execution of the agency's information technology initiatives. Swann collaborates with the Chief Information Officer to enhance data security, system reliability, and technological innovation across USGS operations. This role is pivotal in ensuring that the agency's IT infrastructure effectively supports the scientific study of the United States' landscapes, natural resources, and hazards. By focusing on the practical application of technology, Mary Swann contributes to the efficient management and dissemination of critical scientific information, bolstering the agency's capacity to address national environmental challenges.

    Thomas Burley - Solutions Architect & Associate Chief Information Officer, Usgs Office of The (Acio)

    Thomas Burley, the Solutions Architect & Associate Chief Information Officer, Usgs Office of The (Acio) at USGS, designs and implements advanced technological solutions to support the agency's scientific objectives. Burley focuses on architecting scalable and secure IT systems that enable the comprehensive study of the United States' landscapes, natural resources, and hazards. This role bridges technical expertise with strategic information management, ensuring that USGS researchers have access to the tools and platforms necessary for cutting-edge analysis and data dissemination. By developing innovative solutions, Thomas Burley directly enhances the agency's capacity to provide critical scientific insights for national resource management and hazard mitigation efforts.

    Kendra Russell - Chief of Staff - Energy and Minerals

    Kendra Russell, the Chief of Staff - Energy and Minerals at USGS, directs strategic initiatives and operational coordination within the energy and minerals sectors. Russell ensures the effective execution of research programs focused on the United States' geological resources, contributing to sustainable energy development and mineral resource management. This leadership position involves aligning scientific efforts with national energy policies and industry needs, facilitating the study of landscapes and resource potential. By optimizing internal processes and fostering inter-agency collaboration, Kendra Russell drives the advancement of knowledge critical for the responsible stewardship and utilization of the nation's energy and mineral wealth.

    Timothy Quinn - Associate Chief Information Officer

    Timothy Quinn, the Associate Chief Information Officer at USGS, collaborates on the strategic development and implementation of the agency's information technology infrastructure. Quinn supports efforts to enhance data management, cybersecurity, and technological capabilities, ensuring robust support for USGS scientific missions. This role is integral to maintaining the operational integrity of systems used for studying the United States' diverse landscapes, natural resources, and hazards. By contributing to the modernization and security of IT systems, Timothy Quinn ensures that scientific data is reliably collected, processed, and disseminated, empowering informed decision-making across the nation.

    Joanne Taylor - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Joanne Taylor, the Deputy Chief of Staff at USGS, supports the Chief of Staff in executing strategic priorities and managing day-to-day operations across the agency. Taylor facilitates cross-functional collaboration and ensures the efficient implementation of directives related to scientific research and resource management. This position is crucial for maintaining organizational coherence and driving progress on initiatives aimed at understanding the United States' landscapes, natural resources, and hazards. By providing essential operational support and coordinating key activities, Joanne Taylor strengthens the agency's capacity to deliver vital scientific information and address national environmental challenges.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding USGS Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads USGS?
    USGS is led by Nathaniel Booth (Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Water Resources), along with executives such as Andrew Street (Chief of Staff) and Alica Weitzman (Chief Technology Officer).
    Who is part of USGS’s executive team?
    The executive team of USGS includes leaders such as Nathaniel Booth (Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Water Resources), Andrew Street (Chief of Staff), Alica Weitzman (Chief Technology Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does USGS have?
    USGS has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in USGS’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of USGS includes roles such as Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Water Resources, Chief of Staff, Chief Technology Officer, Chief of Staff & Regional Director, Office of Midcontinent (Interior Region 3 & 5), Interim Chief Information Officer.