USGS Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

USGS has 10 executives leading key functions including administrative operations, technological infrastructure, water resource management, and geospatial data analysis.

Committed to advancing scientific understanding of the American landscape, USGS delivers critical data on natural resources and hazards to support informed decision-making across the nation.

Leadership Roles at USGS

  • Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Water Resources - Nathaniel Booth
  • Chief of Staff - Adrienne Bartlewitz
  • 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
  • Chief of Staff - Energy and Minerals - Kendra Russell
  • Solutions Architect & Associate Chief Information Officer, Usgs Office of The (Acio) - Thomas Burley
  • Associate Chief Information Officer - Mary Swann
  • Associate Chief Information Officer, Office of - David Newman
  • National Geospatial Technical Operations Center Chief of Staff - Ronald Lofton
  • Nathaniel Booth - Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Water Resources

    Nathaniel Booth, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Water Resources at USGS, manages the operational framework for national water monitoring programs. Booth oversees the deployment of sensor networks and data collection protocols that track hydrological conditions across the United States. By coordinating with regional offices, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Water Resources ensures that critical water data reaches stakeholders and policymakers in a timely manner. Nathaniel Booth drives the implementation of standardized methodologies for assessing water quality and availability, which are essential for managing natural resources. This leadership position involves balancing operational demands with scientific rigor to maintain the integrity of hydrological research. Through the optimization of field operations and data management systems, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Water Resources supports the agency's commitment to public safety and environmental health. Booth maintains a focus on scaling monitoring efforts to address emerging water challenges.

    Adrienne Bartlewitz - Chief of Staff

    Adrienne Bartlewitz, the Chief of Staff at USGS, coordinates high-level administrative functions to ensure organizational alignment with federal scientific mandates. Bartlewitz manages internal communications and streamlines executive decision-making processes to support the agency's mission of monitoring natural resources. By facilitating collaboration between various scientific divisions, the Chief of Staff optimizes resource allocation and operational efficiency across the Reston headquarters. Adrienne Bartlewitz maintains rigorous oversight of policy implementation, ensuring that all departmental activities adhere to government standards. This leadership role involves bridging the gap between technical research teams and executive leadership to foster a cohesive environment. Through strategic planning and administrative precision, the Chief of Staff drives the agency toward achieving long-term research goals while maintaining fiscal responsibility. The Chief of Staff remains focused on enhancing the overall effectiveness of the scientific workforce.

    Alica Weitzman - Chief Technology Officer

    Alica Weitzman, the Chief Technology Officer at USGS, directs the development and deployment of advanced scientific computing platforms. Weitzman oversees the integration of complex data systems that enable researchers to analyze natural hazards and landscape changes with high precision. By architecting scalable digital infrastructure, the Chief Technology Officer supports the agency's capacity to process vast amounts of environmental data. Alica Weitzman collaborates with cross-functional teams to modernize legacy systems, ensuring that technological capabilities remain at the forefront of federal scientific research. This role involves evaluating emerging technologies to improve data accessibility and security across all regional operations. Through the implementation of robust software solutions, the Chief Technology Officer facilitates seamless information sharing among scientists. Weitzman ensures that the technological framework provides a reliable foundation for critical environmental monitoring and resource management initiatives.

    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, manages administrative and scientific operations across the central United States. Blodgett oversees regional research initiatives, ensuring that local environmental studies align with national agency priorities. By coordinating with field teams, the Chief of Staff & Regional Director, Office of Midcontinent (Interior Region 3 & 5) facilitates the efficient execution of geological and biological surveys. Kaleb Blodgett drives regional engagement strategies that connect scientific findings with local resource management needs. This role involves managing complex logistics and personnel to support ongoing monitoring of natural hazards within the midcontinent region. Through strategic oversight of regional assets, the Chief of Staff & Regional Director, Office of Midcontinent (Interior Region 3 & 5) ensures that scientific data remains actionable for regional stakeholders. Blodgett maintains a focus on operational excellence and regional scientific impact.

    Keel Ross - Interim Chief Information Officer

    Keel Ross, the Interim Chief Information Officer at USGS, manages the agency's information technology strategy and digital transformation efforts. Ross oversees the maintenance of secure data networks that support the storage and dissemination of critical scientific information. By directing IT policy and infrastructure upgrades, the Interim Chief Information Officer ensures that researchers have reliable access to the computational tools necessary for environmental analysis. Keel Ross coordinates with executive leadership to align information systems with the broader mission of the agency. This role involves mitigating cybersecurity risks and optimizing data management practices to protect sensitive geological and resource-related information. Through the implementation of modern IT governance, the Interim Chief Information Officer facilitates efficient collaboration across all scientific departments. Ross maintains a focus on building a resilient digital environment that supports the agency's long-term research objectives and public service mandates.

    Kendra Russell - Chief of Staff - Energy and Minerals

    Kendra Russell, the Chief of Staff - Energy and Minerals at USGS, coordinates administrative and strategic operations for the energy and mineral resources division. Russell oversees the planning and execution of research programs focused on identifying and assessing the nation's mineral and energy potential. By facilitating communication between scientific teams and executive leadership, the Chief of Staff - Energy and Minerals ensures that research projects remain aligned with national resource priorities. Kendra Russell manages operational workflows to support the timely delivery of geological assessments and data reports. This leadership role involves optimizing resource allocation to maximize the impact of energy and mineral research. Through the coordination of cross-departmental efforts, the Chief of Staff - Energy and Minerals drives the agency's ability to provide accurate information on critical resource availability. Russell maintains a focus on operational efficiency and the strategic advancement of geological science.

    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 complex technical solutions to support scientific data processing. Burley oversees the architecture of information systems that enable the agency to manage large-scale environmental datasets. By integrating advanced software and hardware solutions, the Solutions Architect & Associate Chief Information Officer, Usgs Office of The (Acio) ensures that the IT infrastructure meets the rigorous demands of geological research. Thomas Burley collaborates with technical teams to develop scalable platforms that enhance data accessibility and analytical capabilities. This role involves evaluating system performance and identifying opportunities for technological innovation to improve research outcomes. Through the strategic design of information systems, the Solutions Architect & Associate Chief Information Officer, Usgs Office of The (Acio) supports the agency's mission of providing high-quality scientific data. Burley maintains a focus on technical excellence and system reliability.

    Mary Swann - Associate Chief Information Officer

    Mary Swann, the Associate Chief Information Officer at USGS, manages specific portfolios within the agency's information technology division to support scientific operations. Swann oversees the implementation of digital tools that facilitate the collection and analysis of environmental data. By coordinating with technical staff, the Associate Chief Information Officer ensures that IT projects are delivered on time and meet the needs of the scientific community. Mary Swann drives the adoption of modern data management practices to improve the efficiency of research workflows. This role involves managing IT resources and ensuring compliance with federal security standards. Through the oversight of key information systems, the Associate Chief Information Officer supports the agency's ability to monitor natural resources and hazards effectively. Swann maintains a focus on enhancing the digital capabilities of the workforce and ensuring that information technology remains a robust foundation for scientific discovery.

    David Newman - Associate Chief Information Officer, Office of

    David Newman, the Associate Chief Information Officer, Office of at USGS, directs administrative and operational functions within the information technology office. Newman oversees the management of IT assets and personnel to ensure the smooth operation of the agency's digital infrastructure. By coordinating with other IT leaders, the Associate Chief Information Officer, Office of facilitates the alignment of technology initiatives with the agency's scientific goals. David Newman drives the development of internal processes that improve the delivery of IT services to researchers and staff. This role involves managing budgets and operational planning to support the long-term sustainability of the agency's information systems. Through the oversight of administrative and technical operations, the Associate Chief Information Officer, Office of ensures that the IT department remains responsive to the needs of the organization. Newman maintains a focus on operational efficiency and the effective management of technological resources.

    Ronald Lofton - National Geospatial Technical Operations Center Chief of Staff

    Ronald Lofton, the National Geospatial Technical Operations Center Chief of Staff at USGS, coordinates administrative and operational activities for the agency's geospatial data production. Lofton oversees the planning and execution of mapping initiatives that provide critical landscape data for the nation. By facilitating communication between technical teams and management, the National Geospatial Technical Operations Center Chief of Staff ensures that geospatial projects align with national standards. Ronald Lofton manages operational workflows to support the efficient production and distribution of high-quality geospatial information. This leadership role involves optimizing resource allocation to enhance the agency's mapping capabilities. Through the coordination of cross-functional efforts, the National Geospatial Technical Operations Center Chief of Staff drives the agency's ability to provide accurate and timely geospatial data for resource management. Lofton maintains a focus on operational excellence and the strategic advancement of geospatial technology.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Federal

    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 Adrienne Bartlewitz (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), Adrienne Bartlewitz (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.