USGS Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

USGS has 10 executives leading key functions including administration, technology, energy research, and regional operations.

Committed to rigorous scientific inquiry, USGS advances the understanding of natural resources and hazards to protect the nation through comprehensive landscape analysis and data-driven environmental monitoring.

Leadership Roles at USGS

  • Chief of Staff - Andrew Street
  • Chief Technology Officer - Alica Weitzman
  • Chief of Staff - Energy and Minerals - Kendra Russell
  • Associate Chief Information Officer - Mary Swann
  • Solutions Architect & Associate Chief Information Officer, Usgs Office of The (Acio) - Thomas Burley
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Taylor Joanne
  • Acting Chief of Staff for the Deputy Director of Administration and Policy - Jennifer Fox
  • Associate Chief Information Officer, Office of - David Newman
  • Chief of Staff & Regional Director, Office of Midcontinent (Interior Region 3 & 5) - Kaleb Blodgett
  • Chief Marketing Officer & Cola Observer - Charles Owolabi
  • Andrew Street - Chief of Staff

    Andrew Street, the Chief of Staff at USGS, directs internal operations and coordinates cross-departmental initiatives to ensure scientific objectives align with federal mandates. Managing the daily workflow of the executive office, the Chief of Staff facilitates communication between senior leadership and research divisions. This role involves streamlining administrative processes to support the agency's mission of monitoring natural hazards and resources across the United States. By optimizing resource allocation, Andrew Street enhances the efficiency of scientific data collection efforts. The Chief of Staff maintains rigorous standards for organizational performance, ensuring that all internal policies support the broader goals of the agency. Through constant collaboration with department heads, the Chief of Staff drives operational excellence, allowing the organization to respond effectively to environmental challenges while maintaining the highest levels of scientific integrity and public service accountability.

    Alica Weitzman - Chief Technology Officer

    Alica Weitzman, the Chief Technology Officer at USGS, architects the digital infrastructure necessary for processing vast amounts of geological and environmental data. Overseeing the modernization of computational systems, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that scientists possess the tools required for advanced landscape modeling and resource assessment. This leadership position involves integrating cloud-based solutions to improve data accessibility for researchers across the country. By implementing robust cybersecurity protocols, Alica Weitzman protects critical national information assets from emerging digital threats. The Chief Technology Officer collaborates with technical teams to deploy scalable platforms that support real-time hazard monitoring. Through the strategic application of emerging technologies, the Chief Technology Officer accelerates the pace of scientific discovery, enabling the agency to provide timely insights into natural phenomena that impact the safety and economic stability of the United States.

    Kendra Russell - Chief of Staff - Energy and Minerals

    Kendra Russell, the Chief of Staff - Energy and Minerals at USGS, manages the strategic operations of the division focused on the nation's natural resource inventory. Coordinating research priorities, the Chief of Staff - Energy and Minerals ensures that scientific investigations into mineral deposits and energy potential remain aligned with federal policy requirements. This role involves overseeing the integration of geological data into actionable reports for policymakers and industry stakeholders. By facilitating communication between field researchers and administrative leadership, Kendra Russell optimizes the delivery of critical resource assessments. The Chief of Staff - Energy and Minerals drives initiatives that improve the accuracy of national resource mapping, supporting sustainable development goals. Through meticulous oversight of project timelines and budgetary requirements, the Chief of Staff - Energy and Minerals secures the operational success of complex geological studies that define the future of domestic energy and mineral security.

    Mary Swann - Associate Chief Information Officer

    Mary Swann, the Associate Chief Information Officer at USGS, directs the implementation of enterprise-wide information technology strategies that support scientific data management. Overseeing the lifecycle of digital assets, the Associate Chief Information Officer ensures that research teams maintain seamless access to high-performance computing environments. This leadership role involves managing the deployment of data storage solutions that accommodate the massive datasets generated by geological surveys. By standardizing IT governance, Mary Swann improves the reliability of information systems used for hazard detection and environmental monitoring. The Associate Chief Information Officer collaborates with other technology leaders to refine the agency's digital roadmap, focusing on long-term scalability and data integrity. Through the execution of these technical initiatives, the Associate Chief Information Officer supports the agency's capacity to deliver accurate, science-based information to the public and government partners across the entire United States.

    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 the technical frameworks that enable complex scientific data integration. Focusing on the architecture of information systems, the Solutions Architect & Associate Chief Information Officer, Usgs Office of The (Acio) ensures that software solutions meet the unique demands of geological research and hazard analysis. This role involves evaluating new technologies to enhance the efficiency of data processing pipelines. By bridging the gap between technical requirements and scientific objectives, Thomas Burley facilitates the development of innovative tools for environmental monitoring. The Solutions Architect & Associate Chief Information Officer, Usgs Office of The (Acio) manages the deployment of robust systems that support the agency's mission-critical operations. Through the creation of scalable technical environments, the Solutions Architect & Associate Chief Information Officer, Usgs Office of The (Acio) drives the modernization of the agency's digital infrastructure.

    Taylor Joanne - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Taylor Joanne, the Deputy Chief of Staff at USGS, supports the execution of administrative priorities and organizational development initiatives. Assisting in the management of daily operations, the Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that departmental goals remain synchronized with the agency's overarching scientific mission. This role involves coordinating internal communications and facilitating meetings that drive decision-making processes. By monitoring the progress of key projects, Taylor Joanne helps maintain operational momentum across various research divisions. The Deputy Chief of Staff works closely with leadership to address logistical challenges, ensuring that resources are directed toward high-impact environmental studies. Through the implementation of efficient administrative workflows, the Deputy Chief of Staff enhances the overall productivity of the agency. This leadership position requires a deep understanding of organizational dynamics to foster a collaborative environment that supports the critical work of scientists studying the landscape of the United States.

    Jennifer Fox - Acting Chief of Staff for the Deputy Director of Administration and Policy

    Jennifer Fox, the Acting Chief of Staff for the Deputy Director of Administration and Policy at USGS, oversees the administrative framework that governs agency policy and regulatory compliance. Managing the flow of information to the Deputy Director, the Acting Chief of Staff for the Deputy Director of Administration and Policy ensures that all policy decisions reflect current scientific data and federal requirements. This role involves coordinating with legal and administrative teams to refine internal guidelines that support the agency's mission. By facilitating strategic planning sessions, Jennifer Fox helps align administrative functions with the long-term goals of the organization. The Acting Chief of Staff for the Deputy Director of Administration and Policy drives the development of policies that improve the transparency and effectiveness of scientific research. Through rigorous oversight of administrative processes, the Acting Chief of Staff for the Deputy Director of Administration and Policy ensures that the agency operates with maximum efficiency.

    David Newman - Associate Chief Information Officer, Office of

    David Newman, the Associate Chief Information Officer, Office of at USGS, manages the operational aspects of the information technology division, focusing on service delivery and infrastructure maintenance. Overseeing the support teams that maintain critical research systems, the Associate Chief Information Officer, Office of ensures that scientists experience minimal downtime during data-intensive projects. This role involves optimizing the performance of network resources that connect regional offices across the country. By implementing service-level agreements, David Newman improves the responsiveness of IT support for all agency personnel. The Associate Chief Information Officer, Office of collaborates with other technology leaders to ensure that hardware and software assets remain current and secure. Through the management of these essential technical services, the Associate Chief Information Officer, Office of supports the agency's ability to conduct continuous monitoring of natural resources and hazards, providing a stable foundation for all scientific activities.

    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 scientific operations and administrative oversight for the midcontinent region. Managing regional research priorities, the Chief of Staff & Regional Director, Office of Midcontinent (Interior Region 3 & 5) ensures that local environmental studies contribute to the national understanding of natural resources. This role involves coordinating with regional stakeholders to address specific geological challenges unique to the midcontinent area. By overseeing the deployment of field teams, Kaleb Blodgett ensures that data collection efforts remain consistent with agency standards. The Chief of Staff & Regional Director, Office of Midcontinent (Interior Region 3 & 5) drives regional initiatives that improve hazard preparedness and resource management. Through the integration of regional expertise into national strategies, the Chief of Staff & Regional Director, Office of Midcontinent (Interior Region 3 & 5) strengthens the agency's impact across the central United States.

    Charles Owolabi - Chief Marketing Officer & Cola Observer

    Charles Owolabi, the Chief Marketing Officer & Cola Observer at USGS, directs the communication strategies that translate complex scientific findings into accessible information for the public and policymakers. Overseeing the dissemination of research reports, the Chief Marketing Officer & Cola Observer ensures that the agency's contributions to environmental safety receive appropriate visibility. This role involves managing outreach programs that highlight the importance of geological surveys in protecting natural resources. By developing clear messaging frameworks, Charles Owolabi enhances the public's understanding of natural hazards and the agency's role in mitigation. The Chief Marketing Officer & Cola Observer collaborates with scientific teams to produce educational content that supports the agency's mission. Through the strategic use of digital and traditional media, the Chief Marketing Officer & Cola Observer drives engagement with stakeholders, ensuring that the vital work performed by the agency remains a priority for the nation.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding USGS Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads USGS?
    USGS is led by Andrew Street (Chief of Staff), along with executives such as Alica Weitzman (Chief Technology Officer) and Kendra Russell (Chief of Staff - Energy and Minerals).
    Who is part of USGS’s executive team?
    The executive team of USGS includes leaders such as Andrew Street (Chief of Staff), Alica Weitzman (Chief Technology Officer), Kendra Russell (Chief of Staff - Energy and Minerals) 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 Chief of Staff, Chief Technology Officer, Chief of Staff - Energy and Minerals, Associate Chief Information Officer, Solutions Architect & Associate Chief Information Officer, Usgs Office of The (Acio).