USGS Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

USGS has 10 executives leading key functions including administration, technology, operations, and policy.

Committed to rigorous scientific inquiry, USGS advances the understanding of natural resources and hazards across the United States through comprehensive landscape analysis and data-driven research initiatives.

Leadership Roles at USGS

  • Chief of Staff - Andrew Street
  • Chief Technology Officer - Alica Weitzman
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Joanne Taylor
  • Associate Chief Information Officer - Timothy Quinn
  • National Geospatial Technical Operations Center Chief of Staff - Ronald Lofton
  • Associate Chief Information Officer, Office of - David Newman
  • Interim Chief Information Officer - Keel Ross
  • Acting Chief of Staff for the Deputy Director of Administration and Policy - Jennifer Fox
  • Associate Chief Information Officer - Mary Swann
  • Solutions Architect & Associate Chief Information Officer, Usgs Office of The (Acio) - Thomas Burley
  • Andrew Street - Chief of Staff

    Andrew Street, the Chief of Staff at USGS, directs internal administrative workflows and coordinates cross-departmental communication to support the agency's scientific mission. By aligning executive priorities with long-term research goals, the Chief of Staff ensures that organizational resources remain focused on critical landscape studies and natural hazard assessments. Street manages the flow of information between senior leadership and operational teams, facilitating efficient decision-making processes across the Reston headquarters. This role involves overseeing the implementation of agency-wide policies that govern the study of natural resources. Through the optimization of internal structures, Andrew Street strengthens the capacity of the organization to respond to environmental challenges. The Chief of Staff maintains high standards of operational excellence, ensuring that all administrative functions directly contribute to the broader scientific objectives of the agency while fostering a culture of transparency and accountability throughout the federal workforce.

    Alica Weitzman - Chief Technology Officer

    Alica Weitzman, the Chief Technology Officer at USGS, architects the digital infrastructure required to process vast amounts of geological and environmental data. By integrating advanced computing solutions, the Chief Technology Officer enables scientists to model natural hazards and monitor resource distribution with greater precision. Weitzman oversees the deployment of scalable technology platforms that support the agency's mission-critical research across North American territories. This leadership role involves collaborating with technical teams to modernize data storage and analysis capabilities, ensuring that the organization remains at the forefront of scientific innovation. Alica Weitzman drives the adoption of emerging technologies to enhance the accessibility of geological findings for public and private stakeholders. By prioritizing robust cybersecurity and data integrity, the Chief Technology Officer protects the foundational information that informs national policy. Weitzman ensures that all technological investments align with the long-term strategic goals of the agency, ultimately accelerating the pace of scientific discovery.

    Joanne Taylor - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Joanne Taylor, the Deputy Chief of Staff at USGS, supports the execution of administrative strategies and facilitates the daily operations of the executive office. By managing complex scheduling and inter-agency coordination, the Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that leadership remains focused on the core mission of studying natural resources and hazards. Taylor oversees the implementation of internal protocols that streamline communication between various scientific departments and administrative units. This role involves analyzing operational data to identify areas for process improvement, thereby increasing the overall efficiency of the agency. Joanne Taylor works closely with the Chief of Staff to align departmental activities with the broader goals of the federal government. Through the careful management of organizational resources, the Deputy Chief of Staff maintains the stability of the agency's administrative framework. Taylor provides essential support for high-level decision-making, ensuring that all operational efforts contribute to the successful delivery of scientific research and public safety initiatives.

    Timothy Quinn - Associate Chief Information Officer

    Timothy Quinn, the Associate Chief Information Officer at USGS, manages the delivery of information technology services that underpin the agency's scientific research and data management efforts. By overseeing the maintenance of critical IT systems, the Associate Chief Information Officer ensures that researchers have reliable access to the tools necessary for analyzing natural hazards and resources. Quinn directs the implementation of enterprise-wide software solutions that facilitate the secure storage and sharing of geological data. This role involves coordinating with other technology leaders to align IT infrastructure with the evolving needs of the scientific community. Timothy Quinn monitors system performance and security protocols to prevent disruptions in the agency's data-intensive operations. By optimizing the digital environment, the Associate Chief Information Officer supports the agency's commitment to providing accurate and timely information to the public. Quinn ensures that all technology initiatives remain compliant with federal standards while fostering innovation in data processing and management.

    Ronald Lofton - National Geospatial Technical Operations Center Chief of Staff

    Ronald Lofton, the National Geospatial Technical Operations Center Chief of Staff at USGS, coordinates the operational activities of the center responsible for mapping and geospatial data production. By managing the administrative and technical workflows of the center, the Chief of Staff ensures that geospatial products meet the rigorous standards required for natural resource management and hazard assessment. Lofton oversees the allocation of resources to support large-scale mapping projects that cover diverse landscapes across the United States. This role involves facilitating collaboration between technical teams and external partners to ensure the accuracy and utility of geospatial data. Ronald Lofton drives the implementation of operational strategies that enhance the efficiency of data collection and processing. By maintaining a focus on technical excellence, the Chief of Staff supports the agency's ability to provide critical spatial information for decision-makers. Lofton ensures that the center's operations remain aligned with the broader scientific and strategic objectives of the organization.

    David Newman - Associate Chief Information Officer, Office of

    David Newman, the Associate Chief Information Officer, Office of at USGS, leads the strategic planning and governance of information technology initiatives within the office. By defining the standards for data management and system architecture, the Associate Chief Information Officer ensures that the agency's digital assets are organized and accessible for scientific analysis. Newman oversees the development of policies that govern the use of technology in the study of natural resources and hazards. This role involves working with cross-functional teams to integrate new digital tools into existing research workflows. David Newman monitors the effectiveness of IT governance frameworks to ensure compliance with federal regulations and internal quality standards. By providing leadership in the digital domain, the Associate Chief Information Officer supports the agency's mission to deliver high-quality scientific information. Newman facilitates the alignment of technology investments with the long-term research goals of the organization, ensuring that all digital infrastructure remains robust and capable of supporting complex scientific inquiries.

    Keel Ross - Interim Chief Information Officer

    Keel Ross, the Interim Chief Information Officer at USGS, provides executive leadership for the agency's information technology strategy during a period of transition. By overseeing the entire IT portfolio, the Interim Chief Information Officer ensures the continuity of critical systems that support the study of natural resources and hazards. Ross manages the prioritization of technology projects, ensuring that resources are directed toward the most impactful scientific and administrative needs. This role involves engaging with senior leadership to align IT capabilities with the agency's overarching mission. Keel Ross maintains the stability of the digital environment while identifying opportunities for modernization and efficiency. By fostering a culture of technical excellence, the Interim Chief Information Officer supports the agency's commitment to data-driven research. Ross ensures that all technology operations remain secure and compliant with federal requirements, providing a solid foundation for the continued success of the organization's scientific programs and public service initiatives.

    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, coordinates the administrative and policy-related activities that support the agency's leadership. By managing the flow of information and policy directives, the Acting Chief of Staff ensures that the Deputy Director's office operates efficiently and effectively. Fox oversees the development and implementation of administrative policies that guide the agency's scientific and operational functions. This role involves collaborating with various departments to ensure that policy decisions are well-informed and aligned with the agency's mission. Jennifer Fox facilitates communication between the executive office and internal stakeholders, ensuring that strategic goals are clearly understood and pursued. By managing the administrative workload, the Acting Chief of Staff allows the Deputy Director to focus on high-level policy and strategic initiatives. Fox maintains the integrity of the agency's administrative processes, ensuring that all actions support the broader goals of the organization.

    Mary Swann - Associate Chief Information Officer

    Mary Swann, the Associate Chief Information Officer at USGS, leads the implementation of data management strategies that enhance the agency's ability to analyze and share scientific information. By overseeing the development of data governance policies, the Associate Chief Information Officer ensures that all geological and environmental data remains accurate, secure, and accessible. Swann directs the integration of advanced data analytics tools into the agency's research workflows, enabling scientists to derive deeper insights from complex datasets. This role involves collaborating with other IT leaders to build a resilient digital infrastructure that supports the agency's mission. Mary Swann monitors the performance of data systems to ensure they meet the needs of researchers and the public. By prioritizing data quality and accessibility, the Associate Chief Information Officer supports the agency's commitment to transparency and scientific excellence. Swann ensures that all technology initiatives contribute to the long-term success of the organization's research programs.

    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 the agency to conduct complex scientific research. By architecting scalable solutions, the Solutions Architect & Associate Chief Information Officer, Usgs Office of The (Acio) ensures that the agency's IT infrastructure can handle the demands of large-scale data analysis and modeling. Burley oversees the selection and integration of software and hardware components that support the agency's mission-critical operations. This role involves working with technical teams to develop innovative solutions for data storage, processing, and visualization. Thomas Burley monitors the effectiveness of these technical frameworks to ensure they remain aligned with the agency's scientific goals. By providing expert guidance on technology architecture, the Solutions Architect & Associate Chief Information Officer, Usgs Office of The (Acio) supports the agency's ability to provide accurate information about natural resources and hazards. Burley ensures that all technical investments are sustainable and capable of supporting future research needs.

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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 Joanne Taylor (Deputy Chief of Staff).
    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), Joanne Taylor (Deputy Chief of Staff) 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, Deputy Chief of Staff, Associate Chief Information Officer, National Geospatial Technical Operations Center Chief of Staff.