USGS Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

USGS has 10 executives leading key functions including administration, geospatial operations, water resources, information technology, and regional management.

Focused on scientific integrity and landscape analysis, USGS advances the understanding of natural resources and hazards to protect the nation through rigorous research and data-driven policy.

Leadership Roles at USGS

  • Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Water Resources - Nathaniel Booth
  • Chief of Staff - Judy Nowakowski
  • National Geospatial Technical Operations Center Chief of Staff - Ronald Lofton
  • Associate Chief Information Officer - Timothy Quinn
  • 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
  • Associate Chief Information Officer - Mary Swann
  • Interim Chief Information Officer - Keel Ross
  • Nathaniel Booth - Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Water Resources

    Nathaniel Booth, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Water Resources at USGS, manages the strategic deployment of resources dedicated to monitoring the nation's water supply and quality. Booth oversees the implementation of hydrological research programs that track water availability across diverse geographic regions. By aligning operational goals with scientific requirements, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Water Resources ensures that data collection efforts remain consistent and reliable. This leadership position involves managing complex budgets and personnel allocations to support long-term water resource assessments. Nathaniel Booth drives initiatives that improve the accuracy of flood forecasting and drought monitoring systems. Through the coordination of regional water studies, Booth strengthens the agency's ability to provide actionable intelligence on critical natural resources. The Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Water Resources maintains a focus on operational efficiency to maximize the impact of hydrological research on national policy.

    Judy Nowakowski - Chief of Staff

    Judy Nowakowski, the Chief of Staff at USGS, coordinates internal operations and aligns administrative workflows with the agency's scientific mission. Nowakowski manages high-level communications between departments to ensure the seamless execution of research initiatives across the United States. By streamlining organizational processes, the Chief of Staff facilitates efficient resource allocation for landscape studies and natural hazard assessments. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the directorate to refine operational strategies and maintain institutional focus on critical geological data. Through the implementation of standardized management protocols, Judy Nowakowski optimizes the internal environment for scientific discovery. Nowakowski maintains a rigorous standard for administrative excellence, ensuring that all agency functions support the broader goal of providing objective, reliable information about the earth. The Chief of Staff remains central to the operational success of the organization.

    Ronald Lofton - National Geospatial Technical Operations Center Chief of Staff

    Ronald Lofton, the National Geospatial Technical Operations Center Chief of Staff at USGS, directs the technical infrastructure required for advanced mapping and geospatial analysis. Lofton oversees the integration of complex data sets that define the physical landscape of the nation. By managing the operational output of the center, the National Geospatial Technical Operations Center Chief of Staff ensures that scientists possess the tools necessary for accurate resource monitoring. This role involves coordinating large-scale technical projects that support national hazard mitigation efforts. Ronald Lofton drives the adoption of innovative geospatial technologies to enhance the precision of geological surveys. Through the oversight of technical operations, Lofton maintains the integrity of the agency's mapping capabilities. The National Geospatial Technical Operations Center Chief of Staff provides the foundational support required for the agency to deliver high-quality spatial data to government stakeholders and the public.

    Timothy Quinn - Associate Chief Information Officer

    Timothy Quinn, the Associate Chief Information Officer at USGS, architects the digital framework necessary for managing vast quantities of scientific data. Quinn oversees the modernization of information systems to support the agency's research into natural hazards and landscape changes. By directing the implementation of secure data storage and processing solutions, the Associate Chief Information Officer ensures that critical information remains accessible to researchers and the public. This role involves collaborating with other technology leaders to maintain robust cybersecurity protocols across all digital platforms. Timothy Quinn drives the adoption of cloud-based infrastructure to improve the scalability of scientific computing. Through the management of information technology assets, Quinn supports the agency's mission to provide objective geological data. The Associate Chief Information Officer ensures that the technological foundation of the organization remains resilient against evolving digital threats and data demands.

    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, manages the administrative and policy-driven initiatives that guide the agency's strategic direction. Fox oversees the development of internal policies that govern how scientific research is conducted and disseminated. By facilitating communication between the deputy director and various departments, the Acting Chief of Staff for the Deputy Director of Administration and Policy ensures that organizational goals remain aligned with federal mandates. This leadership role involves analyzing policy impacts on natural resource management and hazard mitigation programs. Jennifer Fox drives the implementation of administrative reforms that enhance the efficiency of the agency's operations. Through the coordination of policy reviews, Fox supports the agency's commitment to scientific integrity and transparency. The Acting Chief of Staff for the Deputy Director of Administration and Policy maintains a focus on long-term strategic planning.

    David Newman - Associate Chief Information Officer, Office of

    David Newman, the Associate Chief Information Officer, Office of at USGS, directs the strategic planning of information systems within the office of the CIO. Newman oversees the integration of specialized software tools that enable scientists to analyze complex geological data. By managing the lifecycle of information technology projects, the Associate Chief Information Officer, Office of ensures that the agency maintains a competitive edge in data processing capabilities. This role involves coordinating with cross-functional teams to implement digital solutions that improve the efficiency of landscape monitoring. David Newman drives the development of data governance frameworks that protect the integrity of scientific findings. Through the oversight of office-level technology initiatives, Newman supports the broader mission of providing accurate information about natural resources. The Associate Chief Information Officer, Office of ensures that all digital tools are optimized for the specific needs of the agency's research programs.

    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 regional operations and administrative functions across the midcontinent territory. Blodgett oversees the execution of scientific research programs that address the specific geological and resource challenges of the region. By coordinating with local stakeholders and federal partners, the Chief of Staff & Regional Director, Office of Midcontinent (Interior Region 3 & 5) ensures that regional activities align with national agency priorities. This leadership role involves managing personnel and resources to support ongoing studies of natural hazards and land use. Kaleb Blodgett drives the implementation of regional strategies that enhance the agency's presence and impact. Through the oversight of regional operations, Blodgett maintains a focus on delivering high-quality scientific data to support local and national decision-making. The Chief of Staff & Regional Director, Office of Midcontinent (Interior Region 3 & 5) ensures operational success.

    Charles Owolabi - Chief Marketing Officer & Cola Observer

    Charles Owolabi, the Chief Marketing Officer & Cola Observer at USGS, directs the communication strategies that promote the agency's scientific findings to the public and government entities. Owolabi oversees the development of outreach programs that highlight the importance of natural resource management and hazard awareness. By managing the agency's public image, the Chief Marketing Officer & Cola Observer ensures that scientific data is communicated clearly and effectively to diverse audiences. This role involves coordinating with research teams to translate complex geological information into accessible content. Charles Owolabi drives the adoption of digital marketing tools to increase the reach of the agency's educational initiatives. Through the oversight of communication channels, Owolabi supports the agency's mission to provide objective information. The Chief Marketing Officer & Cola Observer maintains a focus on increasing public engagement with the agency's critical research and data-driven insights.

    Mary Swann - Associate Chief Information Officer

    Mary Swann, the Associate Chief Information Officer at USGS, manages the implementation of enterprise-wide data management systems that support the agency's scientific research. Swann oversees the development of secure networks that facilitate the sharing of geological data across the organization. By directing the deployment of advanced analytical software, the Associate Chief Information Officer ensures that researchers have the necessary tools to interpret complex environmental data. This leadership role involves collaborating with other technology leaders to maintain the reliability of the agency's digital infrastructure. Mary Swann drives initiatives that improve data accessibility and interoperability between different scientific departments. Through the oversight of information technology projects, Swann supports the agency's goal of providing accurate and timely information about natural resources. The Associate Chief Information Officer maintains a focus on technological innovation to enhance the agency's ability to monitor and analyze the nation's landscape.

    Keel Ross - Interim Chief Information Officer

    Keel Ross, the Interim Chief Information Officer at USGS, directs the overall information technology strategy during a period of transition. Ross oversees the maintenance of critical digital systems that support the agency's scientific mission and data storage requirements. By managing the IT department's daily operations, the Interim Chief Information Officer ensures that all technological services remain functional and secure. This role involves coordinating with the executive team to prioritize technology investments that support research into natural hazards and resources. Keel Ross drives the implementation of security protocols to protect the agency's vast data repositories. Through the oversight of information technology, Ross maintains the continuity of digital services essential for scientific discovery. The Interim Chief Information Officer provides the leadership necessary to keep the agency's technological infrastructure aligned with its long-term goals of providing objective and reliable geological information to the public.

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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 Judy Nowakowski (Chief of Staff) and Ronald Lofton (National Geospatial Technical Operations Center Chief of Staff).
    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), Judy Nowakowski (Chief of Staff), Ronald Lofton (National Geospatial Technical Operations Center 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 Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Water Resources, Chief of Staff, National Geospatial Technical Operations Center Chief of Staff, Associate Chief Information Officer, Acting Chief of Staff for the Deputy Director of Administration and Policy.