USGS Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by scientific inquiry, USGS is dedicated to understanding the Earth's landscapes, resources, and hazards, providing critical data for national well-being and environmental stewardship.

Leadership Roles at USGS

  • Deputy Chief Operating Officer - Boyce Blanks
  • Chief of Staff - Cynthia Moses-Nedd
  • Chief Technology Officer - Alica Weitzman
  • Acting Chief of Staff for the Deputy Director of Administration and Policy - Jennifer Fox
  • National Geospatial Technical Operations Center Chief of Staff - Ronald Lofton
  • Associate Chief Information Officer - Timothy Quinn
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Joanne Taylor
  • Associate Chief Information Officer, Office of - David Newman
  • Chief Marketing Officer & Cola Observer - Charles Owolabi
  • Chief of Staff & Regional Director, Office of Midcontinent (Interior Region 3 & 5) - Kaleb Blodgett
  • Boyce Blanks - Deputy Chief Operating Officer

    Boyce Blanks, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer at USGS, supports the Chief Operating Officer in managing the agency's extensive operational activities. Blanks focuses on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of day-to-day operations, ensuring seamless execution of scientific research and data collection across the United States. This role involves overseeing various operational units, optimizing resource deployment, and implementing strategic improvements to support the USGS's mission of studying landscapes, natural resources, and hazards. Boyce Blanks drives operational excellence by fostering a culture of continuous improvement and ensuring robust support systems are in place for all agency personnel and projects.

    Cynthia Moses-Nedd - Chief of Staff

    Cynthia Moses-Nedd, the Chief of Staff at USGS, directs internal operations and strategic alignment across key departments. Overseeing administrative functions, Moses-Nedd ensures efficient execution of agency directives and supports the leadership team in achieving organizational goals. This role involves coordinating cross-functional initiatives and optimizing resource allocation to support the USGS's mission of studying the United States' landscapes, natural resources, and hazards. Cynthia Moses-Nedd drives operational excellence by fostering collaboration and implementing best practices in administrative management. The focus remains on enhancing the agency's capacity to deliver vital scientific information and services to the nation, ensuring seamless workflow and effective communication channels.

    Alica Weitzman - Chief Technology Officer

    Alica Weitzman, the Chief Technology Officer at USGS, architects the agency's technological infrastructure and digital transformation strategies. Weitzman drives innovation in data management, scientific computing, and information dissemination, ensuring USGS scientists have cutting-edge tools to study the nation's landscapes, resources, and hazards. This leadership position involves overseeing the development and implementation of advanced IT solutions that support research and operational activities across the United States. Alica Weitzman champions the adoption of emerging technologies to enhance data collection, analysis, and accessibility, thereby strengthening the agency's scientific output and public service. The CTO's mandate includes safeguarding digital assets and ensuring robust cybersecurity measures.

    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 critical administrative and policy-related functions. Fox supports the Deputy Director in overseeing the strategic direction of administrative operations and policy development, ensuring alignment with the agency's scientific mission. This role involves coordinating interdepartmental efforts, facilitating communication, and driving the implementation of key policy initiatives across the United States. Jennifer Fox's responsibilities include enhancing operational efficiency and supporting the effective management of resources dedicated to studying the nation's landscapes, natural resources, and hazards. The focus is on ensuring robust governance and administrative support for all USGS activities.

    Ronald Lofton - National Geospatial Technical Operations Center Chief of Staff

    Ronald Lofton, the National Geospatial Technical Operations Center Chief of Staff at USGS, directs operational strategies and administrative oversight for geospatial initiatives. Lofton ensures the efficient functioning of the NG TOC, supporting the collection, processing, and dissemination of critical geospatial data that underpins the USGS's study of the United States' landscapes and resources. This position involves managing resources, coordinating personnel, and implementing process improvements to enhance the center's technical capabilities. Ronald Lofton's leadership focuses on maintaining high standards in geospatial data production and technical support, directly contributing to the agency's ability to monitor natural hazards and manage resources effectively across the nation.

    Timothy Quinn - Associate Chief Information Officer

    Timothy Quinn, the Associate Chief Information Officer at USGS, collaborates on the strategic direction and implementation of information technology services. Quinn supports the Chief Information Officer in managing the agency's IT infrastructure, ensuring secure and reliable access to data and systems for scientific research across the United States. This role involves overseeing IT operations, developing technology roadmaps, and ensuring compliance with information security policies. Timothy Quinn's efforts are critical in providing the technological foundation necessary for the USGS to effectively study the nation's landscapes, natural resources, and hazards, driving innovation and operational efficiency within the IT domain.

    Joanne Taylor - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Joanne Taylor, the Deputy Chief of Staff at USGS, assists the Chief of Staff in managing administrative operations and strategic initiatives. Taylor supports the coordination of departmental activities, ensuring smooth workflow and effective communication across the agency. This role involves contributing to the implementation of administrative policies and procedures that enhance operational efficiency in support of the USGS's scientific mission. Joanne Taylor's focus is on optimizing internal processes and providing critical support to leadership, enabling the organization to better study the United States' landscapes, natural resources, and hazards. The objective is to strengthen administrative functions and facilitate strategic decision-making.

    David Newman - Associate Chief Information Officer, Office of

    David Newman, the Associate Chief Information Officer, Office of at USGS, contributes to the oversight of the agency's information technology landscape. Newman supports the development and execution of IT strategies, ensuring robust systems are in place to facilitate scientific research and data management across the United States. This position involves managing IT resources, implementing technological solutions, and ensuring the security and integrity of agency data. David Newman's role is vital in providing the technological infrastructure required for the USGS to conduct its studies on landscapes, natural resources, and hazards, driving efficiency and innovation in IT service delivery.

    Charles Owolabi - Chief Marketing Officer & Cola Observer

    Charles Owolabi, the Chief Marketing Officer & Cola Observer at USGS, directs the agency's outreach and communication strategies, alongside specific observational duties. Owolabi enhances public understanding of USGS scientific endeavors, focusing on communicating the importance of studying the United States' landscapes, natural resources, and hazards. This role involves developing and executing marketing campaigns, managing public relations, and ensuring consistent messaging across all communication channels. Charles Owolabi's leadership aims to broaden the agency's reach and impact, fostering greater engagement with stakeholders and the public regarding critical scientific findings and operational 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, leads strategic operations and administrative functions for a key geographic area. Blodgett oversees initiatives within Interior Regions 3 and 5, ensuring alignment with the USGS's broader mission to study the nation's landscapes, resources, and hazards. This dual role involves managing regional operations, coordinating staff, and implementing agency policies effectively within the Midcontinent. Kaleb Blodgett drives operational success by fostering collaboration and ensuring efficient resource allocation to support critical scientific activities and data collection across the designated regions.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding USGS Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads USGS?
    USGS is led by Boyce Blanks (Deputy Chief Operating Officer), along with executives such as Cynthia Moses-Nedd (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 Boyce Blanks (Deputy Chief Operating Officer), Cynthia Moses-Nedd (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, Chief of Staff, Chief Technology Officer, Acting Chief of Staff for the Deputy Director of Administration and Policy, National Geospatial Technical Operations Center Chief of Staff.