USGS Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

USGS has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, operations, and information management.

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, Water Resources - Nathaniel Booth
  • Chief of Staff - Jennifer Goldblatt
  • Chief Technology Officer - Alica Weitzman
  • Solutions Architect & Associate Chief Information Officer, Usgs Office of The (Acio) - Thomas Burley
  • Chief of Staff & Regional Director, Office of Midcontinent (Interior Region 3 & 5) - Kaleb Blodgett
  • National Geospatial Technical Operations Center Chief of Staff - Ronald Lofton
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Taylor Joanne
  • Associate Chief Information Officer - Mary Swann
  • Chief of Staff - Energy and Minerals - Kendra Russell
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Joanne Taylor
  • Nathaniel Booth - Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Water Resources

    Nathaniel Booth, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Water Resources at USGS, directs operational strategies and resource management within the Water Resources mission area. Booth ensures the effective execution of programs focused on monitoring, assessing, and understanding the nation's water resources, a critical component of the USGS's mandate to study natural resources and hazards. This leadership role involves optimizing field operations, managing data collection networks, and coordinating scientific investigations. Nathaniel Booth's oversight is vital for maintaining the integrity and scope of water resource science across the United States. By driving operational efficiency and strategic planning, Booth enhances the USGS's ability to provide essential data for water management, conservation, and hazard mitigation.

    Jennifer Goldblatt - Chief of Staff

    Jennifer Goldblatt, the Chief of Staff at USGS, directs strategic initiatives and operational alignment across key departments. Goldblatt ensures seamless execution of the agency's mission to study the United States' landscape, natural resources, and hazards. This leadership position involves coordinating inter-departmental efforts and facilitating communication between executive leadership and operational teams. By optimizing resource allocation and streamlining workflows, Jennifer Goldblatt enhances the agency's capacity to deliver critical scientific data. The role demands a comprehensive understanding of the USGS's diverse scientific endeavors, from geological mapping to water resource management, ensuring all functions operate in concert to achieve overarching organizational objectives and support national scientific priorities.

    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 acquisition, analysis, and dissemination, ensuring USGS scientists have cutting-edge tools to study the nation's landscapes, resources, and hazards. This critical role involves overseeing the development and implementation of advanced computing solutions, cybersecurity protocols, and data management systems. Alica Weitzman's leadership ensures that technological advancements directly support the agency's scientific mission and operational efficiency. By fostering a culture of technological excellence, Weitzman empowers the USGS to address complex environmental challenges and provide essential scientific insights for national decision-making and resource management.

    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 robust technological solutions that support the agency's scientific research and operational needs. Burley's expertise in solution architecture ensures that information systems are scalable, secure, and aligned with the USGS's mission to study the nation's landscapes, resources, and hazards. This dual role involves both strategic planning for information technology and hands-on development of architectural frameworks. Thomas Burley's contributions are vital for enhancing data accessibility and analytical capabilities across the organization. By bridging the gap between complex technical requirements and practical application, Burley empowers USGS scientists with the tools necessary for groundbreaking discoveries and effective resource management.

    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 strategic operations and administrative functions within the Midcontinent region, encompassing Interior Regions 3 and 5. Blodgett ensures the effective implementation of USGS initiatives focused on studying the region's landscapes, natural resources, and hazards. This leadership role involves coordinating regional scientific activities, managing resources, and fostering collaboration among diverse teams. Kaleb Blodgett's oversight guarantees that regional operations are aligned with national scientific objectives and contribute significantly to the USGS's overall mission. By providing strong leadership and strategic direction, Blodgett enhances the agency's impact and effectiveness in understanding and managing critical environmental systems across a vast geographical area.

    Ronald Lofton - National Geospatial Technical Operations Center Chief of Staff

    Ronald Lofton, the National Geospatial Technical Operations Center Chief of Staff at USGS, oversees the strategic direction and operational efficiency of the NG TOC. Lofton ensures that geospatial data acquisition, processing, and dissemination activities directly support the USGS's mission to study the United States' landscapes, resources, and hazards. This role involves coordinating complex technical operations, managing resources, and facilitating communication across specialized geospatial teams. Ronald Lofton's leadership is crucial for maintaining the high standards of accuracy and timeliness required for national geospatial intelligence. By optimizing workflows and fostering collaboration, Lofton enhances the center's ability to provide critical geospatial information for scientific research, resource management, and hazard mitigation efforts.

    Taylor Joanne - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Taylor Joanne, the Deputy Chief of Staff at USGS, supports the Chief of Staff in executing strategic priorities and ensuring operational continuity across the agency. Joanne assists in coordinating departmental efforts and facilitating communication to advance the USGS's mission of studying the nation's landscapes, resources, and hazards. This role involves managing key projects, analyzing operational data, and implementing process improvements to enhance efficiency. Taylor Joanne's contributions are essential for maintaining organizational coherence and driving forward critical scientific and administrative objectives. By providing dedicated support and strategic insight, Joanne helps to ensure the USGS effectively addresses complex environmental challenges and delivers vital scientific information.

    Mary Swann - Associate Chief Information Officer

    Mary Swann, the Associate Chief Information Officer at USGS, collaborates with the Chief Information Officer to guide the agency's information technology strategy and operations. Swann focuses on enhancing the technological capabilities that support the USGS's scientific endeavors in studying landscapes, resources, and hazards. This position involves overseeing the implementation of IT policies, managing infrastructure projects, and ensuring data security and integrity across the organization. Mary Swann's expertise is critical for modernizing IT systems and ensuring they meet the evolving needs of scientific research. By driving technological innovation and operational excellence, Swann strengthens the USGS's capacity to collect, analyze, and disseminate vital scientific information effectively.

    Kendra Russell - Chief of Staff - Energy and Minerals

    Kendra Russell, the Chief of Staff - Energy and Minerals at USGS, leads strategic planning and operational coordination for the Energy and Minerals mission areas. Russell ensures that scientific activities focused on the study of the nation's energy and mineral resources align with the broader USGS objectives. This role involves managing key initiatives, facilitating inter-divisional collaboration, and optimizing resource allocation to support research and development. Kendra Russell's leadership is instrumental in advancing the understanding of critical natural resources and their sustainable management. By providing focused strategic direction and operational support, Russell enhances the USGS's capacity to deliver vital scientific insights for energy security and mineral resource development.

    Joanne Taylor - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Joanne Taylor, the Deputy Chief of Staff at USGS, provides critical support to the Chief of Staff in managing agency-wide operations and strategic initiatives. Taylor assists in coordinating cross-functional teams and streamlining processes to enhance the effectiveness of the USGS's scientific mission. This position involves overseeing project timelines, analyzing operational performance, and implementing improvements to ensure efficient resource utilization. Joanne Taylor's contributions are essential for maintaining organizational momentum and achieving key objectives related to studying the nation's landscapes, resources, and hazards. By offering dedicated support and strategic oversight, Taylor strengthens the USGS's ability to deliver impactful scientific data and insights.

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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 Jennifer Goldblatt (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), Jennifer Goldblatt (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, Solutions Architect & Associate Chief Information Officer, Usgs Office of The (Acio), Chief of Staff & Regional Director, Office of Midcontinent (Interior Region 3 & 5).