NOAA today announced the appointment of Acting National Ocean Service Director Nicole LeBoeuf to serve as Assistant Administrator for Ocean Services and Coastal Zone Management, through which she will serve as National Ocean Service Director.
In announcing the appointment, Commerce Sec. Gina Raimondo said that LeBoeuf “is well positioned to lead NOAA’s National Ocean Service and to continue its rich history of addressing evolving economic, environmental, and social pressures on our ocean, coasts, and coastal communities.”
LeBoeuf previously served as Acting Deputy Director of NOAA’s Office of Protected Resources (OPR) and Chief of OPR’s Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation Division.
Additionally, following his June 17 confirmation by the U.S. Senate, Richard Spinrad was sworn into office as Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator.
In announcing the swearing-in, Commerce Sec. Gina Raimondo said that she “look[s] forward to working alongside him as we tackle the climate crisis, conserve our oceans, and grow our blue economy,” while Spinrad said that he is “humbled to lead NOAA’s exceptional workforce” and will “ensure that trust and scientific integrity will continue to be the foundation for all of our work.”
Spinrad’s previous positions include NOAA Chief Scientist, NOAA Asst. Admin. For Research, NOAA Asst. Admin. for Ocean Services and Coastal Zone Management, as well as positions with the U.S. Navy and Consortium for Oceanographic Research and Education.
Lastly, NOAA last month announced the immediate appointment of Janet Coit to serve as National Marine Fisheries Service Asst. Admin., Acting Asst. Sec. of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, and Deputy NOAA Administrator.
Commerce Sec. Gina Raimondo called Coit “a tremendous addition” and one who “understands the direct link between natural resources management and economic vitality for our Nation.” Coit said she is excited to work with NMFS employees to “rebuild fisheries where necessary, and protect and conserve endangered and threatened marine resources and their habitats.”
Coit’s previous experience include positions with the Rhode Island Development of Environmental Management, The Nature Conservancy (Rhode Island), U.S. Sen.’s John Chafee and Lincoln Chafee (RI), and the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.
