The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has announced that its new head will be internationally acclaimed scientist Richard (Rick) W. Spinrad.
Spinard was confirmed to his role as the 11th NOAA administrator by the US Senate, which also confirmed him as the undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere.
Spinard has a bachelor’s degree in earth and planetary sciences from the Johns Hopkins University. He later earned both a master’s and Ph.D. in oceanography from Oregon State University. He brings over four decades of scientific and policy experience in the field to the role. Commenting on his appointment, he stated:
“I am thrilled to be back and am ready to hit the ground running… I am humbled to lead NOAA’s exceptional workforce on a mission so relevant to the daily lives of people across America and to the future health of our planet. And I will ensure that trust and scientific integrity will continue to be the foundation for all of our work.”
While Gina Raimondo, the US Secretary of Commerce, commented:
“As an accomplished and respected scientist, educator, communicator and executive, Rick has dedicated his career to the science that is at the core of NOAA’s mission. I am grateful for his ongoing public service to the agency and the nation, and I look forward to working alongside him as we tackle the climate crisis, conserve our oceans, and grow our blue economy.”
