The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) congratulates Rick Spinrad on his nomination to serve as administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Spinrad, a former chief scientist for NOAA, is a professor of oceanography and senior adviser to the vice president of research at Oregon State University. An internationally recognized scientist and executive with more than 35 years of experience, he previously headed NOAA’s Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and the National Ocean Service, held leadership positions at the U.S. Office of Naval Research and Oceanographer of the Navy, and served as vice president for research at Oregon State. Among his many accomplishments, he was a co-lead of the White House Committee that developed the nation’s first set of ocean research priorities and oversaw the revamping of NOAA’s research enterprise.

“I am absolutely delighted to hear that Rick has been nominated to serve as NOAA administrator,” said UCAR President Antonio Busalacchi. “His rare combination of scientific expertise, administrative experience, and in-depth knowledge across all of NOAA’s line organizations makes him the perfect choice for this position. Rick’s previous experience as NOAA chief scientist as well as his close ties to the academic research community positions him well to lead NOAA and makes him an invaluable addition to the Biden administration’s science team.”

NOAA runs the National Weather Service, engages in weather and climate research, and operates weather satellites and a national environmental data center. The agency also works to better understand and protect the nation’s coasts, oceans, and fisheries.

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