Rick W. Spinrad, Ph.D., was sworn in on June 22, 2021, as the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and the 11th NOAA Administrator.
Dr. Spinrad is responsible for the strategic direction and oversight of NOAA, including developing its portfolio of products and services to address the climate crisis, enhancing environmental sustainability, and fostering economic development.
Most recently, Dr. Spinrad served as a Professor of Oceanography and Senior Adviser to the Vice President of Research at Oregon State University (OSU).
Dr. Spinrad served as NOAA’s Chief Scientist under President Barack Obama from 2014 until 2016. He also led NOAA’s Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and National Ocean Service from 2003-2010. While at NOAA, Dr. Spinrad co-led the White House Committee that developed the nation’s first set of ocean research priorities and oversaw the revamping of NOAA’s research enterprise, including the development of the agency’s Scientific Integrity policy.
He is the recipient of Presidential Rank Awards from presidents George W. Bush and Barack H. Obama. Dr. Spinrad received his B.A. in Earth and Planetary Sciences from The Johns Hopkins University, and his M.S. and Ph.D. in Oceanography from Oregon State University.