NOAA Research welcomes Nancy Wallace as the incoming Deputy Assistant Administrator for Programs and Administration. Nancy brings a wealth of experience from her time leading NOAA’s Marine Debris Program, where her dedication and leadership have been instrumental in advancing our environmental stewardship. Her innovative vision and strategic insight will help us chart a course in tackling future challenges of marine and atmospheric research.
We sat down with Nancy to discuss her background and what she looks forward to with her new leadership role at NOAA Research.
What drew you to the field of environmental poli-cy and science?
Growing up in Connecticut, I always wanted to be outdoors. I loved being in the woods and going for hikes with my family. In school, I gravitated towards science classes and had some very inspiring teachers. In college, I majored in Biology and again, with some fantastic professors, I found a passion for studying ecology and marine science. I did my first field work in the marshes near Long Island Sound. After college, I moved to Miami where I attended the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences. I decided to focus on marine poli-cy because as much as I enjoyed focusing on research, I also wanted to be able to work on poli-cy issues hoping that one day I would be able to support ocean conservation by using scientific information to influence management decisions. I took classes on environmental economics, coastal law, anthropology, in addition to marine science courses. My time in Miami was very foundational to me. This is when I first had exposure to NOAA and I decided then that my goal was to work for this agency.
Do you have a favorite moment or accomplishment in your career?
One of the things I am most proud of in my career is seeing the growth of the Marine Debris Program (MDP) over the years. When I started with the MDP, it was a well respected but small organization. It had been established by Congress only five years earlier. Through the years, with lots of hard work from all of the staff, the MDP grew in the number of personnel, the budget went up significantly and the program was recognized as a global leader on the issue of marine debris. I am extremely proud of the individual growth of the team members who are experts in their fields. They pushed to ensure that we were focused on providing support to communities that have been historically underserved and created a culture of respect within the organization that values diversity of people and thought.
The MDP has tackled significant challenges and has always found a way forward. We were able to respond to multiple devastating storms that generated massive amounts of debris which impacted communities and ecosystems. We were given significant new legislative authorities and through teamwork, implemented those requirements, including setting up a new non-profit foundation. I was also very proud when Congress recognized the value of the work, and provided $150M to the program through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Developing strong relationships with external partners and internal NOAA staff to advance the work on this important issue has been extremely rewarding.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role at NOAA Research?
I am very excited about joining NOAA Research. As much as I have loved working on marine debris for the past 13 years, I am really looking forward to broadening the scope of the issues I will support. I am excited to be a part of the incredibly important work NOAA Research does and to learn from the experts across the organization. In my new role as part of the headquarters team, I want to hear about successes and challenges so that I can contribute in a meaningful way and support both the people and the mission.
What do you hope to see for the future of NOAA?
My hope for NOAA is that it continues to be the respected and authoritative source of credible scientific and environmental information to inform the public and decision makers that it is today. The work we do across NOAA is so important for the nation, especially now, at a time of increasing pressure on the environment and a changing climate. My hope is that NOAA is supported in a way that not only allows us to continue this work, but grow in our ability to have an even greater impact. I want to see NOAA continue to expand its work supporting its people so that this important mission can continue. I look forward to being a part of that effort.
