On June 17, former MTS Past President Rick Spinrad was confirmed as the head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Nominated by President Biden on April 22, Spinrad has four decades of experience as an ocean scientist, including previously serving as Chief Scientist, Assistant Administrator for Research, and Assistant Administrator for Ocean Services and Coastal Zone Management at NOAA. Prior to his time at NOAA, Spinrad served in the U.S. Navy in the Office of the Oceanographer of the Navy and the Office of Naval Research. He was also the Executive Director for Research and Education at the non-profit Consortium for Oceanographic Research and Education.

In a NOAA news release, Spinrad said, “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.”

Spinrad has identified three priorities at NOAA to advance under his leadership. According to the NOAA news release these priorities are:

• Developing a full portfolio of environmental products and services in the context of our changing climate, and in coordination and cooperation with NOAA’s sister agencies, industry, academia, NGOs, and the philanthropic community, and ensuring these products and services are more accessible to underserved communities.
• Building a balanced portfolio of programs and policies that both enhance environmental sustainability and foster economic development in areas such as climate products and services, the new blue economy, and sustainable fisheries.
• Creating a more just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce. NOAA employs scientists and technologists, and, perhaps even more impactfully, educates and trains future professionals. The scientific and technical workforce in the environmental and ecological fields in the U.S. must become more diverse.

MTS Board members reflected positively on their time working with Spinrad and thanked him for his contributions to the organization. “Rick helped MTS to take several large strategic steps forward including MTS’ new Chartered Marine Technology and Chartered Marine Science certification program; opening the door for our new ECOP section and VP of ECOP on the board and adding three prestigious awards. He has build a strong foundation for MTS to grow to new heights. President Biden made an excellent choice in Rick to lead NOAA. Personally Rick has been both a friend and a mentor and it has been a pleasure serving with him on the MTS board and look forward to an even stronger MTS-NOAA partnership," said MTS Board President Zdenka Willis.

Liesl Hotaling, MTS Vice President of Communications and Publications, said, “Rick Spinrad is the right person needed for leading NOAA at this time. He knows the science, the machinery of NOAA, and a good vision for prioritizing all the important issues facing the agency as he steps into this new role.”

Jerry Miller, MTS Vice President of Government Relations said, “It has been my pleasure to interact with Rick for the last two decades, including most recently on the MTS Board. His enthusiasm and forethought on all matters marine have benefited the society and, while his departure from the Board is our loss, his leadership of NOAA is the Nation’s gain.”

Alfredo Giron Nava, MTS Vice President of ECOPs said, "Rick is one of the most accomplished and knowledgeable individuals that I have ever met, and at the same time, one of the most genuine and committed mentors. By working with him, I have learned to always take a step back and consider our blind spots. This is how MTS has become such a valuable organization that is driving positive impacts for ALL our members, and which we will work hard to keep doing. Thank you, Rick. I wish you the best in your new role, where your deep expertise and innovative personality will result in positive change for this country, and the world." 

During the April board meeting, the MTS board passed a resolution congratulating Spinrad in his new role. “Whereas Richard Spinrad, Past President of MTS, has contributed a wealth of experience to both the public and private sectors, including to MTS, the Board of MTS hereby congratulates him on his nomination to the position of Undersecretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The MTS Board looks forward to mutually productive interactions with Dr. Spinrad after he is confirmed to his new role.”