A NOAA leader who spearheaded a sweeping investigation and purge of sexual harassers within the agency will soon lead its day-to-day missions and operations, officials announced Friday.
Rear Adm. Nancy Hann, the head of the 330-member NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps and director of the office of marine and aviation operations, in August will succeed Benjamin Friedman, the longtime deputy undersecretary for operations who served under three presidents and has twice been NOAA’s acting administrator. Friedman is retiring after 14 years with the agency.
Over a 25-year NOAA career, Hann served as a pilot and flight meteorologist, and oversaw multiple uncrewed aircraft missions as a project manager, according to the agency. She also served aboard two NOAA ships conducting fisheries surveys and oceanographic research in the Pacific Ocean.
The new job announcement comes with a uniformed service promotion from rear admiral to vice admiral, NOAA said in a news release.
