Dr. Kevin Werner currently serves as the Acting Assistant Administrator for Risk Management. He is on detail from his position as the Science and Research Director, NOAA/NMFS Northwest Fisheries Science Center, Seattle WA. In May 2017 Kevin began his role as science and research director at the Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC). The NWFSC’s mission is to conduct the science necessary to conserve marine and anadromous species and their habitats off the Washington, Oregon, and northern California coasts and in freshwater rivers of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Their research provides reliable, relevant, and credible information to help decision-makers and natural resource managers build sustainable fisheries, recover endangered and threatened species, maintain healthy ecosystems, and protect human health. The Center is also dedicated to enhancing public awareness, education, and stewardship of our marine resources.
Kevin has extensive experience working to connect science to application in water resources and climate in the western United States as well as policy and organizational development in the public sector. Most recently, Kevin led the creation of the National Weather Service (NWS) Office of Organizational Excellence (OOE). That new NWS office brought strategic thinking, enabling change, challenging the status quo, and creating connections with and for the NWS. Prior to that, Kevin’s work has ranged from water and climate forecasting and application to climate data and assessment work and its role in decision making. Kevin has successfully connected science and scientists in these areas to application and decision makers. Kevin has worked in various parts of NOAA including the NWS, the Satellite and Information Service (NESDIS), and the NOAA commissioned officer corps. Kevin also has experience infusing new science and technology into river forecast operational procedures and methodologies. Kevin holds degrees in atmospheric science, mathematics, public administration, and political science from the Universities of Washington and Utah. Kevin has also been active in his communities including current service on the Board of Directors for the Senior Executives Association as well as an officer for the Move Seattle Levy Oversight Committee in Seattle, WA.