The National Science Foundation (NSF) has selected Amanda Hallberg Greenwell to head the agency’s Office of Legislative and Public Affairs (OLPA). OLPA communicates information about NSF’s activities, programs, research results and policies to a diverse range of audiences.

“We are thrilled that Amanda brings a depth of knowledge and experience in leading government relations and in working with Congress,” said NSF Director France A. Córdova. “She joins NSF at a time when the agency is taking stronger actions to improve our transparency and accountability, and to enhance our communication of science discoveries and their impact to the public. Her leadership will be essential to our efforts moving forward.”

Greenwell currently serves as director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs, a position she has held since 2012. She is responsible for advising the NOAA Administrator, senior leadership and the Department of Commerce on Congressional activities and for developing legislative strategies. Prior to her current position, Greenwell served as deputy director of the office for nearly four years.

Before joining NOAA, Greenwell served as professional staff for the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation for the Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and the Coast Guard. In that role she had oversight of NOAA and the U.S. Coast Guard. Greenwell advised Congressional members on a variety of issues including domestic and international fisheries, marine mammals, coral reefs, aquaculture, seafood safety and the U.S. Coast Guard. Greenwell also served as staff for the Committee’s Subcommittee on Trade, Tourism and Economic Development and the Subcommittee of Consumer Affairs, Product Safety and Insurance. She assisted the senior counsel for the subcommittees that oversee the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the Department of Commerce.

Greenwell earned a Bachelor of Science degree in marine biology from Hawaii Pacific University.

NSF’s Office of Legislative and Public Affairs employs a wide variety of tools and techniques to engage the general public and selected audiences including Congress, the news media, state and local governments, other Federal agencies, and the research and education communities.

Greenwell will begin her NSF position in July.

Source: nsf.gov