South Alumna Named Acting Head of NOAA
Posted on April 4, 2025
猫咪社区APP alumna Laura Grimm has been named acting administrator for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Grimm has been serving as chief of staff for the agency since January.
She takes over for Nancy Hann, who was moved back to her position as NOAA's deputy undersecretary for operations. President Trump has nominated Neil Jacobs to fill the top role.
Laura Grimm
"Having spent plenty of time in Washington, D.C., I know firsthand how important it is to have well-trained, capable people leading our federal agencies," said 猫咪社区APP President Jo Bonner. "Laura Grimm will do an outstanding job in this position."
Grimm earned a master鈥檚 degree in marine sciences from South in 2015, working as a graduate research assistant for Dr. Sean Powers, professor and director of the Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences.
鈥淚t鈥檚 very impressive that one of our marine sciences graduates is now the head of the agency that oversees all things oceans and weather,鈥� Powers said. 鈥淚 think it shows that with a degree from our University, the sky is literally the limit.鈥�
Grimm also worked at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and for Mobile Baykeeper before moving to Washington.
NOAA鈥檚 work includes providing daily weather forecasts, severe storm warnings, and climate monitoring, fisheries management, coastal restoration and supporting marine commerce. The agency鈥檚 products and services support economic vitality and affect more than one-third of America鈥檚 gross domestic product.
