The National Science Foundation’s Division of Polar Programs has seen several key personnel changes in recent months.
On 1 May 2016, Brian W. Stone, who had headed the Division’s Antarctic Infrastructure and Logistics (AIL) section, began an assignment as Chief of Staff to NSF Director France A. Córdova. Stone is the first to hold the position of Chief of Staff to the Director. Kelly K. Falkner, Division Director, noted at the time, “This is an excellent opportunity for Brian and a fantastic chance for him to use his managerial skills to benefit the entire foundation.” She added, “Although we will miss him during his upcoming assignment, we in Polar are fortunate enough to have a depth of talent and ability in our ranks to ensure that NSF remains a global leader in polar science with continuity in all of our operations.” Stone received his Bachelor's degree from Duke University and his Masters in Business Administration from George Washington University.
In the wake of this appointment, other changes took place in the Division’s senior management. Scott G. Borg, who had headed Antarctic Sciences, replaced Stone as head of AIL. Eric Saltzman, who headed the Division’s Arctic Sciences Section, became the head of the Antarctic Sciences Section. Simon Stephenson, who formerly headed the Arctic Sciences Section before taking a temporary assignment in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, once again assumed the role of Arctic Sciences Section Head.
Earlier this year there was another personnel change in the Arctic Sciences Section. In late January, Henrietta N. Edmonds, who previously served as a program officer for Arctic Natural Sciences, became the lead program director of the Chemical Oceanography program in the Geoscience Directorate’s Ocean Sciences Division. A search is underway for her replacement.