GEO announces leadership transition

The U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Geosciences (NSF GEO) welcomes James McManus as acting assistant director. McManus, an accomplished leader and marine scientist, took the helm from Alexandra Isern Dec. 28, 2024. He will oversee the directorate while the agency completes its search for the next GEO assistant director.  

Prior to this appointment, McManus was the division director for the NSF Division of Ocean Sciences (OCE) since July 2022 . Lisa Clough will step in as the acting OCE division director and Daniel Thornhill will serve as the acting OCE deputy division director.  

“I look forward to working with our geoscience community to ensure the directorate continues to support the discoveries and innovations that address society’s most pressing needs,” said McManus. 

“I am grateful to Alex Isern, who served GEO for over three years as assistant director. She led the directorate through an era of transformational change, overseeing division restructures and collaborating across the agency to develop frameworks, programs and initiatives that broaden participation in STEM, promote use-inspired research and emphasize societal impact.”