Program Office Leadership
Brad Kearse
Acting Director, National Geodetic Survey
Over the course of his 28 year career as a NOAA Corps Officer, Brad supported NGS through numerous assignments conducting geodetic surveys, coordinating and managing remote sensing projects, overseeing aircraft operations and research, and managing NGS' aeronautical survey program.
As Commanding Officer of NOAA Aircraft Operations Center and Director of NOAA Corps Commissioned Personnel, Brad led and managed a diverse workforce, and, in his role as NOAA Legislative Specialist, he communicated with Congress on matters of interest to NOAA.
Brett Howe
Acting Deputy Director, National Geodetic Survey
Brett Howe has been the acting deputy director of NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey (NGS) since April, 2024, and Geodetic Services Division chief since 2013. As deputy director, he is responsible for supervising and managing all geodetic and cartographic operations for NGS through a diverse workforce of scientific and administrative professionals. He also serves as the senior program advisor to the National Ocean Service and NOAA on NGS’ strategic goals, mission, functions and workforce. As GSD chief, he oversees the delivery of services to and partnerships with NGS customers through the regional geodetic advisor program, the NGS Testing and Training Center, and NGS’ communications, outreach and web content teams.
Mr. Howe joined NGS in 2004, starting out as a Presidential Management Fellow (PMF). Prior to joining NGS, he was a Surface Warfare Officer with the United States Navy aboard various ships and at installations across the U.S. and abroad. Mr. Howe has a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the United States Naval Academy and a master’s in public policy from Georgetown University with a specialization in public management.
