Last August, as her 13-year-old daughter looked on, Vice Admiral Nancy Hann (’06) was officially pinned as the deputy undersecretary of operations for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). For Hann, the ceremony marked the culmination of a 30-year career dedicated to scientific service and the beginning of a new chapter in her journey.
A Passion for Science and Service
Growing up in Illinois, far from the coasts where NOAA’s work is most visible, Hann developed a deep love for the outdoors and a fascination with the natural world. “I have been interested in all things science, weather and water as long as I can remember,” Hann recalls. Her mother remembers Hann’s first-grade declaration that she would one day become a marine scientist. This early passion set the stage for a career that intertwined scientific discovery with public service.
Hann’s journey with NOAA began in the mid-1990s, initially focusing on fisheries research. Over time, her expertise expanded to include aviation and space operations, giving her a broad perspective on the agency’s mission. Reflecting on her career, she notes, “I’ve been really fortunate to have that path, which in some ways is not traditional and is a little bit winding, but I think it has set me up well for this position.”
Leading with Expertise and Inclusivity
Throughout her career, Hann has been a trailblazer for women in science and leadership roles. As one of the first female NOAA Corps officers to qualify as an aircraft commander, she has consistently advocated for diversity in the field. “We need to create an environment where everyone feels valued and can contribute their unique insights,” she says.
Hann’s educational background played a crucial role in shaping her command of complex operations. Her Master of Science in Aeronautical Science and Space Studies from Embry-Riddle provided her with a foundation in the technical aspects of her work—navigating NOAA’s satellite and remote sensing operations, which provide critical data for weather forecasting, climate monitoring and environmental research. “Embry-Riddle was a perfect fit —right time, right place, right subject,” she says.
In her role as vice admiral, Hann is focused on ensuring NOAA’s vast operations run smoothly and efficiently. She sees her role as a “science enabler” that allows NOAA’s scientists to excel. “I’m really looking at business improvements, resource requirements and operational elements that support the science missions,” she explains.
Mission Centered
Despite her high-level administrative responsibilities, Hann maintains a hands-on approach to her work. She emphasizes the synergy between scientific knowledge and efficient operation. Throughout her career, she has stayed connected to the practical aspects of NOAA’s work by participating in field missions and data collection. While her new role may limit her time in the field, there is one mission she hopes to join if her schedule allows. “I would love to fly with our Hurricane Hunters,” she says, highlighting her admiration for the crews who venture into the heart of storms to collect crucial data.
“There’s nothing more detrimental to safety and certainly to mission effectiveness than having a disrespectful culture.”
Nancy Hann (’06)
Fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace culture at NOAA is another key priority for Hann. “There’s nothing more detrimental to safety and certainly to mission effectiveness than having a disrespectful culture,” she notes, underscoring her belief that a positive work environment is crucial for attracting and retaining top talent. Under her leadership, NOAA has made significant strides in creating a workplace where everyone feels respected and valued, ensuring that the agency can continue to attract the best and brightest in a competitive field.
NOAA’s dual mission of conservation and commerce presents unique challenges, but Hann views this relationship as symbiotic. “It’s a productive relationship,” she says, describing the need to balance the demands of industry with the responsibilities of conservation. NOAA’s role, she emphasizes, is to facilitate commerce in a way that is sustainable and aligned with environmental goals.
Looking ahead, Hann is committed to mentorship and developing the next generation of NOAA scientists and leaders. “We are very active in finding ways to bring people in,” she says, highlighting NOAA’s internship programs and efforts to attract young talent. For Hann, it’s not just about maintaining the status quo but also about ensuring that NOAA is well-positioned for the challenges of tomorrow.