Dr. Susan F. Zevin
Acting Director, Information Technology Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

Currently, Dr. Zevin leads the research program of the Information Technology Laboratory (ITL) in the development of standards, testing methodologies and performance measures for leading edge information technologies, and the development of unique theoretical and experimental solutions to complex mathematical and statistical engineering problems. ITL’s mission is to strengthen the U. S. economy and improve the quality of life by working with industry to develop information technology. The ITL works with industry, research, academia and government organizations to develop and demonstrate information technology capabilities that are usable, secure, scalable, and interoperable. During her tenure as Acting Director, Dr. Zevin has led NIST and ITL to implement NIST responsibilities under the Help America Vote Act and the USA Patriots Act; has overseen the development of a ground-breaking computer and communications research program in Quantum Information Systems; and guided ITL to develop programs in support of the NIST Strategic Focus areas in Health Care, Nanotechnology, Homeland Security and Information Knowledge Management.

From April 2000-December 2002, as the Deputy Director of the Information Technology Laboratory, in addition to her duties overseeing the daily laboratory research and operations, Dr. Zevin oversaw the provision of information technology services that were provided to the entire NIST organization. During this time, Dr. Zevin brought major improvements in service delivery through the establishment of a rigorous, ambitious NIST cyber security program; the development (for the first time) of a 4 year strategic services program plan and budget; the establishment of a centralized Help Desk; the implementation of a Continuity of Operations Plan and a disaster recovery capability; and the implementation of a NIST-wide network to serve as a platform for broadband communications. Dr. Zevin assisted the Director, NIST to establish an independent Office of the Chief Information Officer, and in so doing, served as Acting CIO from April to December 2002.

Prior to joining ITL, Dr. Zevin was with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in a variety of technical and senior executive positions, most recently as the Deputy Assistant Administrator for the National Environmental Satellite Data and Information Services. In this position she managed the NOAA National Data Centers; oversaw the design, implementation and management of real-time environmental information systems; established a new National Coastal Data Development Center; and developed formal agreements with major news organizations, utility companies and financial exchanges for new climate information services. It was during this time that she led the analysis of critical milestones, costs and implementation planning for a new national satellite operations control facility and created a NOAA digital earth and space capability for near real-time, 3-d visualization of environmental data sets for use by the media.

From 1994-1998, Dr. Zevin was the Deputy Assistant Administrator, NOAA, National Weather Service where she oversaw the daily operations of the National Weather Service during its multi-year Modernization and Restructuring program. Her responsibilities included oversight and modernization of operational programs such as aviation, marine, agriculture, fire weather, public warnings and forecasts, hydrologic services, and supporting infrastructure such as training, facilities, electronics, and international programs.

Dr. Zevin began her executive experience in 1988 when she became the Director, National Weather Service, Eastern Region, where she managed the provision of public weather services (warnings and forecasts) for 16 eastern states, and oversaw the modernization of regional National Weather Service programs, including building 22 new sites, installing new radars and state of the art forecasting technology, and reorganizing 800+ employees.

During her career, Dr. Zevin has been involved in many international projects including a detail to the World Meteorological Organization in Geneva Switzerland; installing real-time flood forecast systems on the Yellow and the Yangtze Rivers in China; and evaluating flood forecast system projects in Jamaica, Barbados, and Grenada. Dr. Zevin also has served as the lead US Delegate to various WMO commission meetings.

Dr. Zevin received a B.A degree in Geography from the University of Pittsburgh. She earned an M.S. (Cum Laude) in Geography from the University of Tel Aviv and her Ph.D. in Hydrology and Water Resources from the University of Arizona. She was awarded the University of Arizona Alumni Distinguished Citizen Award in 1996. She is a Fellow of the American Meteorological Society.

A native Marylander, Dr. Zevin has lived and traveled in many places around the world; and now calls Annapolis, Maryland her home. She has been an active volunteer and elected board member of the Annapolis Striders’ Inc., a 1200+ member running club. Dr. Zevin has completed numerous marathons and ultra-marathons, including 100-mile, 50-mile, 50-kilometer and 26.2 mile events.