Kelly Turner has served as the Chief of Staff to the Assistant Administrator of NOAA’s National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) since 2010. In this capacity, she provides strategic counsel to NOAA’s senior leadership, oversees both internal and external communications efforts, as well as directs various multi-faceted projects and highly visible initiatives across the organization while constantly seeking to create and maintain cross-departmental relationships.

As a seasoned advisor to senior policymakers and executives on scientific and technology policies and practices, Ms. Turner is an expert in communicating complex initiatives for an array of audiences, specifically Congress and the press. She previously served as Advisor to NOAA’s Deputy Under Secretary on agency management and programmatic issues, with a particular focus on satellite and weather programs. 

Ms. Turner graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Russian and East European Studies from Middlebury College, and obtained a Masters of Arts in International Affairs with a focus on Security Policy and U.S. Foreign Policy from George Washington University. She has been awarded the Department of Commerce Gold and Bronze Medals for her distinguished performance and prestigious contributions that impacted the mission of the department. She also speaks Russian and basic Mandarin.