Oceans Caucus Briefing: Implementing a Sea of Legislation at NOAA

On Tuesday, April 25, ESP Advisor’s founder and CEO Emily Patrolia moderated a congressional briefing with NOAA leadership. The briefing, which was hosted by the House Oceans Caucus and organized by the Oceans Caucus Foundation, convened leaders from four of the five NOAA line offices to discuss many ocean-related legislative provisions signed into law over the past year.

Panelists (in speaking order):

  • Nicole LeBoeuf, Assistant Administrator for NOAA’s National Ocean Service (NOS)
  • Rear Admiral Chad Cary, Deputy Director of NOAA’s Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO) and NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps
  • Dr. Steve Thur, Assistant Administrator of NOAA’s Ocean and Atmospheric Research (OAR)
  • Jim Landon, Director of Law Enforcement for NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)

The fiscal year 2023 omnibus, National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), and Inflation Reduction Act all included significant new mandates and funding for NOAA. At the briefing, panelists discussed how NOAA plans to implement these provisions and provided updates on new authorizations and funding—particularly in the NDAA—that impact the agency. On the heels of the recently-passed legislation, congressional staff are actively considering how additional bills could address remaining policy gaps and funding needs around oceans and science in the United States. The Ocean Caucus briefing provided important insight into what else is needed.

Our summary of relevant legislation passed in 2022 can be found here.

Brandon Elsner

Brandon Elsner is a government affairs professional with extensive experience shaping federal policy in oceans, science, environment, and infrastructure. He most recently directed federal strategic services at Waggoner Engineering, helping communities secure significant federal funding for water, transportation, and economic development projects. Brandon previously held senior advisory roles at NOAA and the White House Council on Environmental Quality and was a Legislative Assistant for Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS).

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Marianne Brisson

Marianne helps mission-driven organizations scale their impact through streamlined operations, project leadership, and strategic communications. She leads ESP’s day-to-day operations and ensures firm-wide success. Marianne previously served as Policy and Operations Advisor to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.

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Monaliza Manalinding

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Sarah Keartes

Sarah brings a decade of media relations and science communication expertise to her role at ESP Advisors. Before joining ESP, she reported on marine and coastal science for outlets including National Geographic News, PBS Digital Studios, and Hakai Magazine.

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Caroline Roche

Caroline brings sharp policy instincts and a passion for coastal resilience to ESP Advisors. At the White House Council on Environmental Quality, she supported both the freshwater and ocean policy teams. Most recently, she worked on communications and government affairs for Restore America’s Estuaries, deepening her expertise in habitat protection and federal engagement. Caroline holds a dual degree in Political Science and Fine Art from George Washington University.

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Austen Stovall

Austen Stovall’s background is in coral reef ecology, nature-based solutions, and coastal management. She most recently worked for Representative Jared Huffman (D-CA-02) on his oceans and fisheries portfolio. Austen holds a master’s degree in coastal science and policy from UC Santa Cruz.

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Kat Montgomery

Kat draws upon her ocean policy expertise and years of experience managing projects, programs, and teams to catalyze success for ESP Advisors and our clients. Most recently, Kat served as staff for Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), former Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

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Emily Patrolia

Emily Patrolia founded ESP Advisors to address the need for sophisticated government and public affairs services in the community she holds dear. Emily uses her advocacy and congressional experience and deep understanding of environmental science to lead the firm in all its endeavors.

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PAMELA DAY TAPSCOTT

Pamela Day has over 25 years of experience on Capitol Hill. As Chief of Staff for the late Congressman Don Young (R-AK), father of many initiatives and laws that govern ocean resources today, Pamela managed the annual appropriations process and oversaw 16 original bills that were signed into law.

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