CONTACT:  Lori Arguelles                 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                                         7/7/98

David Evans has been selected as the new director of the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research at the Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the agency announced today. Evans, who is currently deputy assistant administrator of NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service, will be replaced by Andy Rosenberg. Rosenberg is currently the Northeast regional administrator for NOAA Fisheries. Both personnel actions go into effect July 19.

"I am delighted that Dave will head our research efforts," said D. James Baker, Commerce under secretary for oceans and atmosphere. "His strong scientific credentials and outstanding management expertise will provide valuable leadership. Dave's background as a physical oceanographer is a perfect complement to the renewed national interest in the importance of both ocean and climate issues."

Evans has served as the deputy assistant administrator of NOAA Fisheries for the past year. Prior to that he was the acting deputy assistant administrator and senior scientist for NOAA's National Ocean Service. Before joining NOAA, he was the program manager for the Physical Oceanography Program at the Office of Naval Research. He was also professor of oceanography at the University of Rhode Island.

Rosenberg will succeed Evans as the deputy assistant administrator for NOAA Fisheries at the agency's headquarters in Silver Spring, Md. He has extensive experience with fisheries issues, having served NOAA Fisheries since 1995 as one of five regional administrators. Prior to that Rosenberg served in a variety of capacities at NOAA Fisheries, including acting chief of fishery management and operations in the Northeast region, research specialist at headquarters, and chief of the coordination section at the Northeast Fisheries Center. Before joining NOAA, he was on the faculty of the Imperial College of Science in London.

"NOAA will benefit greatly on a broader scale from Andy's expertise and experience in the National Marine Fisheries Service," Baker said. "His extensive background in developing and implementing recovery programs for endangered fish stocks, and his scientific work on population dynamics, resource management policy and risk assessment will be of great value to NOAA Fisheries overall."

"Dave brought superb scientific expertise and excellent administrative skills to help the Fisheries Service grow to meet increasing challenges. I know our sister agency will also benefit from his wisdom and foresight. He'll indeed be missed," said Rollie Schmitten, director of NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service.

"Andy will bring to the office the same solid scientific knowledge, along with the added experience of managing what are arguably some of the most contentious marine resource challenges in the nation. It's truly a win-win outcome for both agencies," Schmitten said.

Northeast Deputy Regional Administrator Jon Rittgers will serve as acting regional administrator until a permanent replacement can be found for Rosenberg.

Evans has a Ph.D. in physical oceanography from the University of Rhode Island. After earning his bachelor's degree at the University of Pennsylvania, he taught high school math in his hometown of Media, Pa., before attending graduate school. He has four children.

Rosenberg received his Ph.D. in biology from Dalhousie University. He has an M.S. in oceanography from Oregon State University. Rosenberg, a native of Boston, currently resides in Gloucester, Mass., with his wife Marian.