Former AGI Executive Director P. Patrick Leahy Passes Away
Alexandria, Va. – The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) is saddened to share the news that colleague and friend Dr. P. Patrick Leahy passed August 7, 2026. Leahy served as AGI’s Executive Director from 2007-2016 during which he oversaw AGI change its name, greatly expanding the scope and number of member societies. He transformed AGI into a globally focused organization and broadened its reach to the geoscience community. Dr. Leahy also served as Executive Director of the AGI Foundation (AGIF) from 2016-2022.
“Pat” held undergraduate and graduate degrees in geology (1968) and geophysics (1970) from Boston College. He received his doctorate in geology (1979) from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute where he specialized in regional ground-water studies and hydraulics. In 1974, Leahy began a distinguished 32-year career with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) where he ultimately served as Associate Director for Geology and then Acting Director of USGS before joining AGI in May 2007.
“Everyone who had the chance to work with Pat Leahy throughout his career benefited from his steady hand in leadership while moving the geosciences forward and doing so in a collegial and approachable manner. Pat left permanent positive impacts on both the USGS and AGI as well as the entire discipline, for which we all are grateful,” noted AGI Interim Executive Director, Christopher Keane.
Dr. Leahy is survived by his wife of 54 years, Cathy, their three children, and seven grandchildren. To share remembrance and more information on Pat Leahy, please visit: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/falls-church-va/p-leahy-13010045.
About AGI
The American Geosciences Institute (AGI), a federation of scientific and professional organizations representing over a quarter-million geoscientists, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to serving the geoscience community and addressing the needs of society. AGI headquarters are in Alexandria, Virginia.
Contact:
John P. Rasanen
American Geosciences Institute
jr@americangeosciences.org