AGI Appoints Dr. Linda R. Rowan as Director of the Government Affairs Program

Alexandria, VA — The American Geological Institute (AGI) announces the appointment of Dr. Linda R. Rowan as the new Director of the Government Affairs Program.

Previously a senior editor with Science magazine, Dr. Rowan will continue to build AGI’s dedication and leadership in representing the geoscience community in Washington, and to serve as an information source for federal policymakers. Dr. Rowan, who earned her graduate degrees from the California Institute of Technology in geology, has also been a Resident Research Associate with the NASA-Johnson Space Center where her work focused on the origin of meteorites.

As AGI’s Government Affairs Program Director, Dr. Rowan will spearhead several key initiatives including outreach, not only to Washington and Capitol Hill, but also to the broad geoscience community whose knowledge and expertise is needed to help policy-makers understand the implications of Earth science issues in today’s society. Dr. Rowan is focused on outreach to policy-makers, by providing information and awareness of Earth science issues, and providing the means and advice that geoscientists need to become involved with policy initiatives. She believes that geoscientists should be more involved with government and policy-making by having an awareness of funding issues and government priorities.

Dr. Rowan envisions three major and immediate issues that geoscientists can educate policy-makers on: energy issues, natural hazards, and the importance of funding Earth sciences. She will build a larger network of geoscientists to become involved in the policy-making process, recognizing the fact that there are actions that can be taken at both the Federal and local levels.

“AGI is pleased to welcome Dr. Rowan to her new position and we look forward to new government affairs developments in the geosciences under her leadership,” says AGI Executive Director, Marcus Milling.