Kim Damon-Randall, who has extensive experience in the conservation, recovery and management of protected species, has been named as the new director of NOAA’s Office of Protected Resources, succeeding Donna Wieting, who retired in March.
Damon-Randall, who assumed her new post on Aug. 29, most recently served as deputy regional administrator of NOAA’s Greater Atlantic Regional Office. She has also led the Endangered Species Branch and served as assistant regional administrator for protected resources.
Before joining NOAA in 2001, Damon-Randall worked on marine conservation and outreach at the Norwalk Maritime Aquarium and J.L. Scott Marine Education Center.
She has a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in marine affairs, both from the University of Rhode Island. Sam Rauch, NOAA Fisheries deputy assistant administrator for regulatory programs, said that Damon-Randall had helped the agency grapple with some of the most difficult species recovery issues faced on a regional level, including North Atlantic right whale and Atlantic salmon.
“That experience will serve her well in her new job,” he said.