The NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office has an acting director while current director, Peyton Robertson, is on an extended detail serving as senior advisor to the National Marine Fisheries Service and the National Weather Service. In the meantime, Sean Corson has been serving in the role since June. Corson had served as Deputy Director since 2008, but he explained that his responsibilities have changed quite a bit since stepping into the new role.

“As the Deputy Director I am responsible for the daily operations of the office. In that job I ensure that our staff have everything they need to be successful.” He oversees the budget, facilities, personnel, contracts, grants, and interagency agreements, focusing much of his time internally.

As Acting Director, however, Corson has turned much of his attention outward. He serves as the Chair of the Sustainable Fisheries Goal Implementation Team, working with fishery managers and partners around the Bay to address issues related to species like oysters, striped bass, blue catfish, blue crabs, and river herring. He also serves as a Commissioner on Maryland’s Oyster Advisory Commission and represents NOAA in the Chesapeake Bay Program.

Corson will serve in the position indefinitely, as Peyton’s detail is open ended.

When he’s not in the office, Corson enjoys sailing, hunting, and camping with his wife Denise and sons, Nolan and Liam.