WhoRunsGov

Kerri-Ann Jones

Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs-designate (since June 2009)

(NSF)

Why She Matters

Jones began her government career in India, where she helped build U.S. partnerships with researchers there for the U.S. Agency on International Development (U.S. AID). More than two decades later, Jones may return to this effort in a large-scale way as assistant secretary of state for oceans and international environmental and scientific affairs.

If confirmed, Jones will help the State Department combat climate change, reduce the spread of infectious diseases and build relationships between scientists around the world. To do this, she will call on her 29 years of experience merging science and public policy. The biophysics and biochemistry Ph.D. has worked for the White House Office for Science and Technology and with the National Institutes of Health.

In Their Own Words

"Sustained investment in science and technology underlies our ability to succeed in high priority missions,” Jones said in 1999.

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At a Glance

  • Career History: Consultant (2005 to 2009); Director, Office of International Science and Engineering at the National Science Foundation (2002 to 2005); Director, Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (1999 to 2002)
  • Alma Mater: Barnard College, B.A.m 1975; Yale Universiyt, Ph.D., 1985
 

Path to Power

Jones graduated from Barnard College in 1975. She then moved to Yale University, where she pursued her Ph.D. in molecular biophysics and biochemistry.

In 1985, Jones began her career as a science, engineering, and diplomacy fellow for the American Association for the Advancement of Science. She next joined U.S. AID, where she travelled to New Delhi, India, to consult on ways to combine biotechnology and development.

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The Issues

In her new position, Jones will be tasked with tackling some of the thorniest global issues, including climate change, infectious diseases, biodiversity and wildlife trade and whaling restrictions. She will also supervise nearly 200 employees.

Her predecessor led United Nations climate negotiations, and Jones may be called on to do that as well.

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The Network

Jones worked in the Clinton administration under John H. Gibbons. At the State Department, Jones will work for Under Secretary for Democracy and Global Affairs Maria Otero, Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor-designate Michael Posner, and Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons Luis C. De Baca. She will also partner with the State Department's Special Envoy on Climate Change Todd D. Stern.

 

Campaign Contributions

Jones has only given to a handful of candidates, including Tom Allen, a Democratic senatorial candidate from Maine.

 

Additional Resources

  1. State Department web site
  2. Open Secrets web site
  3. American Academy of Arts and Sciences web site
  4. Winter, Allison, "State Dept." Scientist nominated to lead environment, science efforts," E&E News, June 25, 2009
  5. Barnard College web site
  6. Office of International Science and Technology web site
  7. Washington Post Head Count
  8. "President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts," White House, June 24, 2009
  9. "Statement of The Honorable Kerri Ann Jones, Acting Director Office of Science and Technology Policy," Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, June 23, 1998