NOAA's New Administrator To Lead
'By Putting People First'

Vice Admiral Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr. USN (Ret.) Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere "I want to be on a team critical to America's future."

"For thousands of years, humans have gazed out across the ocean and pondered what lay beyond the horizon. What we recognize today is that what lies below that horizon is just as important as what lies beyond it."

That message punctuated Vice Admiral Lautenbacher's April 20 Earth Day statement as he underscored that "what we don't know about the oceans can have a profound impact on all of our lives."

Now at NOAA's helm, Vice Admiral Lautenbacher's 40-year passion for oceanic and atmospheric programs will lead the talents and commitment of NOAA staff at a particularly challenging time. Never before have our nation and the world had the capacity to so profoundly affect the environment and, in turn, the global economy that is intrinsically linked.

How does NOAA's new Administrator plan to lead an agency charged with providing the sound science and service essential to this and future generations?

"By putting people first," Vice Admiral Lautenbacher said. People are the most important part of an organization. I believe in a work environment that's positive, an environment in which people come to work expecting to do well. I expect the best from people and over the years I have never been disappointed. When given encouragement and support, people naturally rise to the challenge because of their own internal motivation. True job satisfaction comes about when people are given the opportunity to perform at their best.

"The Army puts it well, with the words, 'be all that you can be.' "

What does it take to cultivate such an environment? Vice Admiral Lautenbacher is clear that leaders and managers -- "management is a skill that every leader must have" -- can set the standards and practice the principles crucial to creating a satisfying workplace. "While I won't be able to reach every NOAA employee personally, I am concerned about everyone here. I want employees to be happy, to feel shared pride in producing a product that is second to none.

"Building support, having good working relationships makes sense. This requires two-way conversations and the willingness to have the kind of dialogue that builds team spirit. I am seriously interested in fostering team spirit. At some level, everyone is a leader. I know I learn the most when I listen.

"I have worked for some very fine people in my career and observed how they built successful organizations. My current thinking is a product of their combined example. I believe that if I treat those around me well, they in turn will treat others well and this practice will move all around NOAA."

Vice Admiral Lautenbacher says he's the beneficiary of this country's freedom and dignity and his family's consistent support. "I wouldn't have been able to do much in my life without their support," he said. He and his wife Susan live in Virginia. They have a son and a daughter and four grandchildren.

Vice Admiral Lautenbacher said he's here because he believes in NOAA. "I want to be on a team critical to America's future," he said.

Drawing on his outstanding track record, Vice Admiral Lautenbacher comes to NOAA with a clear vision of how he plans to lead. (Please see Principles of Leadership and Career Profile below.)

Vice Admiral Lautenbacher with wife Susan and grandchildren Molly (left) and Emily



With grandchildren Brynn (left) and Cade

CAREER PROFILE • 1964 graduate of U.S. Naval Academy • M.S. and Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics, Harvard University • Expertise in Anti-submarine Warfare, Anti-air Warfare and Naval Surface Fire Support gained during numerous operational tours to the Western Pacific and Southeast Asia throughout the Vietnam War • Extensive command experience including service as Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Riyadh during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm --directed Navy planning and participation in air campaign • Pioneered use of cutting-edge technology to mount large-scale operations using sea-based command and control • A founding father of the current Fleet Battle Experiment Program and originator of the Sea-based Battle Laboratory concept to significantly reduce time needed to move technology to the fleet • Selected as a Federal Executive Fellow and served at the Brookings Institution • Frequent guest lecturer at the Naval War College, Army War College, Air War College, The Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy of Tufts University and components of the National Defense University • Expert in building cost estimating models for major acquisition programs with specialization in aircraft research and development and procurement • A prime architect of the Bottom-Up Review military force structure • As last assignment on active duty served as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations with direct responsibilities for developing the Navy Future (5) Years Program and an $80 billion annual budget -- duties sharpened expertise in federal government processes within both Executive and Legislative branches • Transitioned to civilian life by forming own management consultant firm • Prior to joining NOAA was President and CEO of CORE -- the Consortium for Oceanographic Research and Education, a nonprofit organization with a membership of 65 institutions of higher learning whose mission is to increase basic knowledge and public support across the spectrum of ocean sciences

PRINCIPLES OF LEADERSHIP We will treat each other with dignity and respect at all times. We will function as a team, assisting each other as needed to level the workload, and working harmoniously to promote overall morale and personal satisfaction. We will be gracious, open minded, and supportive of our "customers" (Executive branch departments and agencies, Congressional members and staff, academia, industry, the media, the taxpayers - in other words - everyone!). We will be prudent managers of resources. (The efficient use of our time is particularly important.) We will meet both the spirit and intent of all legal requirements of our business, as well as maintain the highest ethical and moral standards of professional conduct. We will be sensitive to perception as well as fact. We will provide excellent products and services. Everyone starts out with my complete trust and confidence in your skills and ability to meet the requirements of your job. You will have to work hard in the negative direction to change that evaluation! Your personal development and job satisfaction are important to me and to the NOAA team effort. I need to know if there is anything I can do to help. My door is always open to each individual for personal issues, or business matters that cannot be satisfactorily or quickly resolved through normal procedures. I need your daily help if we are to be successful. My schedule will be open for your information, and I welcome and encourage any inputs you feel are important for the success of our efforts. Suggestions and ideas to improve our "products" or daily operations are welcome at any time. Your Voice Counts! Vice Admiral Lautenbacher welcomes your suggestions and questions. As frequently as possible, he'll respond to questions of broad interest in AccessNOAA. Please send yours via Just Ask on left column.

 

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Date Last Updated: 1/02/02