Jainey Bavishi, a climate resilience and adaptation specialist, has officially assumed her duties as deputy administrator and assistant secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
In this capacity, she will oversee efforts related to climate resilience, coastal and ocean programs, fisheries and other initiatives related to NOAA’s implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, NOAA said Tuesday.
Bavishi previously served as director of the office of climate resiliency at the New York City Mayor’s Office. She also served as head of a philanthropic initiative aimed at establishing a coalition of community-based leaders to help advance recovery from hurricanes Katrina, Gustav, Rita and Ike in the Gulf Coast region.
Her government career included time as associate director for climate preparedness at the White House Council on Environmental Quality and director of external affairs and senior policy adviser at NOAA between 2010 and 2013.
“Jainey’s knowledge of NOAA, along with her skills and expertise, make her the right fit for this critical position at a time when climate and oceans are central to so many key policies and decisions,” said NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad.
The Senate confirmed Bavishi to the position on Dec. 22.