Brian W. Stone

Biography

Brian W. Stone is currently performing the duties of the Director of the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). In this capacity, he provides executive leadership for the agency, overseeing strategic direction, budget execution and the advancement of NSF's mission to support fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering. He serves as NSF's principal representative to the White House, Congress, other federal agencies, and domestic and international partners, guiding policy and institutional priorities at the highest level.

In addition to this role, Mr. Stone serves as the Chief of Staff of NSF. He leads cross-directorate coordination, long-range planning and high-level policy development, while advising the Director and senior leadership on emerging issues and strategic opportunities across the agency's portfolio.

Mr. Stone previously served in the NSF Office of Polar Programs as the Section Head for Antarctic Infrastructure and Logistics and as a Research Support Manager. He was responsible for the full scope of operational logistics for the United States Antarctic Program (USAP), managing a $260 million annual budget and overseeing coordination with the U.S. Department of Defense, NOAA, NASA and numerous federal and international partners.

He also led the administration of multiple major contracts, including NSF's largest award for the operation and maintenance of USAP infrastructure. Prior to joining the federal government, Mr. Stone worked in operations and logistics for the USAP prime support contractor. He has more than 25 years of experience in polar operations and remote-site logistics and has worked at all major USAP locations, including a multiyear assignment managing operations in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Over the course of his career, Mr. Stone has received numerous honors and awards and is a recipient of both the NSF Distinguished Service Award and the Presidential Rank Award. His long-term contributions to Antarctic service were also recognized by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names, which named a geographic feature in Antarctica in his honor.

Mr. Stone holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in Biology and Political Science from Duke University and a Master of Business Administration from The George Washington University.