NSF Dear Colleague Letter - Susanne LaFratta Appointed Section Head Polar Environment, Safety & Health Section

Dear Colleague Letter

Susanne LaFratta Appointed Section Head
Polar Environment, Safety & Health Section (PESH)

Division of Polar Programs (PLR), Directorate for Geosciences (GEO)
National Science Foundation

Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Susanne LaFratta as Section Head for Polar Environment, Safety & Health. Ms. LaFratta has been with Polar Programs since January 2003, first as the Deputy for what was then known as the Polar Research Support Section and more recently as Senior Advisor. During her tenure she has been responsible for the successful execution of many significant activities, including our annual budget process, the Antarctic Support Contract transition, executive support for the U.S. Antarctic Program Blue Ribbon Panel and NSF's official response to the influential report. Over the years she has held many short-term assignments within Polar Programs, including periods as the Environmental Officer, Safety & Health Officer, Facilities Manager, and Executive Officer. Before joining OPP, she held positions in NSF's Office of Inspector General and in Budget, Finance and Award Management, where she was instrumental in developing NSF's Large Facilities Office.

Ms. LaFratta has degrees in business and law, and brings to the position significant management experience, including 13 years managing research laboratories and programs at Harvard Medical School.

I look forward to her continuing service on the Polar Programs senior management team in this new capacity.

Ms. LaFratta replaces Mr. Arthur Brown who was Acting Section Head following Dr. Montopoli's departure in 2013. I thank Mr. Brown for his extended service in this role.

Dr. Kelly Kenison Falkner
Director, Division of Polar Programs
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Blvd
Arlington VA 22230 USA
703-292-8030