VADM Michael S. Devany

Vice Admiral Michael S. Devany serves as the deputy under secretary for operations at NOAA. As NOAA’s chief operating officer and senior career leader, he is responsible for the day-to-day management of NOAA’s national and international operations for oceanic and atmospheric services, research, and coastal and marine stewardship. He is a key advisor to the under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere/NOAA administrator on NOAA program and policy issues. Vice Admiral Devany has served the nation for more than 30 years in both the U.S. Navy and NOAA, most recently as the director, NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps and the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO).

At OMAO, he led the operation of the agency's fleet of research and survey ships and aircraft, as well as the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps, one of the nation’s seven uniformed services. Vice Admiral Devany has served extensively throughout NOAA and has held several commands both afloat and ashore in support of NOAA’s mission. Vice Admiral Devany has been recognized numerous times for his outstanding performance of duties in both the U.S. Navy and NOAA.

He is a qualified NOAA diver, NOAA senior watch officer and U.S. Navy surface warfare officer; he also holds a U.S. Coast Guard Masters license. Vice Admiral Devany is a native of Washington State. He received a bachelor of science in biology from the University of Washington, a master of public health from the University of South Florida, a master of science in Project Management from City University, and is a graduate of NOAA’s Leadership Competencies Development Program.

He and his wife reside in Virginia with their three boys.