William L Cunningham

As the Director of OIP, he serves as the principal advisor regarding a broad spectrum of international scientific cooperation and assistance in geologic, hydrologic, biological, and geographic research and scientific investigations.

As the Acting Director of OSQI, he will provide leadership on a breadth of responsibilities, including the USGS’s work on Fundamental Science Policy and science integrity. In addition, Bill will oversee the Bureau Approving Officials, the Youth and Education in Science program, the Office of Tribal Relations, the Mendenhall Research Fellowship Program, and the Scientist Emeritus Program.

Mr. Cunningham has been with the USGS for more than 36 years. He started his career as a student in Ohio and later served as a Groundwater Specialist in North Carolina.  Mr. Cunningham joined the USGS Water Mission Area Office of Groundwater where he provided leadership in groundwater science inside and outside the USGS. The Office of Groundwater was responsible for developing tools and methods (including MODFLOW) for the USGS operational program, transferring technology to USGS groundwater data and investigative activities throughout the U.S., providing a system of quality controls to assure the technical excellence of groundwater field programs, and providing national direction and program coordination for USGS groundwater science. Mr. Cunningham also oversaw the USGS program for national assessments of groundwater availability in the principal aquifers of the U.S.  Prior to becoming the Director of the OIP, Mr. Cunningham served as the Senior Science Advisor for Groundwater and International Water Resources. 

Mr. Cunningham is a graduate of the Ohio State University, where he earned both a Master of Science in Geological Sciences (Hydrogeology) and a Bachelor of Arts in Geology.