Durelle P Smith

Ms. Smith provides leadership for the full extent of USGS science capabilities in the Alaska Region, including natural hazards, energy and mineral resources, water resources, geospatial mapping, and ecosystems and landscape science. In this position, she oversees the Alaska Science Center, Volcano Science Center, and multidisciplinary project personnel located within the region. She is responsible for representing the USGS and DOI on the broad array of interagency working groups and committees focused on advancing scientific outcomes in the U.S. Arctic and managing partner and stakeholder relationships in the region. 

Ms. Smith joined the USGS in January 2005. Prior to her role as Acting Regional Director, she served as the Alaska Deputy Regional Director for Operations since 2021. Prior to 2021 she served in roles ranging from Regional Chief of Staff, Regional Management Officer, Science Partnership Coordinator, and Assistant to the Director, all for the Alaska Region. 

Ms. Smith is a graduate of Smith College, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Geology.