Name: Helen J. Gibson

Q: Where in NOAA do you work now?
A: NESDIS/National Oceanographic Data Center

Q: When did you begin your work with NOAA?
A: I started working in NOAA at its inception! Actually, I started out in the Department of The Interior, Bureau of Commercial Fisheries, Branch of Shellfisheries (1966-1970), which was the predecessor to the National Marine Fisheries Service. My first job in the newly-formed NOAA (1970-1985) was in the Executive Office, Office of the Administrator, under Dr. Robert M. White, Howard Pollock, Deputy, John Townsend, Associate, and my immediate supervisor, John Eberly, Executive Officer.

Q: Looking back, what events stand out as the most memorable during your time with NOAA?
A: While I was in the Office of the Administrator, my most memorable events were when the man threatened to blow up the Washington Monument, the taking over of the old District Building by the Hanafi Muslems (I was young and very impressionable at the time-25+ years ago!). I also remember the people were compassionate, they cared about people then (not like the cutthroats now).

Q: From your point of view, what have been the most significant changes NOAA has experienced during the past 30 years?
A: The most significant changes NOAA has experienced during the past 30 years are the number of discrimination cases filed!

This page updated on: Monday, 07-Jan-2002 21:41:56 GMT
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