Deputy Director Catherine H. Barrett helps lead the Secretary’s policy office and advises the Secretary and Deputy Secretary on environment, energy, space, and scientific research matters. In her work she coordinates closely with experts and leaders in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, as well as other Commerce bureaus. 

Previously, Catherine served as Counsel for the Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard Subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, under the Chairmanship of John D. Rockefeller (D-WV). In her service, Catherine was responsible for drafting and advancing legislation and advising the Chairman and Subcommittee Members on matters relating to ocean policy and governance, coastal management, ecosystems and habitat, water quality, offshore development and impacts, weather and atmospheric issues and oversight of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 

Before that, Catherine served as Senior Policy Advisor at The Nature Conservancy, directing several legislative and regulatory campaigns for the largest environmental charitable organization in the world. She has also worked at The Ocean Conservancy, the United Nations and the Commission on Environmental Law of the IUCN (World Conservation Union). Catherine has previously been appointed to international, federal and state advisory bodies, and has served as a lecturer on ocean policy and law for the American Law Institute and the American Bar Association. She received her B.A. degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, and her J.D. from Pace University School of Law in New York, where she served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Environmental Law Review.