Annie Hawkins serves as General Counsel for NOAA, providing the primary focal point for the review, coordination, and action on all legal-related matters across the agency's portfolio. She also acts as the Under Secretary's chief legal advisor and oversees the Office of General Counsel's personnel, budget, and strategic planning.

Prior to her appointment to NOAA, Annie founded and led the Responsible Offshore Development Alliance, a nationwide coalition of commercial fishing businesses and associations. There she developed innovative platforms for fishermen to communicate their ecological observations to scientists and policy makers, and to improve marine resource management through cooperative research. 

Annie's career reflects her drive toward finding sensible, long-lasting solutions to complex environmental problems. She has extensive previous public and private sector experience working in fisheries, ocean science and food security, as well as on a broader range of natural resource and supply chain topics, both domestically and internationally. 

Annie holds Juris Doctor and Master of Marine Affairs degrees from the University of Washington and a Bachelor of Arts in Conservation Biology, Political Science and Zoology from the University of Wisconsin.

Visit: Office of the General Counsel for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration