During his participation with Leadership Competencies Development Program, Rob Rogers was working with NOAA’s Budget Formulation and Execution Team, which received commendation from NOAA leadership. Ben Friedman, Department of Commerce Deputy Undersecretary for Operations states that the team has gone above and beyond to minimize and mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 to NOAA’s budget. Despite the challenges associated with telework, the team has continued to oversee the day-to-day execution of the current year’s budget and work with Congress on next year’s budget. Recently, the Team also coordinated a massive effort to identify and secure funding to assist NOAA and its partners in responding to COVID-19. Working with the Line and Staff Offices, NOAA Leadership, the Department of Commerce, the Office of Management and Budget, and Congress, the team identified, justified and secured substantial funding through the The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Due in no small part to their efforts, NOAA obtained $20 million for staffing, cleaning, and computer support needed to ensure continuity of operations as well as $300 million in direct assistance for impacted members of the American fishing industry. Congratulations Rob!