Mrs. Linda Lawhorn-Brown was born in Winnsboro, South Carolina in 1958.  She moved to Washington, D.C. while she was in high school, and after graduation, attended the University of Maryland- College Park, where she majored in special education.  In 1987, Linda came to work for NOAA.  Her first position was with Bill Stanley, who served eventually as NOAA's historian.  Since 1990, Linda has worked in the Office of the Under Secretary, working closely with various administrators, dignitaries, and NOAA staff.  

Scope and Content Note

In her interview, Lorraine Lawhorn-Brown discusses her long career at NOAA, which spans over thirty-five years. She describes her role as an executive assistant, working closely with top-level officials, including the Under Secretary and Chief Scientist. Lawhorn-Brown provides insights into the organizational structure and operations of NOAA, emphasizing its vital role in environmental research and protection. She mentions working alongside renowned scientists like Sylvia Earle and Daniel Albritton, highlighting their contributions to understanding the oceans and climate change. She goes on to discuss how the urgency surrounding climate change has impacted NOAA's priorities, leading to extensive work on climate-related issues. She acknowledges the importance of ongoing research and collaboration between NOAA and other science agencies to address these challenges effectively.

Throughout her career, she has received recognition for her work, including the Silver Sherman award and the NOAA Administrator's Award. Reflecting on her experiences, she emphasizes the ever-evolving nature of the environment and the necessity of NOAA's work in preserving it.