Scott B. Gudes was born on August 16, 1956, in Los Angeles, California, to a family with roots tracing back to Eastern Europe. His grandparents, all born in the late 1890s, were Jewish immigrants seeking freedom from persecution and economic opportunity. His upbringing in Buena Park and Fullerton, California, cultivated a deep passion for the ocean, with Gudes often found fishing or enjoying the beaches of Newport and Laguna. Gudes pursued his undergraduate studies at San Diego State University and the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom, majoring in history with additional coursework in Political Science and Geography. He furthered his education with a Master of Public Administration from California State University, Fullerton. After graduation, he held internships at the City Council of San Diego and the City Manager of Costa Mesa, California. In 1978, Gudes embarked on a distinguished career with the U.S. government, initially as a member of the inaugural class of Presidential Management Interns. This led him to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, where he contributed to various areas, including the R&D Budget, Personnel Policy, and economic adjustment programs. In 1983, Gudes transitioned to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in the Executive Office of the President as a Budget Examiner, focusing primarily on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). His commitment to public service continued as a professional staff member on the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations, serving under various chairmen and overseeing appropriations for defense and commerce-related agencies. Gudes's tenure with NOAA culminated in his appointment as Deputy Under Secretary, where he held several concurrent roles, including Acting NOAA Deputy Administrator and Acting Administrator/Under Secretary of Commerce. His leadership during transitions and critical periods ensured continuity and stability within the agency. Following his service with NOAA, Gudes returned to Capitol Hill, where he held senior positions on the House and Senate Appropriations Committees. Notably, he served as Staff Director for the U.S. Senate Budget Committee under Senator Judd Gregg. Gudes's expertise in legislative affairs led him to roles in private sector organizations, including the National Marine Manufacturers Association and Lockheed Martin Company. In his final professional role, Gudes served as Vice President for Government Affairs for the American Sportfishing Association, advocating for the interests of recreational fishing industry stakeholders.

Scope and Content Note
April 11, 2023:  In this interivew, Scott Gudes discusses his family background and growing up in the Los Angeles area.  Gudes shares his family history, detailing the emigration of his maternal family from Europe to England during World War I and his paternal family's move to the United States. He touches upon the reasons for his parents' relocation to California, specifically for his father's health. Gudes' details his upbringing in Buena Park and Fullerton, California, highlighting his early affinity for the ocean. Gudes' professional journey is explored through his reflections on his tenure in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, where he gained insight into the Soviet Jewry movement. His political engagement is further illustrated by his involvement with the San Diego City Council and the intricacies of the government clearance vetting process. Gudes discusses his academic influences at San Diego State University, including the impact of his professors and the decision-making process that led him to pursue a Master's in Public Administration instead of attending law school. His entry into the political sphere in Washington, DC, facilitated by the Presidential Management Intern program, is described alongside his early career experiences. Gudes emphasizes the significance of academics and networking in shaping his career trajectory. Additionally, Gudes reflects on his political consciousness during the 1960s, his high school years in Southern California, and his burgeoning interest in history and politics. Gudes recounts his early employment opportunities and college experiences at both San Diego State University and the University of Liverpool. Gudes says his mother influenced his initial exposure to government and politics.

April 28, 2023: This oral history interview with Scott Gudes provides a comprehensive overview of his professional career, spanning various roles within the United States government and his transition to the private sector. Gudes recounts his experiences and responsibilities during his tenure at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), including his time as Acting Administrator. He reflects on the challenges of securing funding for NOAA programs, dealing with political appointees, and managing crises such as leaked documents and internal agency conflicts. Gudes also addresses his efforts to combat climate change and resolve personnel issues within the agency. Gudes discusses his work on the Budget Committee, detailing his involvement in documenting its history and the significance of his contributions. He describes his time in the Presidential Management Internship and his role at the Office of Economic Adjustment, where he focused on the economic repercussions of base closures on communities. He shares insights into his work in Micronesia and Guam, tackling issues such as sewage management, economic development, and military opposition. The interview covers Gudes' experiences with budget examination at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), his interactions with senators, and his work on defense and other appropriations while on the Hill. He recounts the impact of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on his role at NOAA and his subsequent move to the Hill during the Iraq War. Additionally, Gudes speaks about his advocacy for ocean exploration, his involvement in the NEXRAD program, and his efforts to modernize NOAA's infrastructure and technology. He also touches upon his work in the State Department, Senate Appropriations Committee, and Senate Budget Committee, before transitioning to represent interests in the private sector, including the recreational boating industry and the American Sport Fishing Association. The interview concludes with Gudes' reflections on the increasing partisanship in Congress and its effects on government operations.