WASHINGTON DC— Acting Interior Secretary Lynn Scarlett today praised President Bush's intention to nominate Mark D. Myers as director of the U.S. Geological Survey. The announcement is subject to confirmation by the U.S. Senate, once the official nomination is made by the President. Current acting director Dr. P. Patrick Leahy will continue to serve in the acting capacity until Senate confirmation.

Myers is an internationally recognized geologist and former State Geologist and head of Alaska's Geological Survey.

"Mark is known not only for his accomplishments as a geologist and state survey manager but also for the consensus building approach he has emphasized throughout his career," Acting Secretary Lynn Scarlett said. "He brings more than 22 years of wide ranging experience in geological science and strong leadership skills to the U.S. Geological Survey."

As State Geologist and Director of the State of Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Survey, Myers managed a research organization that included 38 scientists and support staff. The state survey generates analyses and interprets data on geologic resources and natural conditions and maps and inventories mineral and energy resources on state land. That information is used by the government, private industry, scientists, educators and the public.

As Director of the State of Alaska Division of Oil and Gas, Myers oversaw a professional staff of nearly 100 employees, including geoscientists, engineers, land managers, accountants, commercial analysts, and auditors.

Myers, an expert on North Slope sedimentary and petroleum geology, served as survey chief for field programs in the MacKenzie Delta (ARCO, 1985), Cook Inlet (State of Alaska/U.S. Geological Survey, 1997), and North Slope (ARCO, 1999). He also served as sedimentologist for 13 other North Slope field programs.

Myers is a past president and board member of the Alaska Geological Society; a certified professional geologist with the American Institute of Professional Geologists; a certified petroleum geologist with the American Association of Petroleum Geologists; and a licensed geologist with the State of Alaska.

He served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force Reserve from 1977 to 2003, retiring as a Lt. Colonel.

He received his doctorate in geology from the University of Alaska-Fairbanks in 1994, specializing in sedimentology, clastic depositional environments, surface and subsurface sequence analysis and sandstone petrography. Myers earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees in geology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

The USGS serves the Nation by providing reliable scientific information to describe and understand the Earth; minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters; manage water, biological, energy, and mineral resources; and enhance and protect America's quality of life. The USGS is organized with a Headquarters and Eastern Region facility in Reston, Va. Central Region and Western Region offices are located in Denver, Colo., and Menlo Park, Calif., respectively.