Stone and Keiser to Depart National Science Foundation
The veteran agency leaders plan to step down as the National Science Foundation navigates a leadership transition.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in People
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Acting head Brian Stone and chief of staff Rebecca Keiser are both retiring from the National Science Foundation. Their departures follow a period of significant leadership turnover within the federal research agency.
Why it matters
The exits arrive as the agency manages shifts in research funding priorities toward artificial intelligence and quantum computing directed by the White House. Leadership stability remains a key focus while the agency awaits a Senate-confirmed director.
The National Science Foundation manages an annual budget of $9 billion. Rebecca Keiser is ending a tenure of 11 years at the agency.
The players
Brian Stone
He is the acting head of the National Science Foundation and has served at the agency since 1990.
Rebecca Keiser
She is the outgoing chief of staff at the National Science Foundation who has been with the organization for 11 years.
Rob Moller
He is the current head of the Office of Legislative and Public Affairs who will serve as the acting chief of staff.
James O'Neill
He is the nominee for National Science Foundation director whose confirmation is currently pending in the Senate.
Donald Trump
He is the current President of the United States who oversaw the dismissal of the National Science Board members in 2025.
The details
Brian Stone has served at the agency since 1990, while Rob Moller is set to take over as acting chief of staff. The agency has operated under acting leadership since the resignation of former director Sethuraman Panchanathan in April 2025.
Timeline
1990: Brian Stone joined the National Science Foundation.
April 2025: Director Sethuraman Panchanathan resigned and the National Science Board members were fired.
October 31, 2026: Rebecca Keiser retires from the agency.
January 1, 2027: Brian Stone concludes his duties as acting director.
Market Landscape
The National Science Foundation is shifting its focus to align with the White House Office of Management and Budget's research funding mandates. This transition reflects a broader realignment of agency priorities toward artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
The transition could influence how the agency distributes its $9 billion budget across various research sectors. Interested stakeholders should monitor Senate confirmation hearings for updates on the future leadership of the organization.
The takeaway
These executive transitions highlight the ongoing turnover within federal research institutions under current administrative policies. Observers should continue to track the pending director nomination as a signal for the agency's future strategic direction.
What happens next
James O'Neill's nomination for National Science Foundation director is pending, with the current legislative session scheduled to end in December 2026.
Further reading
For more on changes across the administration, see the latest updates on United States People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Science.
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