Interior Department Welcomes Additional Biden-Harris Appointees

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of the Interior recently announced the newest members of agency leadership.

“Whether it’s investing in America’s infrastructure through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, tackling the climate crisis, strengthening Indian Country, or championing ambitious clean energy goals, the Department of the Interior is swiftly moving to implement President Biden’s agenda,” said Chief of Staff Rachael Taylor. “Our new colleagues each bring with them unique skills and perspectives that will help deliver results for the American people.”

Interior’s political team reflects the diversity of America, with more than 60 percent identifying as Black, Indigenous or people of color, and 70 percent as women. The appointees are:

  • David Baler – Advance Representative
  • Laura Bloomer – Advisor in the Office of the Solicitor
  • Michael Brain – Deputy Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation
  • Katherine Pustay Currie – Deputy Infrastructure Coordinator
  • Gary Gold – Deputy Assistant Secretary for Water and Science
  • Catherine Ming – Scheduler
  • Joan Mooney – Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management, and Budget

David Baler – Advance Representative

David Baler most recently served as an advance associate for the White House. Previously, he worked as a political associate for Tom Steyer PAC and as a coordinator for the Biden campaign’s climate coalition. Baler began working advance with former New York City First Lady Chirlane McCray. He is originally from Medfield, MA.

Laura Bloomer – Advisor in the Office of the Solicitor

Laura Bloomer most recently served as staff attorney at the Institute for Governance & Sustainable Development where she helped advance climate change mitigation strategies. Prior to her legal career, Bloomer taught English in Indonesia with the Peace Corps and worked on President Obama’s reelection campaign.

Michael Brain – Deputy Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation

Michael Brain is a senior water policy advisor with more than a decade of experience working on water resource development and management issues on Capitol Hill. Most recently, Brain served as professional staff on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development where he drafted and implemented annual funding legislation for the Bureau of Reclamation and Army Corps of Engineers.

Katherine Pustay Currie – Deputy Infrastructure Coordinator

Katherine Currie rejoins the Interior Department as deputy coordinator for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. She previously served as deputy staff director to the Steering Committee in the U.S. Senate and as policy staff to the Secretary of the Interior in Washington, D.C. Currie also spent time in Anchorage, AK advancing political, legislative, and environmental initiatives through work in the Alaska State Legislature and political campaigns.

Gary Gold – Deputy Assistant Secretary for Water and Science

Gary Gold is an attorney and engineer from Arizona. Since the start of his career, Gold has played an active role on water policy initiatives focused on drought response and resiliency planning.

Catherine Ming – Scheduler

Catherine Ming most recently worked for Senator Kirsten Gillibrand as her deputy scheduler. Previously, she worked for Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s presidential campaign as a surrogate scheduler. Ming grew up in the Washington, D.C. area.

Joan Mooney – Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management, and Budget

Joan Mooney most recently served as President and CEO of the Faith & Politics Institute and previously served as Assistant Secretary for the Department of Veterans Affairs in the Obama administration, where she led the Department’s congressional and legislative affairs. In 2014, she retired from federal service receiving the Exceptional Service Award, the highest commendation for senior leader performance. She began her Capitol Hill career in 1987 working for Congressman Terry Bruce and serving as Chief of Staff for Congresswoman Darlene Hooley.