Dr. Roy E. Crabtree has served as the regional administrator of NOAA Fisheries Service's Southeast Regional Office since January 2003. Previously, Dr. Crabtree was employed as a senior research scientist at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Florida Marine Research Institute, and as the director of the Commission's Division of Marine Fisheries. He has served these state and federal fishery management agencies for over 15 years, after beginning his career as a self-employed fishing guide in the Florida Keys and Everglades National Park.

Dr. Crabtree earned his bachelor's degree in biology from Furman University in 1976, his master's degree in marine science from the University of South Carolina in 1978, and his doctorate in marine science from the College of William and Mary in 1984. He has authored or coauthored 36 scientific publications and six selected unpublished assessments.

Frederick C. Sutter III, serves as Deputy Regional Administrator for Operations at NOAA Fisheries Service, Southeast Regional Office. As the Deputy for NOAA Fisheries Service, SE Region. He serves as the Chief Operating Officer responsible for the day-to-day management (through subordinate units): Collects, documents, and interprets scientific and economic data as technical support for management plans, international negotiations, fishery trade and industry services. Conducts regional programs in fishery management activities, regarding fishery management plans, fishery trade and industry services, recreational fisheries, and other service areas throughout the range of fisheries programs. Provides support to the Regional Fishery Management Council(s) within geographic area of responsibility. Provides technical review and monitoring of fisheries plans and grant programs. Interacts directly with federal, state and local officials, and with private citizens seeking to perform work in coastal waters and wetlands of the southeast region. Provides biological recommendations for (sequentially) avoiding, minimizing and offsetting adverse impacts to marine habitat, through services involving field inspections, meetings, public hearings and document reviews. Provides advice and guidance for the conservation and protection of those marine mammals and endangered and threatened species under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Commerce, and matters regarding the restoration of living marine resources and their habitat.