Dixon Butler, an atmospheric physicist, is chief scientist for the GLOBE program. Previously at NASA headquarters, Dr. Butler managed earth science research and planned and oversaw development and operations of research satellites that observe the global environment. He led the planning of the Earth Observing System (EOS) and oversaw the first six years of the development and operation of the EOS data and information system. Previously Dr. Butler spent a year as a Congressional Science Fellow for the American Physical Society and spent three years at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, conducting research involving model predictions of the anticipated depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer.

Ralph K. Coppola is assistant director for education for the GLOBE program and director of the Center for Environmental Education and Technology at the College of William and Mary. An educator with 27 years of experience at the K-12 through university levels, he has been involved in the design and implementation of environmental education projects, incorporating the collaboration between members of the science and K-12 communities. Dr. Coppola established the Greater Saginaw Valley Regional Education Cooperative, an organization designed to promote efficient and effective use of resources to address educational needs in math, science, and arts education; telecommunications; and library services.