Victor McCrary

McCrary was born and raised in Washington, D.C.^[3] He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry from the Catholic University of America, a PhD in chemistry from Howard University, and a Master of Science in engineering and technology management from the University of Pennsylvania.^[4]

After earning his doctorate, McCrary joined Bell Labs as a member of the technical team. In 1995 he joined the National Institute of Standards and Technology, where he led convergent systems.^[5]

McCrary joined Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in 2003.^[6] In 2007, he was made President at the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE).^[7] McCrary worked as vice chancellor at the University of Tennessee and as the inaugural vice president of research and economic development at Morgan State University.^[3] McCrary also served as vice president of research at the University of the District of Columbia

In October 2016 McCary was appointed to the National Science Board.^[8] He was made vice chair in July 2020.^[3] In August 2025, McCrary was named chair.^[9]

McCrary is Catholic, a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus, and parishioner at Saint John the Evangelist in Columbia, Maryland.^{[citation needed]}