NASAwatch reports more rumours of Science Directorate turmoil
I can not overemphasise how potentially important the top tree of SMD administration is for space science. The fine graining of science priorities, advising and solicitation is done at the level from head of the divisions (at least two of which are vacant or have temps in place) to the AA for science and her deputy.
These positions determine which areas get supported in the next few years, within the overall SMD budget constraints, they decide which priorities rank and who gets a say.
Likely that big changes are coming, again.