(bottom) Still studying hurricanes 40 years later
Professional Background
I have spent over 25 years in satellite climate science. I established this company to bring world-class atmospheric expertise directly to organizations tackling today’s most challenging weather and climate problems.
Career Highlights
Education
- Ph.D., Atmospheric Science, Colorado State University, 2000
- M.S., Atmospheric Science, Colorado State University, 1996
- B.S., Meteorology and Mathematics, Lyndon State College, 1994
NOAA Career Arc (1999–2025)
During my 25+ years at NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), I progressed from Research Associate through Research Meteorologist and Section Chief to Branch Chief, holding progressively senior leadership positions:
- Chief, Climate Science Branch — Led 40 scientists developing operational climate products and climate data records
- Director, Climate Data Record (CDR) Program — Managed $1M annual budget, coordinating across NOAA, NASA, and international partners to develop and maintain foundational climate datasets
- Strategic Planning Lead — Directed next-generation satellite transition planning across 30+ Climate Data Records, ensuring continuity and improved accuracy as platforms evolved
- International Coordinator — Coordinated NESDIS High Level Working Group Geo-Ring Task in collaboration with EUMETSAT, coordinating cross-agency satellite calibration and data standardization efforts
Key Datasets Designed
I designed and developed several foundational satellite climate datasets that continue to serve the global research community:
- GridSat-B1 CDR — Gridded geostationary satellite infrared dataset spanning 40+ years
- ISCCP-H — International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project H-Series, premier global cloud dataset
- VGAC — VIIRS Geostationary Area Coverage product for next-generation platforms can produce data from legacy algorithms.
- IBTrACS — International Best Track Archive for Climate Stewardship, the authoritative global tropical cyclone record with 3,250+ citations
International Experience
I have extensive experience coordinating satellite climate initiatives across international agencies and research programs:
- EUMETSAT collaboration — Direct bilateral coordination on geostationary satellite calibration and product development
- SCOPE-CM — Sustained, Coordinated Processing of Environmental Satellite Data for Climate Monitoring
- GSICS — Global Space-based Inter-Calibration System working group participation
- GEWEX — Global Energy and Water Exchanges project working groups
Personal History
My passion for meteorology and computing began in childhood, including a 7th-grade science fair project focused on hurricanes. I have maintained this interest throughout a 40-year career studying aerosols, hurricanes, satellite instrument calibration, and more.
Location & Community
Based in Asheville, North Carolina, near major atmospheric research centers with convenient access to southeastern U.S. clients.
Personal Interests
Outside of professional work, I volunteer with Scouting America and value how Scout principles (Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, …) translate to work and family life.