NOAA’S NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SELECTS
NEW LEADER OF SEATTLE WEATHER FORECAST OFFICE

NOAA’s National Weather Service has selected Bradley Colman to serve as the meteorologist-in-charge of Seattle Weather Forecast Office. Colman began his new assignment on January 8.

“A meteorologist-in-charge is the front line officer carrying out the National Weather Service’s mission of serving the American public by helping protect lives and property,” said Brig. Gen. David L. Johnson, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), director of NOAA’s National Weather Service. “We are honored to have Dr. Colman serve in this important role.”

Colman is well known in the Seattle area. Prior to becoming the meteorologist-in-charge, he was the science and operations officer at the forecast office since April 1993. Also, as affiliate associate professor with the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Washington in Seattle, he is involved in local scientific studies and actively works with students. He also is active in Seattle community affairs, including volunteer service on the board and as the immediate past president of the Friends of the Conservatory between April 2000 and April 2005.

Colman earned his bachelor’s degree in earth sciences, with a minor in mathematics, from Montana State University in 1977, and was awarded his doctorate degree in atmospheric sciences from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1984. Colman’s association with the National Weather Service began as a student trainee in 1976 at the Northwest River Forecast Center in Portland, Ore. He also served as a meteorologist with the Scientific Services Division at National Weather Service Western Region headquarters in Salt Lake City.

Following completion of his doctorate degree he returned to the National Weather Service as a meteorologist intern at the Juneau, Alaska, forecast office. In 1986, he moved to the Forecast Systems Laboratory in Boulder, Colo., as a research meteorologist, where he participated in multiple research and field studies, primarily focusing on cool-season mesoscale processes. In 1990, he moved to the Seattle forecast office as a research and forecast meteorologist.

“Brad Colman’s broad experience with Pacific Northwest weather will be a tremendous asset to the staff and the community,” said Vickie Nadolski, director of the National Weather Service Western Region, based in Salt Lake City. “He will continue to promote full coordination with local governments and the business community, as well as the strong public outreach activities of the Seattle forecast office. His experience, enthusiasm and innovative spirit will be definite assets to residents of Seattle and the surrounding areas.”

“I am honored to be selected as the new Seattle meteorologist-in-charge,” Colman said. “Residents and visitors to Seattle and the important coastal regions of Washington depend on timely, accurate weather forecasts and warnings for their businesses and their livelihoods. Whether we are providing weather information for those taking to the highways, skies or marine waters, I am excited about being part of the weather information process, and informing everyone in this area about the latest weather trends and warnings. I look forward to building on a proud tradition of providing excellent service to our customers and the community.”

NOAA’s National Weather Service is the official source of weather data, forecasts and warnings for the United States and its territories. The National Weather Service operates the most advanced weather and flood warning and forecast systems in the world, helping to protect lives and property and enhance the national economy.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is an agency of the U.S. Commerce Department. NOAA is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and providing environmental stewardship of our nation’s coastal and marine resources. Through the emerging Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS), NOAA is working with federal partners and nearly 60 countries to develop a global earth observation network that is as integrated as the planet it observes, predicts and protects.

Note: Media interested in arranging an interview with Bradley Colman may contact the Seattle weather forecast office by calling (206) 526-6095.

On the Web:

NOAA: http://www.noaa.gov

NOAA’s National Weather Service: http://www.nws.noaa.gov

National Weather Service in Seattle: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/sew