LESLIE CHAPMAN-HENDERSON TO RECEIVE NOAA ENVIRONMENTAL HERO AWARD

Leslie Chapman-Henderson, president and CEO of the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH), has been selected to receive the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Environmental Hero Award. The award will be presented during the annual Florida Governor's Hurricane Conference in Tampa during the week of May 9.

Chapman-Henderson is being recognized for her outstanding support of the NOAA National Weather Service's outreach and education efforts in areas including severe weather, hurricanes, wildfires and floods. Through her Florida-based non-profit organization, she has been instrumental in the dissemination of vital National Weather Service public safety messages. FLASH has also served as a full partner in the National Weather Service's highly successful Turn Around, Don't Drown® flood safety awareness campaign.

Established in 1996, the Environmental Hero Award honors individuals and organizations that volunteer their time and energy to help NOAA carry out its mission.

“NOAA and the nation are fortunate to have such dedicated people volunteer so much of their time,” said retired Navy Vice Adm. Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr., Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “They set a perfect example for others to follow in their communities. America needs more environmental heroes like them.”

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

NOAA, an agency of the U.S. Commerce Department, 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 the nation’s coastal and marine resources.

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