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NOAA 2002-035 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: John Leslie 4/2/02 |
NOAA News
Releases 2002 NOAA Home Page NOAA Public Affairs |
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NOAA's National Weather Service tapped John McNulty to head the agency's Office of Operational Systems. As director, McNulty will manage the maintenance of the systems that collect and distribute weather data worldwide. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is part of the Department of Commerce. "For such a demanding position, John has the right mix of leadership, vision and experience that will keep us on a forward path of excellence," said Brig. Gen. Jack Kelly, USAF (ret.), director of the National Weather Service. "During his time here already, John's shown a keen ability to make the tough choices that yield the most benefit." McNulty, a long-time engineer and logistics expert, has been with the National Weather Service since 1989, at the threshold of the agency's modernization effort. He was hired as an electronics engineer and helped design and implement projects that spanned the entire range of operational weather systems. For the next five years, McNulty was responsible for major acquisitions of new systems and upgrades to existing ones. McNulty graduated from Northeastern University in 1969, with a bachelor's of science degree in electrical engineering. In 1973, McNulty earned a master's degree in operations research from American University, and a year later, a graduate certificate in computer systems from AU. In 1994, McNulty was promoted to Supervisory Physical Scientist and developed procedures for integrating the National Weather Service's automated surface observing programs. Today, Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) units collect data at airports across the nation, adding to the safety of thousands of daily flights. In 1996, McNulty became head of the National Weather Service's Maintenance, Logistics and Acquisition division, and established strict maintenance policies for all the agency's programs. He was also responsible for monitoring the plans for contracts and evaluating costs. "It's not only important to bring the best services to government, but to do it at the best possible price," McNulty said. "Coming off of the Weather Service modernization, the Operational Systems staff has the momentum that will help take the agency to a higher level of excellence." NOAA's National Weather Service (NWS) is the primary source of weather data, forecasts and warnings for the United States and its territories. NWS 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. To learn more about NWS, please visit http://www.nws.noaa.gov. |