NOAA’S JACK HAYES WINS PRESIDENTIAL RANK AWARD

Jack Hayes, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s deputy assistant administrator for ocean and coastal zone management for the National Ocean Service has received the Presidential Rank Award for his exceptional contributions to improving weather systems.

Hayes was cited for his work during his tenure as director of the Office of Science and Technology at NOAA’s National Weather Service. Among numerous other accomplishments, under his leadership he improved every important aspect of the Weather Service forecast and warning operations. His decision to select a non-standard operating system improved tornado detection, warning performance parameters and system performance capabilities, potentially saving lives and generating annual savings of billions of dollars in resource protection.

The Presidential Rank Award is a prestigious award given to a select group of senior federal executives who have provided exceptional service to the American people.

“NOAA is proud to have Jack recognized for his outstanding work,” said retired Navy Vice Admiral Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr., Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “This award is a fitting recognition of the impact of Jack’s work and exemplifies NOAA’s commitment to serving the nation’s weather needs.”

In his current position with the Ocean Service, Hayes is responsible for the execution of program missions in operational oceanography and marine area management. These ocean programs represent a diversity ranging from physical oceanography and the measurement of tides and water levels, hydrographic surveying, geodesy, and coastal and ocean management through marine protected areas, National Marine Sanctuaries, and the management of the nation’s coastal zone.

“Jack is most deserving of this award for his work with the National Weather Service,” said Assistant Administrator of the National Ocean Service, Richard W. Spinrad, Ph.D. “We are fortunate to have someone with his skills and experience join our team. He brings a wealth of scientific and institutional knowledge to the National Ocean Service.”

NOAA, an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through research to better understand atmospheric and climate variability and to manage wisely our nation’s coastal and marine resources.

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