NOAA's National Weather Service Western Region Director Vickie Nadolski recently
named Bob Diaz as the new meteorologist in charge of the San Francisco Bay Area Weather Forecast Office located in Monterey, Calif.

Nadolski noted Diaz brings to his new position 16 years experience in meteorology, including his most recent position as meteorologist in charge of the NWS Forecast Office in Billings, Mont. She said he is familiar with the Bay Area, having served as the deputy meteorologist in charge at Monterey from 1995-96. He has also served as chief, NWS Systems Integration Branch, in Honolulu Hawaii.

Diaz will head up all forecast operations in the area which includes Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Monterey, Napa, San Benito, San Mateo, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sonoma counties. The NWS is responsible for issuance of the severe weather watches and warnings so critical to public safety.

Nadolski said, "Bob is a highly motivated individual with excellent and proven ability to lead an office. He has excellent communication and outreach skills, is bilingual, and brings a broad experience in the National Weather Service. He and his team are responsible for protecting the lives and property of more than 7,000,000 citizens every day."

Diaz said, "I am very happy to be returning to California. I was an intern meteorologist here in the Bay Area in 1984 and returned as deputy meteorologist in charge in 1995. I look forward to furthering working relationships and fostering new partnerships to provide the best service for the protection of lives and property for the San Francisco Bay area, Monterey Bay area, and the central coast of California."

In addition to his extensive forecasting experience, Diaz holds a bachelor's degree from Boise State University and he has completed the distinguished Graduate Scientist Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Diaz was born in San Jose, Calif. and is the son of Herbert and Teresa Sheeley who reside in Mullan, Idaho.