Fla. Honors Retiring Hurricane Forecaster Mayfield

Governor Jeb Bush and members of the Florida Cabinet passed a resolution this week honoring Max Mayfield’s career in public service.

As director of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Hurricane Center located in Miami, Mayfield led the National Hurricane Center since January 2000. His service and leadership have resulted in improved forecasts, enhanced warning coordination and increased preparedness.

“Director Max Mayfield is a trusted leader and a scientist who is passionate about changing outcomes in communities threatened by tropical cyclone activity in the western hemisphere,” Bush said. “He is truly an asset, not only to Florida, but to the international community that relies upon his expertise and guidance. On behalf of all Floridians, I thank Max for his service to our state.”

Mayfield came to the National Hurricane Center in 1972, following a 2-year stint as a forecaster with the U.S. Air Force. He has served the National Hurricane Center in various professional capacities, rising from the position of Satellite Meteorologist through the ranks to the position of Deputy Director in 1998, then Director in 2000.

“Protecting the lives and property of those in hurricane-prone areas requires the hard work and dedication of the entire NOAA team and our partners in the emergency management community and the media,” Mayfield said. “I am proud and privileged to be part of this collaboration that greatly serves our state and nation.”

The professional accomplishments and accolades earned by Mayfield during his career at the National Hurricane Center are numerous. He has received significant recognition from the American Meteorological Society, the U.S. Department of Commerce and the National Weather Service for work during some of the most devastating storms on record.

“Max and his team have played a key role in the efforts of Florida’s State Emergency Response Team and local emergency management community to help Floridians prepare for and survive numerous hurricanes and tropical events,” said Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Craig Fugate. “He has presided during our state’s most active seasons on record and changed outcomes.”

During his career, tropical cyclone track forecasts have steadily improved to the point where 5-day forecasts are now as accurate as 3-day forecasts were 15 years ago.
A longtime resident of Miami-Dade County, Director Mayfield, 58, officially retires on Jan. 3, 2007.

Source: www.flgov.com