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AMS Resources and Response to the Federal Science Crisis
Our Society faces both significant challenges and exciting opportunities as we move forward together. As I write this in early July, science in the U.S. is under political pressure, with major budget cuts proposed for NOAA, NASA, and climate research. These cuts threaten essential parts of the Weather, Water, and Climate enterprise. The AMS is well-positioned to advocate not only for restoring these budgets but also for communicating the value of the combined Weather, Water, and Climate Enterprise, because it is the combination of all 3 sectors that makes our Enterprise unique and of great value to society.
At the same time, the private weather and climate sector is growing rapidly, reshaping how government, academia, and private companies interact, especially when it comes to supporting early-career professionals. AMS has long helped connect these sectors, and strengthening this role—as a neutral, collaborative hub—will be critical as these dynamics evolve.
Artificial Intelligence is also transforming forecasting and many societal functions. AMS must embrace this shift by integrating AI into its programs, meetings, and forums, and by connecting members—especially those early in their careers—with AI leaders. The demand for AI talent in our field is only increasing, and we must be ready.
Challenges like these come with great opportunity. AMS can be a powerful advocate, a platform for communication, and a home for science-based thinking, inclusion, and innovation. To do that effectively, AMS must also be sustainable. This means evolving our business model, potentially through stronger corporate and philanthropic partnerships and expanding digital content and services for members.
With leadership experience in both government research and the private sector, I’m committed to helping build a resilient AMS that thrives in a changing world. We must think boldly and adapt quickly to keep AMS valuable to both its members and society.
Michael D. Eilts has 25 years in the private sector after 16 years at the National Severe Storms Laboratory, leaving there as the Assistant Director in 2000. In the past 25 years, he has created and grown weather information companies, enhancing customers’ business safety, efficiency, and profitability. As Spire Global General Manager of Weather & Climate, he drives their global weather data and solutions strategy using Spire’s satellite constellation.
Previously, Eilts spent 16 years at the National Severe Storms Laboratory, including seven as Assistant Director. In 2000, he co-founded Weather Decision Technologies (WDT), serving as President and CEO for 18 years. WDT transferred technology from academia and government, creating services supporting outdoor event safety and business operations. After DTN acquired WDT in 2018, Eilts led DTN’s Weather Business Unit as Senior Vice President for nearly three years before launching his consulting business in 2021 and joining Spire in 2023.
Eilts holds a B.S. and M.S. in Meteorology and an MBA from the University of Oklahoma and is a graduate of Harvard’s Senior Executive Fellows Program. An AMS Fellow, he currently co-chairs the AMS Forecast Improvement Group. He previously served on the AMS Finance Committee (2017-2021), the Committee on Environmental Information Processing Technology (2005-2017), and the Board of Best Practices for Emergency Communication Services (2016-2021). Eilts also served as a Task Team co-leader for the NOAA Science Advisory Board “Decadal Priorities of Weather Research for NOAA” study (2020-2021) and served on the National Academy of Sciences Committee on Advancing Social and Behavioral Science Research and Application Within the Weather Enterprise (2016-2019).
Our community is facing historic threats to our science, forecasts and technology, impacting both our federal colleagues and critical funding that fuels innovation across our sectors. AMS has taken important steps to have an authoritative voice this year and acted quickly to provide support to those most impacted by Federal science agency cuts. These efforts must continue, but to move through these challenges AMS needs creative and adaptable leadership, collaboration, resource mobilization and sound communications.
To mobilize resources in these changing times requires actions in a few areas. First, recognizing AMS’ educational mission, we need to share more broadly our stories about the human impact of forecasts and their underlying science and technology investments with decision makers and the public. My experience saving the Jason-3 ocean satellite mission from Congressional cuts in 2009 and doubling NOAA’s satellite budget in the early 2010s can help guide AMS in further amplifying its messages.
Also, AMS’ fundraising efforts need to grow and mature to address today’s challenges. Building on the AMS Centennial activities, individual and corporate fundraising needs to continue to expand. I was recognized for my fundraising efforts by my undergraduate institution with the inaugural "Bates College Best" award in 2010, and I have corporate fundraising experience supporting successful international Earth observation initiatives.
So much of AMS’ success has come through convening – bringing together our community and user stakeholders across sectors. Building on the remarkable flexibility of the AMS meetings team, creative convening that can adapt to shifting budgets is especially important right now. Volunteer leadership and engagement are also crucial to AMS’ success, and I recommend we do more to recognize meaningful volunteer contributions.
Continuing AMS commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion are also essential as so many employer-based support structures have been dismantled.
Renée A. Leduc (she/they) has devoted nearly 25 years to advancing weather and climate technologies for decision making. Thirteen years ago, Renée founded Narayan Strategy, a policy consultancy focused on weather, climate and Earth observations, where she advocates for the value of environmental technologies and services. Renée also works with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on behalf of Earth science organizations, highlighting the need for weather, water and climate technologies to have access to critical radio frequencies.
Hurricane Gloria’s landfall in Connecticut in 1985 piqued her interest in weather and led to a winning science fair project on atmospheric pressure. But her use of Earth observation data to track desertification in wildlife areas of Botswana in the 1990s was what eventually led her to NOAA, where she served in NESDIS' International Affairs Office as a Presidential Management Fellow. Climate adaptation field work experience as a Fulbright scholar in Malawi prepared her to lead the early engagement of developing countries in the international Group on Earth Observations (GEO). She later served as a satellite policy adviser to two NOAA Administrators and developed strategy and outreach for the White House and Congress that led to the doubling of funding for NOAA satellite programs in the early 2010s.
Renée attended her first AMS meeting in 2007 (ice storm in San Antonio!) and soon was engaged with the AMS Washington Forum. Some of her AMS activities include serving on the Board on Enterprise Economic Development for nine years, chairing the U.S.-International Partnerships Symposium since 2017, serving as a founding member of the RF Spectrum Allocation committee since 2016, and contributing to the AMS Enterprise Study working group on observations. In 2022, Renée was honored with the Kenneth Spengler Award recognizing her leadership working with the weather enterprise on international and RF spectrum issues.
Building public trust in science requires more than good data, it demands connection. By bridging academic research, commercial innovation, and public policy, the AMS plays a powerful role in turning knowledge into real-world impact. To meet the challenges of our time from extreme weather to energy, public health to emergency response, we must continue to break down silos and champion communication across all sectors of our diverse membership, and with the general public.
Interdisciplinary collaboration isn’t just a goal, it’s already delivering results. Through efforts like the Early Career Leadership Academy and the Certified AMS Teacher program, I’ve seen firsthand how the Society’s strategic vision fosters innovation and opportunity. While serving as Commissioner on Professional Affairs I worked to expand these cross-cutting initiatives, and if elected to Council I would build on that momentum, growing synergies among commissions, boards, and committees. I also will stay focused to honor the legacy of the late Matt Parker by continuing to strengthen and grow AMS certification programs.
I’m especially passionate about mentoring students and early-career professionals, particularly women and those from underrepresented communities. These emerging leaders are the future of AMS, and I am deeply committed to helping them thrive through inclusive engagement, mentorship, and support.
My journey with AMS began in 2001 as an undergraduate walking into my first Annual Meeting in Albuquerque as a student assistant; I was the only one from my school and I knew no one. I quickly felt at home, and that experience shaped the course of my career. The relationships and inspiration I’ve found within this community are a constant source of purpose and pride. If elected to Council, I will lead with transparency, collaboration, and optimism, and I will work every day to ensure AMS remains a welcoming, forward-looking, and empowering home for all.
Maureen R. McCann is a broadcast meteorologist at Spectrum News 13 in Orlando, FL. In addition to her on-air role, McCann is a Certified Instructor with the National Disaster Preparedness Training Center, teaching FEMA curriculum on hazardous weather to emergency managers, public officials, community leaders, first responders and the general public. She served two 3-year terms as AMS Commissioner on Professional Affairs, rotating off in 2022.
McCann shares a hometown with the AMS; she was born and raised in the Boston area. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Atmospheric Science from Cornell University in 2002 and a Master’s in Emergency in Crisis Management from the University of Central Florida (UCF) in 2020, along with a Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems. In 2022, she was honored with the UCF Emergency Management Alumni Achievement Award.
McCann began her broadcasting career at WABI-TV5 in Bangor, Maine followed by WTVH-5 in Syracuse, NY and News 8 Austin in Austin, TX. She then moved to Denver, CO for a position at KMGH. In Denver, she earned an Emmy Award and Colorado Broadcaster’s Association Award for a storm chasing series following the late Tim Samaras and his research group. She has been with Spectrum News 13 since 2013.
While an undergraduate, McCann was a student assistant at the 2001 and 2002 Annual Meetings, and she credits those early experiences to launching her involvement in the Society. She has participated in local chapters in Central New York, Central Texas, Denver/Boulder, and Central Florida. She served a term on the AMS Broadcast Board and was chair in 2013. As Commissioner on Professional Affairs, she maintained roles with the Awards Oversight Committee, Planning Commission, Early Career Leadership Academy, and Mentoring365 working group. She has served on draft committees for the Task Force on Certifications, Task Force on Leadership Development and the AMS Statement on Media Expectations in Severe Weather. McCann earned the CBM designation in 2008 and CCM in 2016. She was designated a Fellow of the AMS in January 2021. Currently, she serves on the AMS Board for Certified Digital Meteorologists. Outside of AMS, McCann has been a member of local Rotary clubs. She also holds membership with the Irish Meteorological Society and National Weather Association.