How will the AMS continue to demonstrate leadership? This is an important question to ask at what appears to be a pivotal moment for science. The current marginalization of our science, the complexities introduced by revolutionary technologies such as AI, and the uncertainty facing the next generation of scientists and scientific leaders, are all topics that demand leadership from the AMS. Such leadership is essential for our science to remain healthy, and able to deliver results that benefit the broadest possible range of society. What does that require?

First, the AMS must further its efforts to communicate the value of science to the well-being of our country, and do it in terms of outcomes that are, and will continue to be, broadly beneficial. The Framework for Government Interactions, drafted in 2005 and updated in 2018, needs reconsideration to promote more compelling advocacy of the weather, water and climate enterprise. The AMS could better coordinate and empower its local Chapters, who already work with their communities, to expand the ability of the society to promote the value of science. The AMS could also revamp how it communicates to its members and especially to those who make decisions that affect science.

Second, while the AMS has a STAC committee on AI, and a new journal emphasizing AI, the AMS could do more to provide guidance on AI/ML training, ethics, employment opportunities, and the use of AI in education and research (both for students and faculty). Given how this technology has already influenced our field, and shows more potential to do so, AMS should be demonstrating leadership by being more proactive and less reactive.

And finally, about the next generation of leaders, I am thrilled that AMS launched its Early-Career Leadership Academy a few years ago. We should continue to examine the efficacy of this training, and whether similar leadership and technical training for mid-career members can be delivered. 

The issues above are ones that I feel are important, and moreover, where AMS should increase its national leadership. If elected, I would be excited and honored to work with other Council members and AMS leadership to pursue creative solutions to these and other challenges.

In 2026, Chris Davis became professor and Paros Chair for Atmospheric Research and Hazard Mitigation at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. In this role, Chris directs the Paros Center for Atmospheric Research, an interdisciplinary center devoted to weather research that benefits society. He continues a partial appointment as a senior scientist at the NSF National Center for Atmospheric Research where he was formerly a full-time scientist for 35 years. Chris is back in Massachusetts where his interest in meteorology began as a child and where he received both his bachelor’s degree (from UMass Amherst) and Ph. D. (from MIT). 

Chris is a meteorologist who has done research on a variety of weather phenomena, emphasizing their dynamics and prediction, and has been fortunate to work with many fantastic collaborators. He has long held a keen interest in mentoring early-career scientists and has enjoyed watching many early-career colleagues develop their careers. Chris also has more than 15 years of leadership experience at NSF NCAR, being the Director of the Advanced Study Program (ASP), Director of the Mesoscale and Microscale Meteorology (MMM) Laboratory, and Deputy Director of NSF NCAR Education Engagement and Early-Career Development (EdEC). At the international level, Chris has served as chair of the Science Steering Committee of the WMO World Weather Research Programme since 2020.

Chris is an AMS Fellow, a recipient of the Joanne Simpson Mentorship Award, and has served on the AMS Mesoscale Committee (which he also chaired), the AMS Fellows Committee, and the AMS Nominations Committee.