Max Mayfield
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Britt Max Mayfield (born on September 19, 1948 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) is a meteorologist and the Director of the National Hurricane Center. Mayfield has become a trusted voice in preparing for weather-related disasters, particularly those involving tropical storms and hurricanes.
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[edit] Career
Mayfield began his forecasting career with the United States Air Force in 1970, after graduating from the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor's degree in mathematics, serving as a first lieutenant until 1972. In 1972, Mayfield joined the National Weather Service as a satellite meteorologist. Mayfield earned his master’s degree in meteorology at Florida State University in 1987, becoming a hurricane specialist. Max became the director of the National Hurricane Center in January 2000 after the retiring of Jerry Jerrell. [1] He is the current chairman of the World Meteorological Organization's Regional Association-IV, which supports 26 members from Atlantic and eastern Pacific countries. He is one subject of an upcoming documentary titled New Orleans Story concerning Hurricane Katrina, which is currently in post-production. [2] On August 25, 2006, Mayfield announced that he will step down from his position as Director of the National Hurricane Center in January 2007.
[edit] Awards
Gold medals were received for his work during Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and Hurricane Isabel in 2003. A silver medal was received for work done during Hurricane Gilbert in 1988. In 1996, the American Meteorological Society presented Mayfield the Francis W. Reichelderfer Award for his service in coordinating the National Hurricane Center's hurricane preparedness training for emergency preparedness officials and the general public. Mayfield also received an Outstanding Achievement Award at the 2000 National Hurricane Conference for developing and expanding training opportunities for state and local officials. At the 2004 Interdepartmental Hurricane Conference, he received the Richard Hagemeyer Award for his contributions to the United States' hurricane warning program. Also in 2004, he received an Emmy Award for extraordinary contributions to television by someone not normally eligible for Emmy awards. In 2005, Mayfield became ABC's person of the week after Hurricane Katrina. He also received a Presidential Rank Award for Meritorious Service in 2005.[3]
