American Meteorological Society
45 Beacon Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02108

11 April 2000

NEWS RELEASE

Boulder, Colorado: David O. Blanchard of NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) has been awarded the nationally recognized Certified Consulting Meteorologist (CCM) designation by the AMS.

The CCM designation is awarded by the Society to highly qualified meteorologists providing research and services to a wide variety of users of weather information, including agriculture, business, industry, and various sectors of government. These services extend beyond the traditional public service functions and statutory responsibilities of the National Weather Service.

To earn the award, a meteorologist must be recommended by three associates, pass a stringent written examination, and pass an oral examination before a national board of examiners. The CCM designation is awarded only to those who demonstrate a broad background in meteorology together with detailed knowledge in a particular field of specialization. They are also judged on qualities of character and devotion to high professional ideals.

CCMs are highly regarded by their peers in meteorology. They are considered experts in the applications of weather information to a host of practical challenges ranging from specialized forecasts to engineering design support and expert testimony on weather-related court cases. Certification enables users of meteorological services to select consultants or employees with greater confidence in the quality and reliability of the products or services they will receive.

The American Meteorological Society was founded in 1919 as a nonprofit scientific and professional society. It is interdisciplinary in scope and actively promotes the development and dissemination of information on the atmospheric and related oceanic and hydrologic sciences. The Society currently has over 10,000 members from the United States, Canada and over 100 countries internationally.