Hurricane Center Chief Talks Future After Retirement
MIAMI (CBS4) — National Hurricane Center Director Bill Read is saying good bye to his position. Read is announcing plans to retire June 1.
Read said in a statement to NHC staff and NOAA management last week from the Miami-based hurricane center that he intended to stay on the job no longer than five years. Read has been in the post since 2008.
"I can put 60 hours a week in here and enjoy it fine but there's whole lot of other things, and all that good stuff," Read told CBS4 Meteorologist Craig Setzer. "When you have a job, you don't have a lot of time to spend with friends and family"
He added that he was able to accomplish all he set out to do in "this 40 year adventure."
Read said he to give his successor a chance to take over just as this year's six-month hurricane season begins. He also had some words of advice for whoever that may be.
"Don't be afraid of hard work, when you jump in the saddle," said Read. "You're not going to get a rest stop."
The hurricane center is a unit of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. NOAA said there have been 63 tropical systems in the Atlantic Ocean basin during Read's tenure at the center.
NOAA National Weather Service Director Dr. Jack Hayes also had some fond words for Read.
"On behalf of the entire NOAA family, I wish Bill much success and happiness as he pursues new opportunities following a busy term as director of the National Hurricane Center," Hayes said. "Since becoming the director in 2008, Bill has provided superb leadership at the National Hurricane Center as 63 tropical systems formed across the Atlantic Basin, including during two of the more active seasons on record. Bill's departure leaves a noticeable void to fill and gives us this moment to reflect and be thankful for his illustrious 40-year career that has provided great service to our country."
The search for a replacement has already begun.
