Dana Carlis

About Dana Carlis

VALUE PROPOSITION I am highly experienced leader in the field of Meteorology, with extensive experience managing and contributing to projects that yield insights that lead to better forecasts, earlier warnings for natural disasters, and a greater understanding of the Earth. My success is driven by my ability to develop others as well as following standard procedures, engaging with colleagues, and collaborating with team members to advance initiatives towards goals.SUMMARY Engaging Research Scientist possessing a winning blend of subject matter expertise, skill in weather research, and practical experience gained over several positions with the NOAA. Leverages a unique mix of strategic and analytical expertise, consistently meeting research goals and contributing to scientific advancement. LEADERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS Manages weather research initiatives spanning nine national laboratories and two program offices, while advising senior executives. Advanced through multiple roles with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, starting as a Physical Scientist and culminating in a key position as Weather Portfolio Advisor and Meteorologist. Authors source documents that include technical advisory notices, recommendations, briefings, talking points, and public outreach materials.Specialties: Leadership, Meteorology, Research, Weather Models, Project Risk Management, Technical Review, Project Management, Report Writing, Talking Points, Scientific Coaching and Mentoring

Experience

1. Director

   Noaa National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration

   Jan 2023 — Present · Norman, OK, US

   As Director of the NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL), I lead one of the world’s premier research institutions focused on observing, understanding, and modeling severe convective storms. NSSL is home to nearly 200 scientists, engineers, technicians, IT specialists, and administrative professionals working at the forefront of severe weather research. I provide strategic direction for the lab’s research portfolio, ensuring our work addresses national priorities in weather prediction, warning improvement, and resilience to extreme weather. Under my leadership, NSSL drives scientific and technological innovation in radar, modeling, hydrometeorology, and decision support systems to enhance the prediction and communication of hazardous weather events. I work closely with the National Weather Service (NWS) and other NOAA line offices to transition research into operations, ensuring forecasters have the tools and knowledge they need to deliver accurate, timely, and actionable forecasts and warnings to the public, emergency managers, and commercial partners. In this role, I serve as the primary liaison between NSSL and key stakeholders—including Congress, academia, industry, and the broader weather enterprise—to advance NOAA’s mission and maintain trust in our science and service. I steward NSSL’s budget, facilities, and human capital, ensuring responsible use of public resources while fostering a diverse, inclusive, and high-performing workforce. I also serve as a national leader in advancing NOAA’s strategic initiatives, including the NOAA Weather-Ready Nation and NOAA NEXT efforts. At NSSL, we serve the nation by advancing the science of severe weather and improving the lead time and accuracy of warnings and forecasts—ultimately saving lives, reducing property damage, and increasing societal resilience to high-impact weather.

Education

• Howard University

  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology

  2002 — 2007

• Howard University

  Master of Science (M.S.), Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology

  2000 — 2002

• Howard University

  Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Chemistry

  1995 — 1999

Skills

• Educational Outreach
• Remote Sensing
• Mathematical Modeling
• Technical Writing
• Strategic Planning
• Strategy
• Powerpoint
• High Performance Computing
• Fortran
• Community Outreach
• Project Management
• Microsoft Office
• Unix Shell Scripting
• Numerical Analysis
• Science
• Wrf
• Programming
• Data Analysis
• Weather Forecasting
• Meteorology
• Leadership
• Chemistry
• Public Policy
• Numerical Weather Prediction
• Modeling
• Parallel Computing
• Physics
• Weather
• Climate Change
• Numerical Modeling
• Climate
• Linux
• Environmental Science
• Public Speaking
• Research