The National Weather Association awarded NSSL Deputy Director Lans Rothfusz with the 2014 Operational Achievement Individual Award at the 22 October 2014 Annual Awards Luncheon.

The award cites “For passion and dedication to the science of meteorology which have led to numerous innovations in the NWS throughout his career, and for maintaining a visionary influence on the future of operational meteorology.”

Rothfusz was the Meteorologist-in-Charge at the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Peachtree City, GA (Atlanta) before coming to NSSL. He is also the co-founder of the national “StormReady” program that helps arm America’s communities with the communication and safety skills needed to save lives and property–before and during the event. StormReady helps community leaders and emergency managers strengthen local safety programs.