b'Conversations with LeadersBuilding a Weather-Ready Nation: A Conversation with Dr. Louis W. Uccellini, Director, National Weather ServiceBy Michael J. KeeganAmericans are increasingly dependent on timely, reliable, and accurate information on weather, water, and climate for the protection of life and property, as well as the enhancement of the nations economy. In fact, a nationwide survey indicates that weather forecasts generate $35 billion in economic benefits to U.S. households, about six times the cost spent on weather forecasting and research. Extreme weather becomes more common and damaging due to a confluence of physical and socioeconomic factors. Dr. Louis W. Uccellini, director of the National Weather Service (NWS), joined me on The Business of Government Hour to discuss the mission of the National Weather Service, his strategic priorities, and his vision for building a weather-ready nation. The following is an edited excerpt of our discussion, complemented with updated and additional research.On the History and Mission of the NationalNixon established the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Weather Service Administration and renamed the Weather Bureau to the The National Weather Service history is rooted in decisionsNational Weather Service. As we approach NOAAs 50th that were made after the Civil War with the expansion of aanniversary and the National Weather Services 150th in population westward into areas known to be, lets put it this2020, we recognize that our past provides the context for way, more challenging weather-wise. The stories were alreadywho we are today and the inspiration for our future.out about blizzards and tornados that people didnt really experience on the east coast in the early history of the U.S.Weve come to understand that to fully achieve this mission, The NWS core mission has remained constant since we werewe need to connect our forecasts and warnings to the established: to protect lives and property and enhance thedecisions our partners are making in the field. Its not about national economy. It was established in 1870 by Presidentjust issuing forecasts and warnings, but making sure that Ulysses Grant as part of the Army Signal Service. It wasdecision makers understand and interpret the information moved to the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1891 andto make good decisions. We call this new focus Impact-named the U.S. Weather Bureau. Initially, its mission wasbased Decision Support Services (IDSS). The IDSS offers directed at public safety, military and commerce, but aviationmore effective communication, more tailored customer safety grew in prominence over the next several decades.service, and is more attentive to the customer experience In 1940, President Roosevelt moved the Weather Bureauas described in the Presidents Management Agenda (PMA). to the U.S. Department of Commerce. In 1970, PresidentWere facing new challenges, increasing vulnerability to WINTER 2019 / 2020 IBM Center for The Business of Government 19'