Everette Joseph was named director of the National Center for Atmospheric Research today, following a rigorous international search. He joins NCAR from the University at Albany, State University of New York, where he is director of the Atmospheric Sciences Research Center.

Joseph will assume his new post on February 4.

"Everette brings to NCAR his deep knowledge of the challenges and opportunities in the Earth system sciences and a record of building successful multidisciplinary programs," said Antonio Busalacchi, president of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR). “Everette’s vision and scientific leadership, deep appreciation of the future potential for NCAR, along with his longstanding commitment to diversity and education, will be great assets to NCAR and our extended community."

UCAR manages NCAR on behalf of the National Science Foundation (NSF).

"It is a great honor and also humbling to become the next director of NCAR," Joseph said. "I am excited to lead one of the world's premier scientific institutions and work with our research partners in academia, government, and the private sector to advance our understanding of weather, water, climate, the Sun, and other vital aspects of the Earth system for the benefit of society.”

In addition to his position at the University of Albany, Joseph co-leads the $30.5 million New York State Mesonet for advanced weather detection and the New York State Center of Excellence for the Weather Enterprise. He has served as principal or co-principal investigator on over $90 million in research grants from NSF, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA, the Army High Performance Computing Research Center, and other agencies. He joined the UCAR Board of Trustees in 2011, where his colleagues elected him Vice Chair in 2015 and Chair in 2017.

"Everette is an outstanding choice to lead NCAR, thanks to his dedication and leadership in the Earth system science community," said Susan Avery, chair of the UCAR Board of Trustees. "This experience will serve him well as he helps to guide innovative and multidisciplinary research at NCAR and across the community."

She added that the UCAR trustees were unanimous in their approval of Joseph’s appointment.

“NCAR plays a critical role in advancing our understanding of atmospheric and oceanic sciences, especially in this time of pressing environmental challenges,” said NSF Director France Córdova. “Extreme weather, climate variability, water availability – all have direct impacts on the U.S. economy and national security. And all require considerable research. Effective scientific leadership is based on inclusivity, collaboration and a diversity of ideas, all of which is evident in Dr. Joseph’s extensive experience. I look forward to seeing how NCAR creates new avenues of knowledge and public communication under Dr. Joseph’s leadership.”

Joseph has served as a member of the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate since 2014. Other roles have included membership on the Steering Committee of the NASEM Decadal Survey for Earth Science and Applications from space; the NOAA Science Advisory Board; and the American Meteorological Society Commission on the Weather, Water and Climate Enterprise. He also is principal investigator for the NSF-sponsored US-Taiwan Program for International Research and Education and co-PI on the NOAA Aerosol and Ocean Science Expeditions, a series of trans-Atlantic intensive observation campaigns to gain an understanding of the impacts of long-range transport of aerosols over the tropical ocean.

Prior to his position at the University at Albany, Joseph was director of Howard University's Program in Atmospheric Sciences, where he dedicated himself to teaching, mentoring, and inspiring the next generation. He also served as director of the Beltsville Center for Climate System Observation, a NASA University Research Center. In that position, he brought together colleagues at Howard, NASA, NOAA, Penn State, University of Maryland Baltimore County, and other institutions to develop an interdisciplinary, multi-institutional, multi-agency center studying key atmospheric processes with particular relevance to predictive capability in weather, climate, and air quality.

Joseph earned his Ph.D. in physics with an emphasis on atmospheric science from the University at Albany.

Additional comments on Joseph's selection

Kathryn “Kathy” Sullivan, Senior Fellow, The Potomac Institute for Policy Studies; Ambassador-At-Large, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

"Everett knows the importance of understanding how the Earth’s systems work over timescales from weather phenomena to climate trends. He recognizes the need to produce information useful to society and brings a powerful combination of relevant scientific credentials, management experience, and proven leadership character to the tackle the opportunities and challenges ahead."

Marshall Shepherd, Director for Program in Atmospheric Sciences, University of Georgia; Host of The Weather Channel's Weather Geeks

"I have been a friend of Everette's for over two decades. The long discussion and interactions at various conferences and meetings assures me that he has fingers on the pulse of key challenges and opportunities for NCAR as he moves the organization forward. He is strongly qualified and brings a perspective of diversity to the role also."

Cory Gardner, Republican Senator from Colorado

“Dr. Everette Joseph is a terrific choice to lead the National Center for Atmospheric Research. His experience and academic credentials make him well qualified for the position and I look forward to working with Dr. Joseph and his team at NCAR to further their important work.”

Margaret Leinen, Vice Chancellor for Marine Sciences, University of California San Diego; Director, Scripps Institution of Oceanography

"Congratulations to NCAR, UCAR, and the National Science Foundation on the appointment of Dr. Everette Joseph as the next leader of NCAR. Scripps looks forward to working with Dr. Joseph on our shared research interest in seeking better understanding of critical environmental challenges affecting communities across our nation."

Ed Perlmutter, U.S. Representative for Colorado's 7th Congressional District

"I’m pleased to welcome Dr. Everette Joseph as the director of the National Center for Atmospheric Research. Dr. Joseph takes the reins of NCAR at an important time for advancing the understanding of Earth sciences and finding practical solutions to the growing environmental challenges we face. I look forward to supporting Dr. Joseph and NCAR so they can continue to serve as national leaders on atmospheric and Earth sciences.”

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