Michael S. Henry has been named the new director of government relations at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR). His first day will be May 15. 

Henry is joining UCAR from NASA, where he serves as a senior policy analyst in the Science Mission Directorate at its headquarters in Washington, D.C. Prior to that, Henry worked as the director for science policy at the American Institute of Physics and as a legislative aide for U.S. Senator Benjamin Cardin of Maryland. Henry also has considerable familiarity with UCAR, having previously worked for the organization as a legislative specialist and then as manager of government relations from 2009 to 2015. 

“Mike’s experience at peer agencies along with his deep knowledge of UCAR’s mission to support Earth system science will provide us with a steady presence on the science policy stage in Washington,” said UCAR President Antonio Busalacchi. “I am pleased to welcome Mike back to UCAR as he brings a sincere passion for our broader community and goals. I have no doubt he will be a strong advocate on our behalf, and on behalf of our consortium partners.” 

Henry is currently serving on the American Meteorological Society (AMS) Council and Executive Committee and has formerly served on their Board on Enterprise Economic Development, which is tasked with organizing the annual AMS Washington Forum as a platform to examine policy issues across the weather, water, and climate enterprise. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science at Williams College and a master’s degree in environmental studies with a certificate in science and technology policy from the University of Colorado Boulder. 

“I am thrilled to be returning to UCAR and to have the privilege to serve again as an advocate in Washington for the national community of Earth system scientists. As one of my first tasks, I look forward to building a UCAR government relations team with strong connections and experience in Washington. We will be showing the unique contributions that Earth system scientists are making to society and helping policymakers find ways to better support and utilize the community,” said Henry. “UCAR is well-positioned to  advance the nation’s position as a global leader in climate science and modeling, weather and water forecasting, and other aspects of Earth system observations, prediction and their applications.”

UCAR is a nonprofit consortium of 122 North American colleges and universities that grant degrees in the Earth system sciences. UCAR manages the National Center for Atmospheric Research on behalf of the National Science Foundation.

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