The National Weather Service Employees Organization has honored National Weather Service Southern Region Director Bill Proenza with its fourth annual Kip Robinson Award. Originally established to recognize individuals for their support of the organization's legislative goals, the award is named for a former NOAA employee and Government Affairs Director for the NWSEO.
An Associate Member of the organization, Proenza is the first NOAA Senior Executive Service leader to receive the Kip Robinson Award. Associate membership is reserved for retired NWSEO members or supporters who are not in any of the organization's bargaining units. The award was presented at the 2007 National NWSEO Convention in Portland, Ore.
"Bill Proenza has been an exemplary supporter of our organization's goals and programs," said Dan Sobien, national president of the National Weather Service Employees Organization. "He has repeatedly demonstrated courageous advocacy for National Weather Service employees and their mission to save lives and protect the American people."
In 1998, Bill Proenza also became the first and only NOAA senior executive recognized by the NWSEO as Manager of the Year.
"I am especially grateful for this recognition," said Proenza. "I have the utmost respect and admiration for the thousands of NOAA and National Weather Service employees who dedicate themselves, frequently at the risk of their own lives - to help ensure the safety and well-being of the American public."
A labor organization and professional association, the NWSEO represents approximately 4,000 employees of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The list includes National Weather Service forecasters, technicians and support personnel; attorneys in NOAA's Office of General Counsel; civilian members of "Hurricane Hunter" crews; weather satellite technicians; and, hurricane researchers, scientists and support personnel at the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory in Key Biscayne, Fla.
