Bill Proenza, NWS Southern Region Director
(Nov. 4, 2009) - NOAA National Weather Service Southern Region Director Bill Proenza has received the International Association of Emergency Managers' (IAEM) prestigious Career Excellence Award. The award was presented today in an awards ceremony at the 2009 IAEM Conference in Orlando, Fla.
During his last 10 years as Regional Director of the NWS Southern Region, Proenza has made developing and strengthening relationships and improving service to local, state, national and international emergency managers -- one of his top priorities.
IAEM-USA Region IV President Dan Maher says, "For years, Bill has been a tremendous ally to the emergency management community by cultivating a positive working relationship coupled with his progressive mindedness. Bill always has a "can-do" attitude and his professionalism sets an example for everyone,"
Alabama Emergency Management Agency Field Coordinator Dan Isley concurs. "His support for what he calls his "customers" (county emergency management agencies) has been underlying throughout the years of my association with him, dating back to the late 1990s. Bill is truly a professional in every sense of the word. His career has been one of true excellence," he said.
In his capacity of Regional Director of the NWS Southern Region, Proenza supervises nearly 1,000 professional meteorologists, hydrologists, scientists and technicians in 49 offices throughout the southern United States. In what has been demonstrated to be the most severe weather-active area on Earth, these National Weather Service offices provide air, land and sea weather forecast, watches, warnings, advisories, statements and climate services on a 24/7 basis. Their common goal is the protection of life and the economic well being of the nation.
IAEM Policy Advisor Martha Braddock worked closely with Proenza on several legislative issues. She says, "Bill Proenza has been a passionate defender and promoter in the NWS of the interests of local Emergency Managers".
Due largely to the national leadership of Regional Director Proenza, the relationship of the National Weather Service and the nation's emergency management community has expanded to become a partnership that sets the "standard of excellence" between federal, local and state governments. According to Proenza, "This partnership epitomizes the concept that, Government closest to the people - serves best!"
"Proenza's leadership, commitment to service has won the hearts and loyalty of emergency managers," said John Russell, director of the Huntsville-Madison County Emergency Management Agency and past president of IAEM-USA, Region IV. "He has helped to create an atmosphere of innovation and coordination which enhances our capability and credibility as local emergency managers."
