Cancelled due to weather!
Meteorologist Richard Okulski is unable to join us next week due to Hurricane Irma. We wish everyone in Irma’s path the best in weathering the storm!
From hurricanes to ice storms, floods and even a total solar eclipse, South Carolina’s climate has provided Rich Okulski plenty of opportunities for sharing critical weather information in recent years. Learn how Rich and his team at the National Weather Service’s Columbia, S.C. bureau develop and share weather messaging with government leaders and media outlets and what it takes to adapt the messaging to suit the public’s needs as a storm progresses. Rich will also discuss how the NWS engages the public on social media through the Weather Ready Nation brand ambassador program. Plus, his reflections on the recent total eclipse!
Richard J. Okulski is the Meteorologist In Charge (MIC) at the National Weather Service (NWS)’s Forecast Office in Columbia, SC. Previously, Rich was the MIC of the Caribou, ME Office from 2011 to 2016, the Warning Coordination Meteorologist in Memphis, TN from 2006 to 2010, Executive Officer for the NWS Director in 2005, the NWS Severe Weather Program Leader from 2002 to 2004, and served at various field offices in the Western U.S. from 1993 to 2001. Prior to being hired by NOAA/NWS, Rich served as a U.S. Army officer in Germany and the Persian Gulf. He led a platoon in close combat during Operation DESERT STORM. Rich also worked for a private weather company named Compu-Weather Incorporated in 1989. He earned a degree in atmospheric science (B.S. 1989) from Rutgers University.
When: Tuesday, September, 2017 from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Where: Colonial Life, 1200 Colonial Life Boulevard, Columbia, SC 29210. Visitor parking is to the right of the front entrance, next to the walk along the front of the building. Attendees should come in the visitor entrance to the right of the main front entrance, under the arbor.
Fees: $15 for IABC/SC members and students | $25 for nonmembers. Pre-payment is preferred so you can get right to networking.
Registration deadline: Monday, September 11, 2017
Questions? Email Ginny Jones, IABC Vice President of Professional Development and Programs