48TH Annual NWSEO National Convention Wrap Up

(December 11, 2023)  – NWSEO members came together in solidarity for two days of learning, relationship building and networking at the 48th Annual National Convention in Colorado Springs, CO.  Led by NWSEO President John Werner and NWSEO Executive Vice President, JoAnn Becker, the convention offered engaging workshops for all members.  Read more about the highlights below:

Workshops

For the third year in a row NWSEO offered four workshops to all convention attendees.  This year's topics included:  Steward Leadership Training; National Weather Service Grievances & Arbitrations; Leading an Effective NWS Local Office Team and Implementing NWS Shift Flexibility with guest speaker Jennifer McNatt.  Attendees walked away with a deeper understanding of important topics, as well as actionable strategies to bring back to their local branches.        

Jon Fox and Jim Lee presenters: NWS Grievances & Arbitrations Explained

John Cowen, AR Regional Chair along with Nathan Becker, PR Regional Chair presenting: Leading an Effective NWS Local Office Team

Guest speaker Jennifer McNatt along with Brandon Dunstan and Chris Jacobson educate NWSEO members on Implementing Shift Flexibility.

Guest Speakers

Tuesday, November 7th included a presentation by John Murphy, Retired NWS Chief Operating Officer, along with a presentation by Ken Graham, Director of the National Weather Service and Michelle Mainellli, Deputy Director of the National Weather Service.

From left to right: Executive Vice President JoAnn Becker, David Murray Sr Advisor NWS Management,  John Murphy, Retired NWS Chief Operation Officer, Ken Graham, Director of the National Weather Service, Michelle Mainelli, Deputy Director of the National Weather Service, Tom Fahy, NWSEO Legislative Director,  NWSEO President John Werner

Speaker John Murphy, Retired NWS Chief Operating Officer with NWSEO President John Werner and Executive Vice President JoAnn Becker

Speakers Ken Graham, Director of the National Weather Service and Michelle Mainelli, Deputy Director of the National Weather Service with NWSEO President John Werner and Executive Vice President JoAnn Becker

Kip Robinson Award

Jim Lee, Central Region Chair accepting the Kip Robinson Award

Central Region Chair, Jim Lee was the recipient of the 2023 Kip Robinson Award.  Named after the late Kip Robinson, an invaluable and diligent NWSEO lobbyist,  this annual award recognizes members who volunteer their time and talents to make NWSEO a stronger union. Past members include Brandon Dunstan,  Aaron Stevens, Chris Jacobson, Bill Proenza, Bill Hirt, John Stansfield, Barry Hirshorn, Chris Sisko, DeLyne Kirkham,  Steve Pritchett, Shannon White, David  Marsalek, Steve Wannebo, Mitch MacDonald, John Werner,Jason B. Wright, JoAnn Becker, Michael Dion, Mark Pellerito, and Karlisa

Rogacheski.

Special Recognition

Executive Vice President, JoAnn Baker presents a Certificate of Appreciation to George Bancroft, OPC Meteorologist, for his continued support of NWSEO Political Action Committee (PAC)

George Bancroft, Forecaster at the Ocean Prediction Center (OPC) Forecaster, College Park, MD.  You may have met Mr. Bancroft at one of the conventions in the past.  He has attended nearly every one as an active participant and a generous contributor to the NWSEO PAC.

Passing of the Gavel

Former  President John Werner passed the presidency of NWSEO to President JoAnn Becker.

Former President Werner will be greatly missed.

Welcome Regional Officers

From left to right: outgoing President John Werner, incoming President JoAnn Becker, Eastern Region Chair Alicia Miller, Southern Region Chair Rob Niemeyer, Secretary-Treasurer Chris Jacobson, incoming Executive Vice President Brandon Dunstan and Western Region Vice Chair Stefanie Sullivan

To conclude the 2023 convention, the NWSEO Executive Council welcomed two Regional Chairs and a Vice Chair to the National Council: Alicia Miller, Eastern Region Chair; Rob Niemeyer, Southern Region Chair and Stefanie Sullivan, Western Region Vice Chair. 

Congratulations to all — We hope to see you next year for the 2024 National Convention, taking place on November 18-19 at Westin Old Town Alexandria in Alexandria, VA.