On February 5, FLASH recognized former National Hurricane Center Director Bill Read as the 2025 National Weatherperson of the Year. This prestigious annual award honors weather professionals who demonstrate exceptional leadership in promoting disaster safety and resilience.

FLASH is honoring Bill with the inaugural National Weatherperson of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award. The distinguished accolade celebrates an extraordinary individual whose contributions have significantly shaped meteorology and advanced public safety for generations. During his tenure as the National Hurricane Center Director from 2008 to 2012, he guided countless communities through dangerous storms, including Hurricane Ike. His expertise and experience have helped shape policies and practices that continue to save lives and property today.

A United States Navy veteran and former Hurricane Hunter, Bill helped develop and promote the widely recognized “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” life-safety campaign through collaboration with FLASH and the National Weather Service (NWS). His career with the NWS took him across the country, with key roles in Virginia, Texas, Maryland, and Florida. His service now includes co-hosting the National Tropical Weather Conference and webinar series, contributing to the National Disaster Resilience Conference, serving as a FLASH Leadership Partner, and more.

"We are proud to honor Bill's dedication to strengthening communities against the devastating impacts of floods and hurricanes," said FLASH President and CEO Leslie Chapman-Henderson. "His excellence in hurricane forecasting, coupled with his commitment to stronger building practices and resilience, has helped safeguard countless lives and homes. Bill stands as a distinguished leader whose work has left an enduring legacy.”

Now retired from NWS, Bill continues to give back, volunteering his time and expertise to multiple Texas A&M University advisory boards, including the former College of Geosciences Advisory Board and the Atmospheric Sciences Advisory Board.

The National Weatherperson of the Year award is presented annually in conjunction with National Weatherperson’s Day on February 5, commemorating John Jeffries, one of America’s first weather observers.