12 Facts About Bill Proenza

Bill Proenza was previously the director of the National Hurricane Center from January 4,2007 to July 9,2007.

Bill Proenza was born in New York, and raised in Florida.

Bill Proenza joined the National Hurricane Center in 1963 and 1964, becoming a reconnaissance meteorologist from 1965 through 1967.

Bill Proenza had a short tenure as National Hurricane Center Director from January to July 2007.

Bill Proenza was let go in February 2013 for unauthorized transfer of $528,000 to maintenance of dozens of radar systems across the southern tier of the USA and weather service staffing before expected budget cuts to the National Weather Service.

Bill Proenza was fired four days after being interviewed for an article in The Washington Post about the cuts, which he claimed could limit radar use during critical weather events.

Bill Proenza said it is justified to publicize the agency's mission to a public that is often unaware of its involvement in weather prediction and forecasting.

Three senior researchers complained that Bill Proenza overstated his case, unduly alarming the public and compromising the center's credibility.

Jeff Masters, former NOAA meteorologist and operator of Weather Underground, said Bill Proenza relied on an imperfect, unpublished study.

On July 9,2007, Bill Proenza was placed on administrative leave.

Bill Proenza stated that his final decision would be based entirely on the recommendations of the assessment team.

Bill Proenza was a councilor for the National Weather Association in 1991.