American Meteorological Society announces new executive director

Amanda Staudt will join the leadership of the nation’s professional society for weather, water, and climate in March

2026-01-21

(Press-News.org) Atmospheric scientist Amanda Staudt will join the American Meteorological Society (AMS), the professional society for weather, water, and climate sciences and services, as its new executive director in March 2026.

Staudt, who previously served as senior director of Climate Crossroads at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, has decades of experience helping translate science into informed decision-making in collaboration with major scientific organizations. As executive director, Staudt will work with AMS’s members and elected leadership to further the organization’s mission of advancing the atmospheric and related sciences and services for the benefit of society.

“I am deeply honored and extremely excited to join the AMS team,” says Staudt (pictured at right; photo credit: Chris Michel). “AMS stands uniquely positioned to navigate the opportunities and challenges facing the weather, water, and climate enterprise. I look forward to working with the AMS community to advance our essential contributions to public safety, economic security, and environmental stewardship.”

AMS President David Stensrud announced the news to the Society’s members earlier today, noting that, “Amanda has a strong record of connecting science to society, helping to improve understanding, foster innovation, and build resilience. During this time of tremendous change, AMS will greatly benefit from Amanda’s strategic thinking and vision, effective leadership, and ability to bring people together to amplify our voices. She has a deep commitment to the AMS mission and values the many ways AMS supports our members. I am excited for the Society and our community to have Amanda serve as our Executive Director.”

Learn about current AMS Leadership.

About Amanda Staudt Amanda Staudt is an atmospheric scientist with more than 20 years of experience connecting science to society to inform decision making, inspire innovation, and support resilience across multiple sectors. As the inaugural director for Climate Crossroads at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, she helped launch the Climate Crossroads Congressional Fellowship, a continuing education experience for current staff working in the U.S. Congress; a Roundtable on Artificial Intelligence and Climate Change; and a suite of activities related to Coordination of Earth Observations and Data Stewardship. From 2013 to 2023, Staudt directed the National Academies’ Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate (BASC) and Polar Research Board (PRB), providing advice to the U.S. government and the nation related to climate change, weather, air pollution, the Arctic, and Antarctica.

From 2007 to 2013, Staudt was at the National Wildlife Federation, where she focused on communicating climate science and impacts, developing the intellectual and practical foundation for climate-informed ecosystem conservation, and advancing climate science education. Staudt began her career in public service at the National Academies, where she directed the Climate Research Committee and several studies that advised federal agencies on weather, air quality, and climate science. Staudt received a B.A. in environmental science and engineering (1996) and a Ph.D. in atmospheric sciences (2001), both from Harvard University.

About the American Meteorological Society The American Meteorological Society advances the atmospheric and related sciences, technologies, applications, and services for the benefit of society. Founded in 1919, AMS has a membership of more than 12,000 professionals, students, and weather enthusiasts. AMS publishes 12 atmospheric and related oceanic and hydrologic science journals—in print and online; sponsors multiple scientific specialty conferences annually; and offers numerous programs and services. Visit us at https://www.ametsoc.org/.

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American Meteorological Society announces new executive director

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