ATLANTA -- Former 11 News Chief Meteorologist Dr. Neil Frank has been awarded the 2010 Charles L. Mitchell Award by the American Meteorological Society.
Frank earned the award "for four decades of leadership in advancing the forecasting and public awareness of hurricanes and their threats," according to an AMS press release.
Frank, a native of Wellington, Kansas, began his career in the United States Air Force where he received training as a weather officer.
In 1961, he began working as a forecaster for the National Hurricane Center and was appointed director of the Center in 1974. During his appointment as director, Dr. Frank’s primary effort was in raising the awareness of the hurricane problem both nationally and internationally.
He was instrumental in developing evacuation plans for coastal areas from Texas to Maine.
Dr. Frank retired from NHC in 1987 and started a new career as chief meteorologist for KHOU-TV in Houston. He retired in 2008 but continues to offer his experience and expertise on Channel 11 during hurricane season.
Dr. Frank served on the AMS Council and as member of the Tropical Meteorology committee. Frank is also a fellow of the AMS.
He earned his bachelor’s degree from Southwestern College, Winfield, KS, and his master’s and Ph.D. from Florida State University, Tallahassee.
The AMS Charles L. Mitchell Award is given in recognition of long-term service by individuals engaged in weather forecasting activities. The award will be presented Wednesday night at the AMS 90th Annual Meeting in Atlanta.
AMS is the nation’s leading professional society for scientists in the atmospheric and related sciences.
