NC State grad, former WRAL intern embraces new role as director of National Hurricane Center

An NC State University graduate and former WRAL weather intern is the new director of the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

Michael Brennan previously served as the branch chief of NHC’s Hurricane Specialist Unit and for the past year has served as the acting NHC Deputy Director. While he was branch chief, he supervised one of the NOAA's highest profile operation forecast units through 18 U.S. hurricanes that made landfall.

Brennan earned a bachelor's degree in meteorology, and a masters and Ph.D. in atmospheric science from State. He took over his new role of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's NHC in Miami on Monday.

Brennan said he works with a staff of about 45 to 50 federal employees. In an interview with WRAL's Chris Lovingood, he emphasized the preparedness and planning that's crucial in the spring months before hurricane season gets going in June. That entails everything from acquiring hurricane insurance to installing hurricane shutters on your home and developing an evacuation plan.

"I sort of serve as the face and the front person for this organization," Brennan said. "I'm out there trying to get that message out there during events, but also leading our training and outreach activities during the offseason."

While at State, he was an intern with WRAL and other television stations.

"It's served me really well in my career," Brennan said. "Working with the media is how we get our word out to the public. Knowing how broadcast meteorologists present information and take the information that we provide and turn it into actionable information for their viewers, it really helps us communicate more effectively to them."

The organization recognizes Brennan for having experience working across the NOAA and with other federal agencies to help execute the nation's Hurricane Forecast and Warning program.

“The NHC director is one of the most visible and important jobs in the nation, and Mike possesses the right combination of experience, leadership and personal traits to prepare and guide us through major storms,” said Rick Spinrad, NOAA Administrator. “Alongside our trusted and dedicated team at NHC, Mike will continue to leverage vital partnerships to provide the best forecasts and build resilience to the impacts of hurricanes in U.S. communities.”

Brennan served as a senior hurricane specialist at NHC from 2008 to 2018.

Hurricane season begins on June 1 and runs through Nov. 30.