Michael (Mike) Kruk has joined the NOAA Technology Partnerships Office as the new Deputy Director. Mike previously served as the Chief of the Coastal Science Branch at NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) within the Coasts, Oceans, and Geophysics Science (COGS) division. In his new role as Deputy Director, Mike is responsible for leading the execution of the strategic direction of TPO and overseeing the efficient functioning of the office.
Mike has overseen a wide variety of long-term, globally significant research initiatives and has extensive experience engaging stakeholders to document their data and environmental information requirements. He has collaboratively developed, assessed, and employed indicators of climate variability and change to inform regional, national, and international climate assessments. Mike has also led interdisciplinary science teams of federal and non-federal employees in the development of drought and environmental-derived products to address complex natural resource management issues. Mike has an extensive background in Atmospheric Sciences, holding a B.S. from Northern Illinois University and a M.S. from the University of Illinois. His expertise and experience will undoubtedly contribute significantly to ongoing projects and the overall success of the Technology Partnerships Office.
Mike lives in Long Beach, Mississippi, with his wife and two teenage boys. When he is not tracking hurricanes, Mike spends time as the Scoutmaster for the local Boy Scout troop and is a member of the Order of the Arrow, Boy Scout’s National Honor Society. In his free time, Mike enjoys learning to play the piano and walking at the beach with his two dogs.