9 November 2006
Retired NOAA Aeronomy Lab and Chemical Sciences Division Director Daniel L. Albritton has been honored with the 2006 Distinguished Presidential Rank Award. He attended a ceremony held by Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez on November 8. A ceremony will be hosted by the President's Office sometime in early 2007.
Background: The Presidential Rank Award is the most prestigious award given to senior executives and senior professionals.
Dan is recognized "...for sustained extraordinary accomplishments as an eminent scientist; for his leadership roles on behalf of NOAA and the Nation; and for his extraordinary accomplishments in leading the reorganization of six Boulder-based NOAA organizations to form the Earth System Research Laboratory. Dr. Albritton... has fostered NOAA's international reputation for scientific leadership in climate, the ozone layer, and air quality. Dr. Albritton's trademark talents in communication and coalition-building, along with his superb scientific accomplishments, underpin the ultimate success of these unprecedented endeavors."
Significance: Dan, who retired in March of 2006, made significant and enduring contributions to NOAA in his nearly 40-year career with the agency. The Presidential Rank Award specifically focuses on the unparalleled record of leadership, science, and service that marked Dan's tenure.