Good day everyone.
Have you ever thought about nominating yourself, or nominating someone else too nervous or humble to do it themselves, for the FPAW Steering Committee? If so, NOW IS YOUR CHANCE!
Each year, 4 or 5 FPAW SC positions open up for potential new members. This year is no exception. We will be filling four slots (two Users representatives, one Providers representative, one RED/Academia representative) on the FPAW SC later this year, with terms starting on October 1, 2026 and running for three (3) years, through September 30, 2028.
Intrigued? But not sure if you're qualified? Throw caution to the wind! Throw your name in the hat by August 31, 2026 and take a run at it!!
To self-nominate, send an email to the two of us (nathan.polderman@united.com and mfronzak@mitre.org). In that email, in 1-2 paragraphs, tell us that you're interested in becoming a member of the FPAW SC, and then explain why you should be chosen. Attach a current resume/CV, and you're done. That's it!
If you're nominating someone else, they will need to complete the step listed above, along with being willing to meet monthly, be voluntold to co-lead sessions at FPAW Meetings, contribute to white papers as a member of FPAW SC Tiger Teams, or just actively advance aviation weather!
Some of you may have already tried and not been selected. Well, keep trying. Current FPAW SC member David Dillahunt/Southwest Airlines tried, and tried again, and tried a third time, before he was elected. And let us assure you, from watching his performance over the last nine months, that David is an aviation weather superstar. It just took us a while to recognize that.
So, know that you might not be selected this time. But, by letting the current FPAW SC know that you're interested, and especially by reinforcing that interest via active participation in FPAW meetings, you will be seen, recognized and, eventually, selected if you have the right stuff. Ask Gus. Ask Christian. Ask Elizabeth. Ask any of the current FPAW SC members. They'll tell you.
Although we hoped that our inboxes would get flooded with nominations, it's been a trickle so far. So, don't wait, don't hesitate. If you're self-nominating, send us the required info by August 31, 2026. If you're nominating someone else, and they're willing to run, they will need to get their info to us by the same date.
Matt Fronzak and Nathan Polderman
FPAW Co-Chairs