Mark Guishard is to return to the Bermuda Weather Service as director, effective July 1.The appointment was announced today by the Bermuda Airport Authority, under whose purview the BWS operates.Lester Nelson, BAA CEO, said: “Mark has a long history with the Bermuda Weather Service having served as a meteorological forecaster from 1997, and director from 2006 to 2012.” Dr Guishard, a Bermudian, is a chartered meteorologist with 20 years’ experience in atmospheric sciences. His research into Atlantic hurricanes and subtropical storms led him to obtain a PhD in meteorology from Penn State University, following a master’s degree from the University of East Anglia. He has also trained at the UK Meteorological Office and the US National Hurricane Centre. Prior to returning to BWS, Dr Guishard was programme manager of the Risk Predication Initiative at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences. His responsibilities included supervision of all RPI activities involving research and education into the variability of Atlantic hurricane risk, Bermuda’s weather and climate, and disaster risk reduction. Dr Guishard has also worked as a reinsurance analyst and catastrophe risk modeller. He continues to serve as an adjunct scientist at BIOS and is a member of intergovernmental committees that focus on warning and mitigation of natural hazards. He also serves on academic advisory councils locally and overseas. Dr Guishard said: “I have always been keen on meteorology and applying that science. “My time at BIOS put me in good stead to return to the Bermuda Weather Service. Now that Bermuda weather is under the purview of the Bermuda Airport Authority, a local entity, I believe there are greater opportunities to be more innovative and further develop the capacity of the BWS.” James Dodgson who has served as director of the BWS for the past three years will continue as a meteorological forecaster. Mr Nelson said: “The Airport Authority acknowledges the considerable meteorological experience both Mark and James bring to the very professional and dedicated BWS team,” Mr Nelson said.