Mary M. Glackin, a senior executive who played a key role in the National Weather Service's modernization program, has been named Deputy Assistant Administrator for Satellite and Information Services, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced today.

In her new position with NOAA's National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service, Glackin oversees operations of four major areas: satellite operations; satellite data processing and distribution; systems development; and research and applications.

From its Suitland, Md., facility, NESDIS operates the nation's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES), Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellites (POES), and satellites in the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP). Data from these satellites are vital to weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and long-term climate predictions.

"I am certainly excited to be in a leadership role in taking the country's environmental satellite program into the 21st century," Glackin said. "The technical advances in satellite technology combined with better understanding of science are resulting in much improved weather and climate services. Satellite instruments currently in development will continue to improve these services as well as improving NOAA's ocean services."

Glackin, who served with the National Weather Service since the 1970's, lives in Ellicott City, Md. She has two daughters, Laura, 21, and Cara 15.