Meteorologist in Charge Dan Luna Retires

Daniel Luna, Meteorologist-in-Charge

Today we bid adieu to National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen Meteorologist-in-Charge (MIC) Dan Luna, who is retiring after 35+ years of Federal service! Dan has been the MIC since 2008, and was the Hydrologist-in-Charge at the co-located North Central River Forecast Center prior to that. Dan came to Chanhassen in early 2001 to assume the role of Hydrologist-in-Charge. Prior to coming to the Twin Cities, Dan held a variety of NWS positions across the nation:

1994-2001     Science and Operations Officer, Weather Forecast Office, Charleston, WV 

1993-1994     Radar Meteorology Instructor, Operational Support Facility, Norman, OK 

1991-1993     Hydrometeorological and Analysis Support Forecaster, Arkansas-Red Basin River Forecast Center, Tulsa, OK 

1989-1991     Agricultural Meteorologist, Weather Forecast Office, Bakersfield, CA

1986-1989     Meteorologist Intern, Weather Forecast Office, Marquette, MI

Prior to his tenure in the NWS, Dan worked for the Department of Defense in the cartography/hydrography departments. Dan is originally from Rockford, Illinois and received his Bachelor of Science in Meteorology from Parks College of St. Louis University.

Dan was a part of many major milestones in the history of the NWS, including being one of the first to receive training with the WSR-88D radar and use it operationally, and being one of the first to configure and use Warngen (warning software) operationally. These are just two examples of the numerous advancements in computer technology he pioneered. 

Well-known for being a “people person,” Dan has been a champion of the Weather Ready Nation Ambassador Initiative, has been a facilitator for regional leadership programs, and has served on numerous regional and national teams. Dan has been active outside of the agency as well, chairing the Federal Executive Board of Minnesota for several years. Dan is the epitome of a servant leader, as exemplified by his commitment to gutting and rebuilding homes for people in communities affected by natural disasters. 

Congratulations, Dan Luna! You will be dearly missed by your NWS family!