Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
References
Timeline

Christopher Gilreath

Charleston

Summary

Dynamic and adaptable Meteorologist with over four years of experience delivering high-precision weather forecasts that inform and safeguard communities. Certified in NWS SkyWARN Observing and Basic Storm Spotter training, recognized for a collaborative approach and a proven track record of producing accurate meteorological reports. Expertise in data analysis and predictive modeling enhances the ability to interpret complex weather data effectively, supported by a strong work ethic characterized by reliability and flexibility. Holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology from The University of Oklahoma, with readiness to relocate for new opportunities.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience

Work History

STORM DAMAGE ASSESSMENT DRIVER

TechServ Engineering & Consulting, LLC
02.2025 - Current
  • Storm response sub-contractor for multiple utility companies throughout the East, Northeast, Upper Midwest and South.
  • Dispatched and first on-scene, cutting emergency power restoration in half
  • Collaborate with team members for seamless coordination, using Arcos Workbench mapping software, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all assigned areas.
  • Utilize GPS and other navigation tools to plan routes and stay on schedule.
  • Follow all relevant traffic laws and safety regulations.

WIRE DOWN GUARD & DAMAGE ASSESSMENT DRIVER

Tempest Utility Consulting, LLC
12.2024 - Current
  • Storm response sub-contractor for multiple utility companies throughout the East, Northeast, Upper Midwest and South.
  • Dispatched and first on-scene, cutting emergency power restoration in half
  • Collaborate with team members for seamless coordination, using Arcos Workbench mapping software, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all assigned areas.

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR

Lyft And Uber
09.2024 - Current
  • Deliver outstanding service to customers to maintain and extend relationships for future business opportunities.

FREELANCE METEOROLOGIST

Volunteer Work
02.2016 - Current
  • Created my personal forecasting group, 100+ current followers, via Facebook Messenger. I provide Impact-based Decision Support Services (IDSS) with Storm Prediction Center watches and National Weather Service WFO real-time warnings for impending winter and severe weather throughout the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic states.
  • I use tools from PivotalWeather.com suite of Global, Regional and Convection Allowing (HRRR) Mesoscale models, along with WPC Forecasts, CPC & SPC Outlooks and WDT RadarScope.
  • NOAA Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-16's True Color daytime and IR nighttime and Water Vapor channels are especially useful for locating and tracking mid-level low pressure system developments
  • In April 2022, I created my new Instagram page, https://www.instagram.com/metchrisg/

NEWSCAST DIRECTOR

SINCLAIR, INC.
10.2022 - 12.2023
  • Built coding for daily 1-hour shows with customizable audio and video graphics in WCHS-TV iNews Editor and Overdrive Master Control; directing in-studio talent through live camera shots out of commercial breaks, including severe weather cut-ins.
  • Improved newscast efficiency with strategic planning, time management practices and resource allocation using iNews Editor, OverDrive and QMaster Prompter.
  • Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication and goal setting.

SHIFT LEAD

STARBUCKS COFFEE COMPANY
10.2020 - 06.2021
  • Three-month specialized coffee barista in the drive thru and front register areas before being promoted and trained as a mid-shift leader to a team of six

BISTRO COOK & BARTENDER SALES

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT
03.2014 - 08.2020
  • Solo closed and cleaned dinner Front of House Bistro/bar and Back of House kitchen areas
  • Trainer of 10 employees in breakfast and dinner Bistro shifts. Gained valuable social skills while solo bartending, serving and cooking American style cuisine
  • Prepared food and beverages for Ballroom events and parties of 50+

ASSISTANT CATERING DIRECTOR

CHICK-FIL-A
12.2012 - 03.2014
  • Coordinated and delivered all catering orders via phone and online email utilizing the company vehicle with near 100% order accuracy
  • Daily phone and email follow-up with guests to ensure customer satisfaction

DETAIL TECHNICIAN

MARTIN AUTOMOTIVE GROUP
06.2011 - 03.2012
  • Fully cleaned exterior and interior of new and used vehicles for the Sales and Service Departments
  • Stocked-in new vehicle inventory delivered to Hurricane Chevrolet dealership
  • Traveled to regional dealerships in-and out-of-state to buy and/or trade new vehicles

SUPPORT METEOROLOGIST

WEATHER DECISION TECHNOLOGIES, INC
09.2007 - 05.2010
  • Produced accurate hourly temperature, dewpoint and wind speed forecasts for cities across Oklahoma using WRF-NMM and GFS weather models as a guidance tool
  • Produced timely and accurate 10-day high and low temperature forecasts for US cities using several global and deterministic ensemble models, i.e., GFS, ECMWF, CMC, etc.
  • Operated and distributed warning products utilizing FEMA’s Hazards U.S. software, via ESRI ArcGIS, for storm surge & potential property damage costs for 2008 & 2009 Atlantic Hurricane Seasons
  • Nowcasted, < 6-hour timeframe, and provided Impact-based Decision Support Services (IDSS) for New Jersey golf courses using the Lightning Decision Support System (LDSS); an interactive, real-time, site specific lightning monitoring system
  • Experienced in writing timely, customer-focused, daily synoptic weather outlooks for significant chances of severe, winter and excessive rainfall for Days 1 & 2. Posted this information to their website
  • Extensive QC experience of iMap mobile weather products

VOLUNTEER

NOAA NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
03.2007 - 06.2007
  • Wrote 12-hour terminal aerodrome forecasts (TAF) for Charleston’s Yeager Airport
  • Completed 50+ hours of National Weather Service Training Modules with Certifications
  • Participated in a Storm Prediction Center conference call and issuance of a Tornado Watch for the RLX area using the AWIPS Collaboration Chat (12Planet)
  • Updated and verified the RLX area’s local storm spotter community network on D2D

STUDENT INTERN

SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP
05.2004 - 08.2004
  • Student intern at WCHS-TV and FOX11 station under Chief Meteorologist, Tony Mainolfi
  • I recognized weather terminology, analyzed synoptic weather maps, updated on-air graphics and presented my personalized, 7-day weather forecast outlook

Education

Bachelor of Science - Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology

THE UNIVERSITY of OKLAHOMA, Norman, OK
08.2005

With a Minor in Mathematics, GPA: 3.19

Skills

  • Computer Skills AWIPS, GEMPAK - D2D & GFE GUI Development in a multi-screen environment, ESRI ArcGIS, Linux OS, C Programming, Python, Microsoft Office, Google Suite, iOS
  • Government Public Trust Security Clearance (May 2022)
  • Weather Forecasting
  • Weather Radar
  • Remote Sensing
  • Synoptic & Mesoscale Meteorology
  • Climate Change
  • Leadership and Team Building
  • Highly Motivated Learner
  • Data Analytics
  • Highly Organized & Interpersonal
  • Customer Service and Satisfaction
  • Public Safety
  • Employee Training
  • Sales
  • Video Conferencing
  • Opening Hotels
  • Multitasking
  • Catering & Banquet Operations
  • Food and Beverage & Inventory Management
  • Attention to Detail
  • E-Learning

Accomplishments

    National Dean’s List – Spring 2003

    College of Geosciences Dean’s Honor Roll – Fall 2002, Spring 2005

    National Collegiate Weather Forecasting Contest – 2005: Ranked 2nd at OU and 54th nationally

    2004: Ranked 6th at OU and 111th nationally

  • July 26, 2022
  • Completed Gridded Products in the NWS National Blend of Global Models Certificate through MetEd and UCAR Community Programs

    https://www.meted.ucar.edu

  • APRIL 11, 2019
  • Completed Basic Storm Spotter training acquiring the SkyWARN Observer Certificate. Course instructed by Tony Edwards, NWS Warning Coordination Meteorologist – Charleston, WV

References

PROFESSIONAL

Andrew Shaffron, Jr. | Manager Distribution Systems - APCO - Kingsport District  Wvtarheel62@gmail.com 304.550.6934 

Mike Eilts | Weather Decision Technologies, Inc – Former President & CEO  Mike@weatherandnature.com 405.413.7935


PERSONAL

CDR James Brinkley | NOAA Satellite Operations Facility - NOAA Technical Director, Mission Operation Division, NESDIS/OSPO 

james.brinkley@noaa.gov 301.817.4125

Eric Hunt, Ph.D. | Extension Educator of Ag Meteorology and Climate Resilience - University of Nebraska - Lincoln 

ehunt2@unl.edu 402.617.4190

Timeline

STORM DAMAGE ASSESSMENT DRIVER - TechServ Engineering & Consulting, LLC
02.2025 - Current
WIRE DOWN GUARD & DAMAGE ASSESSMENT DRIVER - Tempest Utility Consulting, LLC
12.2024 - Current
INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR - Lyft And Uber
09.2024 - Current
NEWSCAST DIRECTOR - SINCLAIR, INC.
10.2022 - 12.2023
SHIFT LEAD - STARBUCKS COFFEE COMPANY
10.2020 - 06.2021
FREELANCE METEOROLOGIST - Volunteer Work
02.2016 - Current
BISTRO COOK & BARTENDER SALES - COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT
03.2014 - 08.2020
ASSISTANT CATERING DIRECTOR - CHICK-FIL-A
12.2012 - 03.2014
DETAIL TECHNICIAN - MARTIN AUTOMOTIVE GROUP
06.2011 - 03.2012
SUPPORT METEOROLOGIST - WEATHER DECISION TECHNOLOGIES, INC
09.2007 - 05.2010
VOLUNTEER - NOAA NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
03.2007 - 06.2007
STUDENT INTERN - SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP
05.2004 - 08.2004
THE UNIVERSITY of OKLAHOMA - Bachelor of Science, Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
Christopher Gilreath