Ralph Stoffler

Ralph O. Stoffler, a member of the Senior Executive Service, is the Director of Weather, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Headquarters, U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C. In this capacity, he is responsible for the development of weather and space environmental doctrine, policies, plans, programs, and standards in support of Army and Air Force operations. He is further responsible for overseeing and advocating for Air Force weather resources and monitors the execution of the $320 million per year weather program. He is the functional manager for 4,300 total-force weather personnel and interfaces with Air Force major commands and the U.S. Army regarding full exploitation of Air Force weather resources and technology. He also represents the Air Force for interagency weather activities with the Department of Commerce, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the Federal Aviation Administration. Mr. Stoffler advises the Secretary of the Air Force and Chief of Staff of the Air Force on atmospheric and space weather and climate matters and is the Department of Defense executive agent for modeling and simulation of the Air and Space Natural Environment.

Prior to his current position, Mr. Stoffler served as the Acting Director of Weather and Technical Director for the Directorate of Weather. As Technical Director, he was responsible for assessing innovative technologies for Space and Atmospheric Weather exploitation with applications to enhance Air Force capabilities, to include developing strategies to plan, modify, and integrate relevant weather capabilities to the Air Force.

Mr. Stoffler is a retired Air Force colonel with 30 years of service and experience in Army operations, pilot instruction, planning, programming, resources, budget, and requirements. He served as a squadron commander as well as weather division chief and major command functional in Europe. He retired in 2011 as the Deputy Director of Weather at Headquarters, U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C.

Mr. Stoffler was born in Crailsheim, Germany and is a graduate of Nürnberg American High School in Germany. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology from the University of Oklahoma and a Master of Science degree in Systems Management from the University of Southern California.