Education
Florida State University. University of Oklahoma.
Florida State University. University of Oklahoma.
As director, Mayfield became a trusted voice in preparing for weather-related disasters, particularly those involving tropical storms and hurricanes. Mayfield began his forecasting career with the United States Air Force in 1970, after graduating from the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor"s degree in mathematics, serving as a first lieutenant until 1972. In 1972, Mayfield joined the National Weather Service as a satellite meteorologist.
Mayfield earned his master’s degree in meteorology at Florida State University in 1987, becoming a hurricane specialist.
Max became the director of the National Hurricane Center in January 2000 after the retirement of Jerry Jarrell. Mayfield is the current chairman of the World Meteorological Organization"s Regional Association-IV, which supports 26 members from Atlantic and eastern Pacific countries.
He is one subject of an upcoming documentary titled New Orleans Story concerning Hurricane Katrina, which is currently in post-production. Mayfield stepped down from his position as Director of the National Hurricane Center in January 2007 and was succeeded by Bill Proenza.
On April 1, 2007 he joined Miami-based local television station WPLG as hurricane specialist.
Max Mayfield is married to Linda Mayfield. They have three children: Lee, Lindsay, and Lauren.