Stuart Foster, a professor of geography and geology, will start a two-year term as President of the American Association of State Climatologists beginning July 2012.

According to its website, the AASC is a professional organization made up of state climatologists, directors of regional climate centers and associate members who are interested in the Association.

The group works closely with other climate organizations such as the National Climatic Data Center and the National Weather Service to provide improved climate services.

Foster is the state climatologist for Kentucky as well as director of both the Kentucky Mesonet — a state network of 58 automated weather stations — and the Kentucky Climate Center.

“I would like to try to strengthen the relationship that the individual state climate offices have with our national partners, and help to create opportunities to help the state departments become more visible and more productive,” Foster said.

In addition to Foster’s election, Rezaul Mahmood, associate director of the Kentucky Climate Center and Kentucky Mesonet, was recently appointed to serve on the National Climate Assessment Development and Advisory Committee, according to the press release.