Rick Shema

Certified Consulting Meteorologist (CCM) at WeatherGuy, LLP

Speaker

Rick Shema is a private sector Certified Consulting Meteorologist (CCM) and a retired U.S. Navy Commander. He is founder and President of WeatherGuy, LLP. The business provides meteorological and oceanographic services to the international maritime enterprise. His services include climatological studies for strategic planning and near-term forecasts for ongoing operations. Rick is an expert witness providing testimony for domestic and international clients. Over the past 15 years he has conducted investigations into marine accidents in over 100 cases.

Rick professionally maintains all attributes that bound a CCM. They are: high technical standards, strict code of ethics, and the ability to communicate concisely and completely to the public and legal professionals. CCM’s are vetted through a rigorous qualification process through the American Meteorological Society. He was elected to serve a four-year term on the Board of CCM’s whose primary responsibility is to certify other meteorologists.

Prior to WeatherGuy, LLP, Rick served 24 years in the U.S. Navy, receiving his commission after graduating from Penn State University. He served on three warships, qualifying as a Surface Warfare Officer culminating as the meteorologist and oceanographer on an aircraft carrier battle group. Shore assignments include the U.S. Navy Meteorology and Oceanography Center/Joint Typhoon Warning Centers on Guam and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. At the Pearl Harbor duty station, he served as the Operations Department Head and the Executive Officer. He had oversight for routing ships for Department of Defense assets in the Pacific and Indian Oceans amongst other duties.

Rick earned his bachelor’s degree from Penn State University and a master’s degree in meteorology and physical oceanography from U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. He maintains professional proficiency by active participation in the Association of Certified Meteorologists, attending conferences, and presenting relevant topics he has researched.

Some of Rick’s volunteer interests are teaching U.S. Sail and Power Squadron meteorology courses to adult mariners, speaking at U.S. Sailing Safety at Sea seminars, and Weather and Oceanography merit badge counselor for Scouts, BSA. Rick serves as a mentor to early career professionals. He is also an Associate Director for local county conservation district and a citizen scientist for local lake observation networks. Rick operates the Shema Family Charitable Foundation that financially supports scholarships for college students with diverse learning differences.

Since childhood, Rick has had a lifetime of experience on pleasure sailing and powerboats. He has sailed and raced both inland waterways and blue water ocean. He currently owns a 36 ft sailboat in Hawaii. Curriculum Vitae upon request.