Bill Read, the Director of the National Hurricane Center, said late Friday he's retiring later this year.
Read, who began working in the federal government in 1971, served as director of the NHC since Jan. 2008. His last day will be June 1.
In a letter to select members of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Read said three things influenced his decision.
"First, there are part time opportunities I wish to pursue that will become available this summer, then not again until the following summer," wrote Read. "Second, I’ve done pretty much all I set out to do in this 40 year adventure. Third, I believe it would be a better transition for a new Director to first work the hurricane season, then tackle the important off season activities armed with the season’s experience."
Read said the search for a new director will start immediately.
Local 10's Hurricane Specialist Max Mayfield said Read's retirement plans were no surprise. After taking over the role from Mayfield, Read said he had planned to only stay on for about five years. He will retire after four and a half years as head of the NHC.
Read ended his resignation letter by sharing a list of five things most people regret in their retirement, as compiled by a nurse. He said the list influenced his decision to retire. The most common things people regret are as follows:
1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
2. I wish I didn't work so hard.
3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.
You can read the full explanation of regrets people have on their deathbed here: http://www.ariseindiaforum.org/nurse-reveals-the-top-5-regrets-people-make-on-their-deathbed/
