Gov. Josh Stein has named Kathie Dello, state climatologist of North Carolina and director of the North Carolina State Climate Office (NCSCO), as one of the six recipients of the 2025 North Carolina Award, the state’s highest civilian honor. 

Dello, the first woman to serve as director of NCSCO, was recognized in the science category for her work in climate resilience planning and impact assessment, as well as science communication. In addition to her role as state climatologist, she serves as co-director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Carolina Climate Adaptation Partnership.

Dello also served as a technical advisor for North Carolina’s 2020 Risk and Resilience Plan and as an author on the Southeast chapter of the 5th National Climate Assessment. She earned a Ph.D. in environmental sciences from Oregon State University, a master’s in geography and a bachelor’s in atmospheric science from the State University of New York at Albany.

Stein will honor the recipients at an awards ceremony on Nov. 13 at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville. The North Carolina Award, created by the General Assembly in 1961, recognizes significant contributions to North Carolina and the U.S. in fine arts, literature, public service and science.

This announcement was adapted from the original press release from the Office of Governor Josh Stein.