Dave Waltman, a long-time resident of Boulder, Colorado, has had a diverse and interesting career. Born in St. Louis, he spent his early years as a suburbanite in both St. Louis and Chicago. Following in his brother's footsteps, Waltman attended Purdue University, where his father, a native Hoosier and engineer, had also studied. However, Waltman did not find engineering to his liking and transferred to Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, where he graduated in 1962 with a bachelor's degree in business. After graduation, Waltman returned to the Chicago area and worked in retail for a couple of years at a large department store, Marshall Field and Company. During this time, he also served in the Army Reserves, initially as a truck driver and later as a medic. His service continued even after he moved to Colorado, where he spent most of his time at Fitzsimons Hospital, which was filled with wounded soldiers from the Vietnam War. Waltman's career took a turn when he started working at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder. He began in the Procurement department, where he worked for ten years, eventually becoming the head of the Purchasing Department. However, he found that he preferred working to managing and transitioned to a role as a contracts administrator. He later became the Contract Supervisor, a role he found more enjoyable than his previous supervisory position. Throughout his time at NCAR, Waltman worked with several directors, including Walt Roberts, John Firor, Francis Bretherton, and Bill Hess. His relationships with these individuals varied, but he generally got along well with them and was even asked to undertake special projects on occasion. Waltman's career at NCAR spanned several decades, during which he made significant contributions to the organization.

Scope and Content Note
In the recording, David Waltman reflects on his early days at NCAR and his involvement in atmospheric chemistry research. He highlights the collaborative environment and the significance of teamwork for his research. He shares his observations of the changing culture and scientific landscape at NCAR and discusses the expansion of interdisciplinary research and the integration of computer modeling into atmospheric sciences. Waltman also reflects on the importance of mentorship and the role of scientific institutions in fostering the next generation of researchers. Waltman goes on to discuss his contributions to understanding ozone depletion and climate change, emphasizing the impact of his research. He also discusses his role in the Montreal Protocol, an international agreement aimed at protecting the ozone layer. He emphasizes the importance of the protocol in reducing the use of ozone-depleting substances and preventing further harm to the ozone layer. Waltman also touches on the challenges faced during the negotiation process and stresses the need for scientific input in policy decisions. He explains several advancements in atmospheric chemistry research and the evolution of instruments and technologies used in the field. He underscores the importance of accurate measurements and observations in understanding atmospheric processes. Waltman discusses challenges here as well, in data interpretation and the need for continuous improvements in research methods. Additional topics discussed in the interview include: Waltman's education and career, early NCAR history, purchasing and contract administration, purchasing for field campaigns and supercomputing, the Mesa Laboratory, educational assistance programs, accounting systems and how they changed over time, the Front Range GigaPop (FRGP), and bird watching.

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