Germantown, MD – December 21, 2011 – Earth Networks^SM the operator of the largest weather, lightning and climate observation networks and owner of WeatherBug®, announces the appointment of Thomas Spendley as vice president of engineering. In this role, Spendley oversees the development of the company’s popular WeatherBug consumer product line and its enterprise solutions for business, industry and government.

Spendley brings more than 20 years of technology leadership experience to his new position at Earth Networks. Prior to joining Earth Networks this fall, he spent 10 years in management roles at Thomson Reuters. Most recently, as a vice president of software development at Thomson Reuters, Spendley led a large team supporting 20 financial product lines that produced $400 million in annual revenue. He also managed all aspects of the software development lifecycle, including onshore and offshore development, data center operations and support.

Previously, Spendley held positions that included architect, project manager, and development manager using Microsoft technologies at various firms, including Norwest Corporate Trust Services and CSC. While at CSC, Spendley led a team of engineers that developed applications for the Hubble Space Telescope. Spendley is a graduate of the University of Maryland Baltimore County with a degree in computer science.

“Thomas Spendley is a highly experienced professional and an effective leader with the ability to successfully steer technologically complex, multifaceted engineering programs,” says Lex Crosett, Chief Information Officer, Earth Networks. “As vice president of engineering, Thomas will help bring new innovations to consumers via our WeatherBug product line. He will also work to advance our portfolio of enterprise solutions that help organizations detect, prepare for, and mitigate damage caused by extreme weather events.”

“The work we do every day at Earth Networks can literally help save lives by alerting people to approaching dangerous conditions,” says Spendley. “From consumers using a WeatherBug mobile or desktop app to plan their day, to a government official or athletic director using our enterprise solutions to safeguard lives and property in the event of severe weather, Earth Networks provides users with helpful information and severe weather alerts where and when they are needed most. I am looking forward to implementing new technology that will continue to provide beneficial features to our users.”

About Earth Networks^SM
As the provider of advanced weather data for nearly 20 years, Earth Networks (formerly AWS) operates the world’s largest weather observation and lightning detection networks and is building what will become the largest greenhouse gas monitoring network. Observations from Earth Networks inform and alert consumers, enterprises and governments around the world, providing them with advanced environmental intelligence for decision making and safety. The company’s popular WeatherBug website, desktop application and mobile apps provide millions of consumers with real-time, local weather information and dangerous severe weather alerts. Enterprise solutions from Earth Networks enable organizations, including energy and utilities, agriculture, schools, sports and recreation, emergency operations and government entities, to safeguard lives, prepare for weather and climate events and improve business operations. Earth Networks (www.earthnetworks.com) is headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area with offices in Mountain View, Calif.; New York, NY; Milan, Italy and a local presence in 50 countries worldwide.