Ken Graham had a plan.

When he became the director of the National Weather Service during the Biden administration, Mr. Graham introduced “Ken’s 10,” a list of priorities he hoped would streamline the department.

In January, addressing a conference hall full of meteorologists in New Orleans, he ticked off some successes, like replacing an antiquated and siloed communications system.

There were challenges, too: Outdated technology and a stagnant budget made it difficult to get employees to stick around. But in a speech that sounded almost like a sales pitch, Mr. Graham reminded those in the audience that their work saved lives and, at the cost to every taxpayer of about $4 a year, offered a great return on investment.

The crowd was skeptical. But Mr. Graham assured them the weather office fit into the incoming administration’s agenda. The agency was already lean and had a plan to be more efficient. He just needed time.