KELO-TV biography

Unlike my colleagues – who claim they decided on a weather career during childhood – I started my television career very differently. I was a sportscaster in North Dakota, and then moved to KELO to be a newsman in 1985. I never imagined I would still be here 25 years later, and still be working with several of the great colleagues and friends I met the first time I walked into the "KELOLAND" building.

One of the most rewarding parts of my work as chief meteorologist is that I have been able to participate in professional organizations nationally and internationally. I have done several presentations before the European Meteorological Society and France’s "Forum International de la Météo." I was on one of the expert panels at the World Climate Conference in Geneva in 2009.

Currently, I serve as the Commissioner on Professional Affairs for the American Meteorological Society. It is my job to keep track of the certification programs for the 14-thousand member Society, as well as oversee the Board of Broadcast Meteorology, the Board of Certified Consulting Meteorologists, the Board for Private Sector Meteorologists, the Board for Operating Government Meteorologists, and the Board for Continuing Professional Development. It is a lot of work - but I get to work with some of the best and brightest minds in meteorology.
I also enjoy teaching. I currently teach a class in Physical Climatology and Meteorology at SDSU. In my spare time, you'll find me playing and refereeing soccer.

My formal credentials include the Certified Broadcast Meteorologist and Certified Consulting Meteorologist designations from the American Meteorological Society, and National Weather Association Broadcast Seal of Approval. My diplomas are from St. John's University (B.A.), Mississippi State University (M.A.), and South Dakota State University (Ph.D. in Atmospheric, Environmental, and Water Resources).

Awards:

Emmy Awards: "Individual Excellence - Weather Anchor," National Television Academy, Upper Midwest Chapter, 2010, 2006, 2004 and 2001. Emmy Award for "Best Weathercast" in 2010. Additional Emmy nominations for Weather Anchor and Weathercast in 2011 (2), 2009, 2007, 2005 and 2002.

"Best Weathercast," medium market, Northwest Broadcast News Association (MN, WI, NE, SD, and ND). First place 2009, 2007, 2005, 2001, 1999, 1998; Award of Merit 2010, 2004, 2003, and 2000.

"Best Weathercast," South Dakota Associated Press, First place 2004, 2000, and 1999.

"Broadcaster of the Year," National Weather Association, 2001.

"Award for Excellence in Meteorological Broadcasting," International Association of Broadcast Meteorology, 2011.

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