Gary England Named Vice President At Griffin Communications

When his daily, on-air forecast duties end on August 30, England will take on the new role of Vice President for Corporate Relations and Weather Development with a primary mission to continue to improve and develop enhanced weather systems and procedures to help keep Oklahomans safe.

England will also be developing a new signature on-air franchise named "Gary's I'll Keep You Advised," which will focus on long term weather patterns and events. He will also continue to represent News 9 at speeches, industry conferences and serve as in-house weather expert.

A native of Seiling, England attended the University of Oklahoma and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics and meteorology. He served in the United States Navy before joining News 9 in 1972.

"Gary England is an icon. The impact that he has had on Oklahoma and the field of meteorology is unparalleled," said Griffin Communications Chairman and CEO, David Griffin. "His dedication and passion for weather has revolutionized severe weather systems and coverage not only in Oklahoma but throughout the world. When you see television weather across America, you are seeing the results of Gary's work."

Griffin went on to say, "Throughout his career, Gary has relentlessly pursued a goal of improved systems and warnings; all for the safety of Oklahomans. He has never wavered in his quest and we are all safer because of his dedication. Whether he is on the air or not, Gary will always be part of the News 9 family. We are looking forward to celebrating Gary's amazing career this fall when he is inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame."

England is an internationally recognized authority on severe weather. In 1981, he became the first person in history to implement, with Enterprise Electronics, the world's first Doppler radar for direct warnings to the public, making him directly responsible for changing severe weather coverage across the nation and around the globe. In 1990, he developed First Warning, an automated severe weather warning system that provides instant weather warning maps in the corner of the television screen. One year later he created StormTracker, a system that projected the path of storms and the time of their arrival, a program that is now used nationwide.

England is also the author of four books and the subject of another, and has become a much sought after consultant for weather specials produced by international channels from all areas of the globe. He has appeared in more than 60 national and international severe weather programs in addition to the Steven Spielberg movie "Twister."

Of special distinction in 2006 was his being asked to be a keynote speaker for the dedication of the new National Weather Center in Norman, OK. As part of the Oklahoma Centennial celebration in 2007, he was immortalized by the sculpting of his bust which honored ‘100 Heroes and Outlaws' of Oklahoma repute during the state's first 100 years.

Gary has been honored with nearly every weather-related award including Emmys (one for lifetime achievement) and the National Edward R. Murrow Award for best in the nation in the category of breaking news/weather.

To leave your best wishes for Gary England visit www.news9.com/hall.