How I Got Here and What I Do

I'm very excited to begin blogging about the behind the scenes activity here in the weather department. If only you could see what I get to see every day. It's a fascinating, exciting, at times stressful, but always a rewarding place to be. I'll do my best to give you a window into our weather center through pictures and videos…

First, I thought it would be appropriate to kick off the series with a blog about the role of the Weather Producer. That after all, is my title. I am one of two Weather Producers here at News9. I'm the afternoon and evening producer, while Alan Broerse produces for the morning show. I have to start by saying no, no I don't produce the weather, although sometimes I wish I could. I produce the content for the weather segments. Long story short, I collaborate with the guys, and build graphics to help them tell their story. When severe weather rolls in, my title takes on a whole new meaning. I then become solely focused on the on-air meteorologist, making sure they are getting all new warning and storm report info. Also, keep storm tracks up to date with new storm motion, keep our map and crawl up to date, etc. During severe weather I become another piece of the News9 Weather Team puzzle, to help keep you advised.

When I'm not in the weather center, I am an avid outdoorsman..or outdoors-woman, not sure how that works. I love to hunt, fish, and enjoy the beautiful lakes that Oklahoma has to offer.

A little background on me…I graduated with a class of 21 people from Kiefer High School. Never heard of it? Don't worry, neither have most people in Tulsa, which is only 15 minutes away. I received my bachelor's degree in Meteorology with a Minor in Mathematics and Broadcasting from OU. While in college I interned here at News9 and after graduation became the on-air weekday morning meteorologist at KMEG in Sioux City, IA. Growing up in Oklahoma I thought 20° was COLD. Well, not anymore! After a winter in South Dakota, I'm peachy if it is above 0°! Now that I've moved back to OK, I finally made it back to "my ol' stompin' grounds," as my dad would say. I'm so thankful to be back in the Sooner State and I can't wait to see what the future holds.

I have a ton of fun blog ideas, but I also want your suggestions. If there is something you are dying to know about the weather center, one of the meteorologists, etc? Please let me know. Next, I'll be introducing you to the system Gary uses to talk with the StormTrackers. That's right, the Getner!