Meteorologist Valerie Smock is joining WPXI, Cox Media’s NBC affiliate in Pittsburgh, next month.
Smock joins WPXI from AccuWeather, where she has worked since 2010. before that, she worked at stations in Toledo, Youngstown and Great Falls, Mont.
“From the start, we recognized Valerie’s ability to forecast and communicate the weather story on air. When we got to know her work ethic and her personality, we knew she’d be a great fit,” news director Mike Oliveira said in a statement.
More from WPXI after the jump.
PITTSBURGH – October 31, 2013 – WPXI-TV is adding another meteorologist to Severe Weather Team 11. The announcement was made Wednesday by News Director Mike Oliveira. Valerie Smock will join Chief Meteorologist Stephen Cropper, Kevin Benson and Scott Harbaugh beginning in December.
Smock comes to Pittsburgh from AccuWeather, where she had been a forecaster since November 2010. Before that, she worked as a reporter and weathercaster at NBC24 in Toledo, Ohio. She has also worked in Youngstown, Ohio and Great Falls, Montana.
“Weather is our top priority. The meteorologists of Severe Weather Team 11 take the responsibility of helping people prepare for the elements very seriously,” Oliveira said. “From the start, we recognized Valerie’s ability to forecast and communicate the weather story on air. When we got to know her work ethic and her personality, we knew she’d be a great fit.”
“I couldn’t be happier to be joining WPXI,” said Smock. “When I heard about the chance to be part of such a wonderful organization, I had to jump at the opportunity. I am looking forward to living in Pittsburgh and seeing all that the city has to offer as well as being involved with such a great community!”
Smock earned a degree in Broadcast Journalism from Kent State University, and a certificate in meteorology from Mississippi University. She has also served as a Public Affairs Specialist in the Air Force Reserves and a Military Police Officer in the Ohio Army National Guard.