Boston ABC affiliate WCVB has promoted two of its meteorologists after chief meteorologist Harvey Leonard announced his retirement and his transition to an emeritus weather role in the fall.
Cindy Fitzgibbon has been named chief meteorologist, while weekend meteorologist Mike Wankum has been moved to the evenings.
Cindy Fitzgibbon. Photo by Faith Ninivaggi
As chief meteorologist, Fitzgibbon will continue as weather anchor for the station’s weekday EyeOpener and Midday newscasts. She’ll also be the principal meteorologist for WCVB’s Forecasting Our Future special ongoing coverage. The initiative was launched earlier this year by WCVB parent company Hearst Television, to address issues Americans face in navigating changing weather patterns and their impact on local communities and economies.
Wankum will anchor all of the station’s evening and late newscasts starting at 4 p.m. He’ll also do weather for the 10 p.m. newscast on MeTV Boston.
Mike Wankum
“Both Cindy and Mike are outstanding meteorologists who have proven track records for excellence in weather reporting,” said Kyle I. Grimes, WCVB president and general manager. “Over the course of their distinguished careers, Cindy and Mike have helped keep viewers safe, while forecasting some of the most significant storms in the history of our region. They are dedicated to serving our community by providing the most accurate weather information—and both are perfectly suited for their respective new leadership positions.”
“Cindy and Mike could not be more deserving of these promotions. Their commitment to protecting Boston area residents during severe weather is unmatched,” added news director Margaret Cronan. “Both have deep roots in Boston and share a passion for delivering forecasts that help our on-air and online audience make important decisions in good weather and bad. StormTeam 5 is very fortunate to have these two highly experienced and energetic meteorologists leading the way.”
Before joining WCVB in 2013, Fitzgibbon worked at WFXT in Boston. Before that, she worked at WBBH in Fort Myers, Fla., WPTZ in Burlington, Vt., and at KXMB in Bismarck, North Dakota.
Wankum joined the station in December of 2006. Wankum worked for 13 years as chief meteorologist at Boston’s WLVI. Before that, he was chief meteorologist at WTVR in Richmond, Va., as well as chief meteorologist at KTIV in Sioux City, Iowa.