Tom Skilling Bio, Wiki
Tom Skilling is an American Meteorologist working for WGN News as a chief Meteorologist where he anchors the weather every weekday evening from 5-7 pm, 9 pm, and 10 pm. He joined the WGN News team on the 13th of August 1978 and celebrated his 40th anniversary working for WGN in the month of August 2018.
Tom Skilling Age
Skilling was born on the 20th of February 1952 in Aurora, Illinois, United States. He is 69 years old as of 2021.
Tom Skilling Height
He stands at an approximate height of 5 feet 8 inches.
Tom Skilling Education
Skilling attended West Aurora High School where he finished his high school level education. Later on, the year 1970 saw him move to Madison, Wisconsin where he graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison having studied meteorology and journalism. He got his degree while still working in radio and television.
Tom Skilling Work Experience
Skilling began his forecasting career at the age of 14 which is mostly unheard of. Then, he was hired by the WKKD station in Aurora, Illinois which is while attending High School. Three years later, he joined WLTX-TV and was attending school later during the day.
He got his first job at the age of 18 in Aurora, Illinois, after attending University. At this time, he was working for the WLTX-Channel 60. Later on, he moved to WKOW-TV which is an ABC Affiliate station, before moving on later to WTSO radio in Madison, WI. In addition, he has also worked with WITI-TV located in Milwaukee between the years 1975 and 1978 where he was recognized and rated as the number one meteorologist.
Since joining WGN-TV, he has been able to establish himself as a respected meteorologist both locally and nationally. Skilling is best known for his enthusiasm, use of state-of-the-art technology, and in-depth reports. In over thirty years, he has been the Chief Meteorologist for WGN News where he was reporting the WGN Midday News and later newscasts. In addition, for his good work, he has been awarded three doctorates from St. Mary’s of Minnesota, Aurora University, and Lewis University.
Early 2004 saw him help coordinate the Tribune Weather Center. This team helps combine the meteorology resources and expertise of CLTV, the Chicago Tribune, and WGN-TV in one location. From the year 1997, he has been a driving force behind the Chicago Tribune’s weather page. Additionally, another element in the column is “Ask Tom Why.” Here, Tom takes the viewers’ questions about the weather and answers them. The month of October saw Tom and the Weather Center start providing weather reports for the WGN Radio. In addition, Tom has also received an immense response for the WGNtv.com weather blog.
Throughout his career, he has hosted the Tornado and Severe Storms Seminar at Fermilab. As the host of the event, Skilling has been able to welcome the ‘who’s who in the severe weather research and forecast community. This includes famed University of Chicago tornado researcher, Dr. Ted Fujita. These programs have been attended by thousands over the years and have also been streamed to even larger audiences online.
He has also been able to speak at numerous events all over Chicagoland where he was discussing climate change. In addition, he has also been able to host a talk to 200 area science teachers in Downers Grove. This is in addition to participating in a climate conference located in Naperville. Additionally, he has worked with the Mayor’s office several times and also headed out to Palatine to address an Energy Expo sponsored by the Sierra Club.
Skilling has also had the privilege of attending a conference of local mayors from all across the Chicagoland community who were addressing climate change. Also, he held an awards event for mayors recognizing environmental efforts in member cities. This event included mayors and their representatives for the world’s 40 biggest cities. Among the mayors that were present at this event were the mayors of Mexico City and Paris, and the Deputy Mayors of Washington DC, New York, and Las Angeles.
Later in June, Tom received an award for “2018 Broadcast Pioneer” honoree from the Illinois Broadcasters Association (IBA). Throughout, he always maintained a very busy schedule which included emceeing several events and recording a podcast with Mayor Emmanuel about climate change.
Tom Skilling’s Net Worth
In Skilling’s career as a Meteorologist, he has been able to accumulate a net worth ranging between $1 Million and $3 Million.
Tom Skilling Salary
He earns an annual salary ranging from $35,000 – $100,000.
Tom Skilling Parents and Siblings
Skilling is the son of Thomas Ethelbert Skilling Jr. and Betty(nee Clarke). In addition, he is the firstborn in a family of four children. Thomas was working as a sales manager for a certain Illinois valve company. In addition, he has a brother named, Jeffrey Skilling, who happens to be the former chief executive officer of Enron Corporation.
Tom Skilling Wife/ Spouse
Skilling has not yet revealed any information about his marital status. However, we will update the information once it’s available.
Tom Skilling Kids
Skilling prefers to keep information about whether or not he has any children away from the public hence it is not known if he has any children at the moment. However, we will update the information once it’s available.
Tom Skilling Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram
He is vocal on his social media accounts where he posts frequently. On his Twitter account, he has about 92.1K followers, around 259K followers on his Facebook page, and about 2000 followers on his Instagram account.