BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – WVTM 13 announced today that Jason Simpson has been named Chief Meteorologist. The news follows long-time Chief Meteorologist Jerry Tracey’s announcement that he plans to retire in early December. Simpson will assume the leadership role after Tracey’s departure.
“We understand the importance of accuracy in forecasting and coverage, as weather impacts everyone in our community on a daily basis,” remarked WVTM 13 President and General Manager Susana Schuler. “We intend to continue our commitment of excellence in weather coverage, serving our community, and providing lifesaving information with Jason Simpson’s promotion to Chief Meteorologist. His hometown knowledge and 20 plus years of experience covering Alabama weather have prepared him well to lead our team. It is wonderful to see Jason following in the footsteps of Jerry Tracey, who helped motivate him to become a meteorologist during an elementary school visit to Holly Pond, Alabama years ago.”
Before joining WVTM 13 earlier this year, Simpson was most recently a principal scientist for Dynetics, Inc. in Hunstville, where he tested and analyzed radar systems. Prior to Dynetics, Simpson was the chief meteorologist at WHNT, the CBS affiliate in Huntsville, for more than a decade. Simpson has also worked as a meteorologist at WBMA, the ABC affiliate in Birmingham, in addition to stations in Meridian, MS and Columbia, MO.
“I am so pleased that my successor as Chief Meteorologist here at WVTM 13 is Jason Simpson,” commented WVTM 13’s Jerry Tracey. “Jason grew up in Central Alabama and has been following the weather here pretty much his whole life. He knows the different patterns that we experience, from severe storms to tropical cyclones. Jason is a man of great character and serves as an Elder in his church. Most of all, he is a devoted husband to his wife and a wonderful father to their three children.”
“I grew up watching Jerry on WVTM 13,” said Simpson. “Tag teaming weather with a mentor, friend, and legend in Central Alabama has been a dream come true these past few months. I am so blessed to become the next Chief Meteorologist at WVTM 13 and will continue to uphold Jerry’s high standards for accuracy and the station’s mission for delivering pertinent weather information to the people of Central Alabama that helps them prepare for the future and protect their families.”
