248-752-5602
Hi There! I’m Jack Gerfen!
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Thank you for visiting my website! I'm a dedicated, passionate, and team-oriented chief meteorologist currently at KOKH, the FOX affiliate in Oklahoma City, OK.
My Story
My love of weather and my dream of becoming a meteorologist started in fifth grade. It was the first day of our weather segment in science class and we were learning about tornadoes. Later that night, severe thunderstorm warnings and tornado warnings in Metro Detroit where I lived prompted my family and I to go into the basement. That coincidence I felt was just too profound to be ignored, even as a kid, and so that sparked it!
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I would go on to graduate from Valparaiso University and earn my degree in Meteorology while taking broadcast classes from ABC's Good Morning America's Ginger Zee and going on the occasional storm chase. I also interned at WDIV Channel 4 in Detroit.
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After graduating, I was hired as a weekend meteorologist at KEYC in Mankato, MN where I stayed for a little less than three years before moving to Champaign, IL to work at WCIA. I stayed there for seven years, met my wife there, and now we are a family of three in Oklahoma City at KOKH Fox 25 as of August of 2022!
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I'm very fortunate to work my dream job every day. Because of this, I am always striving to be the best I can be for both the viewers and my co-workers. This came to fruition when I was awarded the Heartland Emmy in 2025 for Evening Newscast After the Storm.
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I also like to be integrated into the community. I have an extensive swim coaching background, and I put that to good use by working as assistant swim coaches for the local YMCA teams in Mankato and Champaign!
Forecast Showcase
Resume Reel Below
Digital Content
I understand the role digital and social media plays in the modern newsroom environment. I am well versed in meeting the viewers where they are, so I am very active on social media. I also understand how important the web is to news, so I make sure to bring the clicks back to the station websites with informative articles.
My Skills
I take pride in not only excelling in the skills I need to be a broadcast meteorologist, but also being well rounded in ways that help me professionally in the newsroom and personally.
Proficient in using Baron Lynx and Stormwarn to deliver the forecast in a creative and informative way. Also well versed with WSI Max and Weather Central from previous stations.
Baron Lynx
WSI Max
Weather Central
Extensive knowledge of various computer models to help accurately forecast, including the latest models incorporating AI.
Forecast Models
School Events & Community Outreach
My favorite part of the job is going to schools to teach kids about the weather and my job.
iNews
Comfortable using iNews and the Avid editing suite.
Microsoft Windows & Office Suite
Extremely familiar with the Microsoft Windows ecosystem and all of their Office 365 products.
Adobe Creative Cloud
Able to use Adobe Premiere Pro and PhotoShop, especially for projects and weather graphics.
StoryLine and WordPress
KOKH uses Sinclair's StoryLine as our web CMS, but I have also used WordPress while at WCIA and am proficient in both.
Storm Tracking
Capable storm tracker who is comfortable going out in any and all weather conditions to help convey the weather story. When the weather is quiet, I also enjoy live shots from community events.
Social Media
One of the most important hats I wear is to be able to meet the viewer where they are. I am active as much as possible on social media and am always looking to improve my presence there online.
Current Broadcast Experience:
KOKH Chief Meteorologist
Oklahoma City, OK
August 2022 to Current
Whether it’s staying late or going wall-to-wall for all-day tornado outbreaks, I’ll be there and I take my role very seriously.
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Proficient with Baron Lynx to present the weather graphics for the newscast, online, weather app, and social media that highlights the Next Weather Maker
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Reports live for relevant weather stories and/or community events
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Works with our sales department to create sponsored graphics and promos, generating over $39,000 a month in new sales during my tenure as of December 2025
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Changed our entire graphics, web, and app design to our new First Warn branding
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Incorporates AI into daily workflow
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Took on leadership role during corporate restructuring between KOKH and KTUL out of Tulsa, OK and acted as their chief on and off for many months
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Adept in time management to forecast, produce graphics, and record weathercasts for multiple markets at the same time
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Works with our promotions department in conjunction with Science Museum Oklahoma to put on Storm Safety Day, an event for kids highlighting the importance of severe weather safety
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Travels to schools and universities to talk about weather and takes part in community outreach opportunities with the station
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Works closely with the National Weather Service Norman as a part of their Integrated Warning Team; a partnership between NWS, media, and emergency managers
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Records forecasts and simulcasts our severe weather coverage for our Cumulus radio partners
Previous Broadcast Experience:
WCIA 3 Midday Meteorologist
Champaign, IL
September 2019 to August 2022
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Provided Central Illinois with The Most Accurate Forecast during the 9:00 AM hour of The Morning Show, WCIA 3 News at Noon, and during the ciLiving lifestyle show
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Created custom graphics relevant to the day's weather using WSI Max
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Used #1 rated newscast, social media, website, and IoT devices to deliver WeatheRate's Most Accurate Forecast
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Regularly contributed to newscasts through live shots, live storm tracking, team coverage, and lifestyle stories for Destination Illinois
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Live streamed forecasts for severe weather and major events to social media, website, and weather app
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Responsible for revamping news and weather apps, weather website content, and more digital first initiatives resulting in the highest digital traffic we've ever measured while there
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Enthusiastically participated in community outreach, volunteer opportunities, and school talks for the station
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Managed weekly KidCaster franchise segment that featured local children giving the forecast live.
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WCIA 3 Weekend Meteorologist
Champaign, IL
July 2015 to September 2019
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Provided Central Illinois with The Most Accurate Forecast during the weekend
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Completed training from WSI for their Max Application software
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Strengthened social media presence by using a switcher to stream warnings on television to website, app, and Facebook Live
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KEYC News 12 Morning Meteorologist
Mankato, MN
June 2013 to July 2015
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Provided southern Minnesota and northern Iowa's forecast for KEYC News 12 Mornings and Midday newscasts
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Enthusiastically participated in community outreach, volunteer opportunities, and school talks for the station
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Recorded forecasts for sister publication The Public Opinion in Watertown, SD and Hot 96.7 FM in Mankato
KEYC News 12 Weekend Meteorologist
Mankato, MN
October 2012 to June 2013
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Provided southern Minnesota and northern Iowa's forecast for KEYC News 12 Weekend
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Created custom graphics relevant to the day’s weather using Weather Central Fusion 2.4
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Composed packages and VOSOTS for weekday newscasts on a variety of topics
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Gained understanding of camera equipment, interview techniques, and non-linear video editing software
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​Laid the foundation for what it means to represent the station in the community
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Other Job Experience
Assistant Swim Coach, Stephens Family YMCA
Champaign, IL
October 2019 to August 2022
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Lead practices, designed workouts, and taught and refined proper stroke technique for swimmers ages 5 to 18
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Provided status updates to parents
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Applied swimming to life skills for young kids
Assistant Swim Coach, Mankato Family YMCA
Mankato, MN
October 2013 to July 2015
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Lead practices, designed workouts, and taught and refined proper stroke technique for swimmers ages 5 to 18
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Provided status updates to parents
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Applied swimming to life skills for young kids
Rehabilitation Assistant, Rainbow Rehabilitation
Farmington Hills, MI
January 2012 to October 2012
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Helped young adults who have suffered from a traumatic brain injury with daily activities
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Administered medications and charted behavioral progress
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Transported clients to appointments, therapies, and outings
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Helped clients meet their goals of rehabilitation accomplishments while acting like a role model to them
Education
August 2007 - May 2011
Valparaiso University
Valparaiso, IN
Bachelors of Science Degree in Meteorology
Meteorology Major
Mathematics and Communications Minor
August 2004 to May 2007
Berkley High School
Berkley, MI
High School Diploma
