GRAND RAPIDS, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — A television personality is making history in West Michigan. WOOD-TV’s Ellen Bacca was named Chief Meteorologist in an announcement from the station on Monday.
This makes her the first female chief meteorologist ever in the West Michigan television market. She replaces Bill Steffen, who will stay on board in a part-time role at WOOD-TV with the title of Chief Meteorologist Emeritus. Bacca spoke about Steffen’s leadership during the announcement on the station as she prepares for her new role.
“It’s so beautiful because he set the stage for people like me to do just like yourself. To settle in and make roots, make a family, and make a home here in West Michigan. So for that, thank you.”
Steffen has spent 20 years at the station and 47 years in the market. Ellen Bacca came to WOOD-TV in 2014 and has won two Emmy awards in her time there. She will give the Storm Team 8 forecasts and weather updates during the 6:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m., and 11:00 p.m. weeknight newscasts.
