The Careers of Gary Lezak and Jeff Penner in Kansas City Meteorology
This article explores the careers of Gary Lezak and Jeff Penner, two prominent meteorologists in the Kansas City area. It details their backgrounds, career paths, and contributions to local weather forecasting.
Early Interests and Education
Gary Lezak: Gary developed a passion for weather as he learned his first words. Growing up in Southern California, clouds and rain fascinated him, and his hobby began around age 5. After high school, Gary went to the University of Oklahoma to change his hobby into a career. In 1985 he graduated with his B.S. degree in meteorology.
Jeff Penner: Jeff Penner has loved weather for as long as he can remember. His mother tells a story that when he was a toddler, he used to tear paper and make it blow around by moving doors back and forth. He attended the Barstow School from Pre-K through 12th grade and attended college at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he received a Bachelors of Science in Meteorology.
Career Beginnings and Collaboration
Gary Lezak: In 1986, Gary got his first big break when he became the morning meteorologist at KWTV-TV in Oklahoma City. In 1992, Gary got another big break and moved to KC, where he has now been for more than 25 years.
Jeff Penner: Jeff returned home to Kansas City where he became an intern for another station in town. It is this station where he met Gary Lezak in 1992. He became a part-time weather producer until 1999. Gary moved to KSHB 41 and brought Jeff with him in 2000.
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Collaboration: Jeff Penner joined Gary Lezak at KSHB 41 in 2000. Jeff has worked at 41 Action News for nearly 20 years as a weather producer and now weekend morning meteorologist.
Gary Lezak's Career Highlights
In 1999, Gary became Chief Meteorologist at KSHB 41. He established himself and his weather team as the most accurate in Kansas City and has been No. 1 in forecasting not only during his time at KSHB but since he arrived here in 1992. An animal lover, Gary has been known to share air-time with his well-known dogs. Windy the Weather Dog was on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" in 2000, and Breezy, Stormy and now Sunny have continued the long tradition of Gary having dogs share some time on the news set each Friday.
Personal Life
Jeff Penner: Jeff met his wife, Edi, through a friend of Gary's. They have been married for four years and have a great son. Her brother is the best friend of Gary's partner Andy. They were set up on a blind date and are the parents of a 17-year-old boy, Skyler.
Gary Lezak's Cancer Diagnosis: By far, the biggest challenge in Gary's life was being diagnosed with cancer in 1999. It was a very rare form called extra-skeletal osteogenic sarcoma. Only six adults a year are diagnosed with the same form of cancer in the United States. The doctors discovered it was very aggressive and recommended Gary undergo extensive chemotherapy to ensure the cancer was removed from his body. Two surgeries to remove the cancer were performed before chemotherapy treatments could begin. Gary is now cancer-free since 2000 and celebrates every day! He shares his cancer experience and his passion for weather when he takes Sunny the Weather Dog with him to his public appearances.
Lezak's Scientific Contribution
In the 1980s, Gary discovered that the weather patterns were cycling and accurate weather forecasts could be made using this new technology. A peer-reviewed paper was published in 2018, so Gary is now an author of a scientific discovery.
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tags: #gary #lezak #jeff #pener #college
