Our Heroes

Tom Skilling

2024 Lifetime Achievement Winner

​Starting his successful career at the unheard-of age of 14, Tom was hired by WKKD Radio in Aurora, IL, while attending West Aurora High School. He joined WLXT-TV three years later, while going to school during the day.​

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Tom joined WGN-TV on August 13, 1978.  He has established himself as a respected meteorologist both locally and nationally, known for his in-depth reports, enthusiasm, and use of state-of-the-art technology. For over 30 years, Skilling was chief meteorologist on WGN Midday News as well as later newscasts. Tom Skilling has been awarded with four honorary doctorates from Northern Illinois University, Lewis University, St. Mary’s of Minnesota, and Aurora University.​

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For over 38 years, Tom Skilling hosted a Tornado and Severe Storms Seminar at Fermilab. As host of the event, Skilling welcomed the ‘who’s who’ in the severe weather research and forecast community, including famed University of Chicago tornado researcher Dr. Ted Fujita. The Fermilab programs were attended by thousands over the years and streamed to even larger audiences online.

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Tom has spoken and continues to speak at numerous events throughout the Chicagoland area discussing climate change. Some examples of his advocacy efforts include:  hosting a talk to 200 area science teachers in Downers Grove, participating in a climate conference in Naperville, heading to Palatine to address an Energy Expo sponsored by the Sierra Club, and working with the Chicago Mayor’s office several times. He emceed a conference of local mayors from across the Chicagoland community addressing climate change, as well as an awards event for mayors recognizing environment efforts in member cities (mayors and their representatives for the world’s 40 biggest cities which included the mayors of Paris and Mexico City and the Deputy Mayors of New York, Los Angeles, and Washington DC). Tom was awarded the Illinois Broadcasters Association (IBA) as their “2018 Broadcast Pioneer” honoree. From recording a podcast with former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emmanuel about climate change to emceeing events, Tom has maintained a very busy schedule.