Ginger Renée Colonomos (née Zuidgeest)

Ginger Zee is the chief meteorologist and chief climate correspondent for ABC News, appearing daily on Good Morning America. She made history in 2013 as ABC’s first female chief meteorologist, having risen through local news in Michigan and Chicago. Zee is also a New York Times bestselling author, storm chaser, and Dancing with the Stars alum from 2016.

Overview

Ginger Renée Colonomos (née Zuidgeest)'s Profile

Ginger Zee was born Ginger Renée Zuidgeest on January 13, 1981, in Orange, California, and grew up in Rockford, Michigan. She decided to become a meteorologist at age eight after seeing a waterspout on Lake Michigan. Zee graduated from Rockford High School in 1999 and earned a meteorology degree from Valparaiso University. She began storm chasing in college and started her broadcast career at small Michigan stations.

Zee worked at WEYI in Flint, Michigan, then joined WOOD-TV as part of Storm Team 8. She moved to NBC’s WMAQ-TV in Chicago in 2006, also filling in for NBC and MSNBC. Zee also served as an adjunct professor of meteorology at Valparaiso University from 2008 to 2011. She left Chicago in 2011 to join ABC News as a GMA weekend weather anchor.

Zee was named ABC’s chief meteorologist in 2013, the first woman to hold that title at a major network. She now also serves as chief climate correspondent, leading ABC’s coverage of hurricanes, wildfires, and other extreme weather. Zee competed on Dancing with the Stars in 2016 and co-hosts ABC’s weekend series Hearts of Heroes. She has authored five books, including the bestsellers Natural Disaster and A Little Closer to Home.

Quick Facts

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Shows Hosted

0
Shows Currently Hosting

23
Years Active

6
Awards & Nominations

TV Shows​

Television shows Ginger Zee has presented, including current programs and past presenting roles.

Current Shows

TV shows that Ginger Zee currently presents, including their role and the period they have been associated with each program.

No current shows found.

Past Shows

Television shows Ginger Zee presented in the past, with details of previous roles and presenting periods.

No past shows found.

Networks

List of all television networks and broadcasters this host has worked with throughout their career, including current and previous affiliations.

Current Networks

Television networks and broadcasters Ginger Zee currently works with, including the shows and presenting roles associated with each.

No current networks found.

Past Networks

Television networks and broadcasters Ginger Zee has worked with in the past, highlighting previous affiliations and presenting roles.

No past networks found.

Personal Life

An overview of Ginger Zee's marital status, relationship history, and children.​

Marital Status

Married

Relationship History

A record of Ginger Zee's known marriages and relationships, including partners and relevant dates.

Children

Information about Ginger Zee's children, including their names, birth years, and other available family details.

Adrian Aaron

Born 2015 · Biological child

Other parent: Ben Aaron

Miles Aaron

Born 2018 · Biological child

Other parent: Ben Aaron

Education

Ginger Zee's educational background, including schools attended, academic qualifications, and honorary degrees.​

  • Rockford High School, Rockford, MI (graduated 1999)
  • Bachelor of Science, Meteorology (minors in Mathematics and Spanish), Valparaiso University

Net Worth & Income

Available estimates of Ginger Zee's net worth and income, including reported earnings and other known sources of wealth.​

  • Chief meteorologist/chief climate correspondent salary at ABC News since 2013
  • Royalties from five published books, including two New York Times bestselling memoirs
  • Additional income from public speaking engagements and and climate-conference appearances

Awards

Ginger Zee's awards and honors, recognizing achievements and contributions throughout their career.​

  • News & Documentary Emmy Nomination - Outstanding News Special (2018) – Nominated for ABC News coverage.
  • News & Documentary Emmy Nomination - Outstanding Coverage of a Breaking News Story in a News Magazine (2018) – Nominated for 20/20: "City Under Water: Catastrophe in Houston.
  • LSSI True Friend Award - Mental Health Advocacy & De-stigmatization (2018)
  • National Weatherperson of the Year - Weather Safety & Emergency Reporting (2021)
  • Weather Hall of Fame - Broadcast Meteorology Induction (2024)
  • Edward R. Murrow Award - Excellence in Electronic Journalism (Multiple Years)

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