Special Feature
After more than eight years at CBS 42, Chief Meteorologist Ashley Gann is headed to Auburn University.
Gann, who was the first female Chief Meteorologist in Alabama and is still the only one in the Magic City, will transition to a new role as the Public Information Officer of Auburn University’s Safety and Security Department this month. “I’ll have a very unique opportunity to still use my skill sets, just in a different capacity,” she explains. While Gann is excited about this opportunity at her Alma Mater (she graduated from Auburn with a degree in aerospace engineering), she will miss working with the CBS 42 Weather Team. “It’s bittersweet. I tell people all the time I’m just grateful because we chose between two good options,” she says. 
Passionate about inspiring and attracting younger girls into STEM professions, Gann has volunteered her time over the years with groups including Girls INC. of Alabama and Girl Scouts of America. “A lot of the emphasis on my talks is engaging the next generation of scientists and learners,” Gann adds. She will continue to focus on this when she moves to Auburn and begins her new role. She excitedly shares she has already connected with area schools in Lee County to set up times to visit with students. “One of my favorite things about my current position of Chief Meteorologist is being in the community and doing school visits, and I’ll still be able to do that in my new job.” 
One of the things Gann is most excited about when she and her family move to Auburn this month- besides tailgating on fall Saturdays- is watching her husband Derek continue to expand his entrepreneurial footprint with new opportunities in Auburn. “He left a very successful franchise group to marry me,” Gann says, adding, “Going to Auburn for us is going to be exciting to watch how he takes a new business and grows that business.”
-Melissa Armstrong
