Ashlee Baracy Biography: Age, Husband | WDIV Local 4 News

Ashlee Baracy: From Miss Michigan to WDIV’s 4Warn Weather

Ashlee Baracy is an Emmy award-winning meteorologist currently working with WDIV Local 4 News as the Evening Meteorologist for the 4Warn Weather forecasts since January 2023.

She provides weather updates on weekday mornings, at noon, and streams on Local4+.

Ashlee was born and raised in Metro Detroit and began her career at WDIV in 2010 as a traffic anchor, general assignment reporter, and fill-in meteorologist.

She later moved to Columbus, Ohio, where she worked for WBNS as a full-time meteorologist and eventually became the station’s first female Chief Meteorologist.

During her time there, she received multiple Emmy nominations and awards for her weathercasts.

Ashlee holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and Sociology from the University of Michigan, a Broadcast Meteorology Certification from Mississippi State University, and a Master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Eastern Michigan University.

In addition to her professional achievements, Ashlee is passionate about raising awareness for cancer, inspired by her parents who are both survivors.

She and her mother were honored as “Heroes of Breast Cancer” by the Karmanos Cancer Institute in 2013.

Parents and Siblings:

Ashlee Baracy was born and raised in Westland, Michigan. Her parents, both cancer survivors, have had a significant impact on her life.

Ashlee Baracy’s father, in particular, has been a major influence, often taking her to baseball games and instilling in her values of hard work, ethics, kindness, and compassion.

Her mother’s battle with cancer inspired Ashlee to become an advocate for cancer awareness.

Husband:

Ashlee is married to Jeff Kunkel, an assistant coach for the Detroit Tigers. Ashlee Baracy and her husband, Jeff Kunkel, have built a loving and supportive family together.

They met at a Detroit Tigers baseball game in 2015, and their relationship blossomed from there.

Jeff, a former Major League Baseball player, transitioned into coaching and is currently an assistant coach for the Baltimore Orioles Player Development.

The couple got engaged in 2016 and tied the knot on November 19, 2017, in a beautiful ceremony in Detroit, Michigan.

Their wedding was a memorable event, filled with love and joy, and Ashlee often shares snippets of their special day on social media.

Ashlee and Jeff have two children. Their first child, Carter Lee, was born on August 10, 2019.

Ashlee has shared many precious moments of Carter’s early years on social media, including adorable photos and heartwarming captions. Their second child, Caylee Rochelle, was born on November 23, 2021.

Ashlee and Jeff have embraced parenthood with enthusiasm and love, often sharing family activities and milestones on their social media accounts.

Ashlee’s journey as a mother has also inspired her to speak out about body positivity and her experiences with body shaming during pregnancy.

Her message resonated with many and went viral, sparking important conversations about body image and self-acceptance.

Height:

Ashlee Baracy stands at approximately 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 meters) tall. While specific details about Ashlee Baracy’s weight and full body measurements aren’t publicly available, based on her height of 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 meters), we can make some general estimates:

Career and Background:

Ashlee’s career in broadcasting began with an internship at Fox News, where she assisted producers and conducted interviews.

She then served as a general assignment and traffic reporter at WDIV Detroit, eventually filling in as a news anchor and meteorologist.

In 2015, she joined WBNS in Columbus, Ohio, becoming the station’s first female Chief Meteorologist.

During her tenure, she earned an Emmy with the Doppler 10 weather team.

In 2023, Ashlee returned to WDIV as a meteorologist, expressing her desire to be closer to family and friends in Michigan.

WDIV Local 4 News (Detroit, MI)

Ashlee Baracy’s career began at WDIV Local 4 News in Detroit in 2010. Her initial roles included traffic anchor, general assignment reporter, and fill-in meteorologist.

This position provided her with a diverse set of experiences, allowing her to hone her skills in various aspects of broadcasting.

As a traffic anchor, she informed viewers about road conditions and commuting updates, ensuring that her audience stayed informed and safe.

Her work as a general assignment reporter allowed her to cover a wide range of stories, from breaking news to human interest pieces.

As a fill-in meteorologist, she gained valuable experience in weather forecasting, setting the stage for her future career in meteorology.

WBNS 10TV (Columbus, OH)

In 2015, Ashlee took a significant step in her career by joining WBNS 10TV in Columbus, Ohio, as a full-time meteorologist.

At WBNS, she quickly established herself as a reliable and engaging weathercaster.

Her accurate forecasts and charismatic on-screen presence earned her the trust and admiration of viewers.

Ashlee’s dedication to her work and her ability to connect with her audience led to her promotion to Chief Meteorologist – the first female to hold that title at the station.

At WBNS, Ashlee was responsible for forecasting the weather for the weekday newscasts at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 11 p.m.

Her work was recognized with multiple awards, including the Ohio Associated Press Media Editors’ Best Weathercast award for three consecutive years (2018-2020).

Additionally, she was voted CBUS Top Picks’ Best Weather Person by the Columbus Dispatch from 2019 to 2021.

Her weather special, “Doppler 10 Ahead of the Winter Storm,” was nominated for an Emmy, highlighting her expertise in severe weather forecasting.

Return to WDIV Local 4 News (Detroit, MI)

In January 2023, Ashlee returned to WDIV Local 4 News as the Evening Meteorologist for the 4Warn Weather forecasts.

In this role, she provides weather updates on weekday mornings, at noon, and streams on Local4+.

Her return to WDIV was met with enthusiasm from viewers who appreciated her expertise and engaging presentation style.

Ashlee continues to be a trusted source for weather information in the Detroit area, bringing her experience and passion to her forecasts.

Her role at WDIV allows her to stay connected to her hometown and serve the community she grew up in.

Advocacy and Community Involvement

Ashlee’s commitment to raising awareness for cancer has been a significant part of her life.

Inspired by her parents, who are both cancer survivors, Ashlee has dedicated herself to this cause.

She and her mother were honored as “Heroes of Breast Cancer” by the Karmanos Cancer Institute in 2013.

Ashlee actively volunteers for organizations such as the Komen Race for the Cure and The American Cancer Society.

She participates in events, fundraising activities, and awareness campaigns to support cancer research and patient care. Her advocacy work has had a positive impact on the community and has inspired many.

Inspiring Future Generations

In addition to her advocacy work, Ashlee hopes to inspire young girls interested in pursuing careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.

She believes in the importance of representation and aims to be a role model for the next generation.

Ashlee frequently speaks at schools, community events, and organizations, sharing her journey and encouraging young girls to follow their dreams.

Her dedication to empowering others and giving back to her community is evident in her involvement in various mentorship programs and initiatives.

Recognition and Awards

Ashlee Baracy has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout her career, both in broadcasting and her advocacy work. Here are some highlights:

Pageant Achievements

• Miss Michigan 2008: Ashlee was crowned Miss Michigan 2008, which was a significant achievement in her pageant career.

• Miss America 2009: She represented Michigan at the Miss America pageant and finished in the Top 10, earning the Quality of Life Award 1st Runner-Up.

• Miss Wayne County 2008: Prior to winning Miss Michigan, Ashlee was crowned Miss Wayne County.

Broadcasting Awards

• Ohio Associated Press Media Editors’ Best Weathercast: Ashlee received this award for three consecutive years (2018-2020) for her outstanding weathercasts at WBNS 10TV.

• CBUS Top Picks’ Best Weather Person: She was voted Best Weather Person by the Columbus Dispatch from 2019 to 2021.

• Emmy Nominations: Ashlee has been nominated for multiple Emmy awards for her work in weather forecasting, including a nomination for her weather special, “Doppler 10 Ahead of the Winter Storm”.

Community and Advocacy Recognition

• Heroes of Breast Cancer: Ashlee and her mother were honored as “Heroes of Breast Cancer” by the Karmanos Cancer Institute in 2013 for their advocacy efforts.

• Legislative Ambassador: Ashlee has lobbied in Washington for cancer research and has been involved in fundraising efforts for the American Cancer Society.

• BCDaughters.com: She founded this international website as an outlet for breast cancer victims, providing support and resources.

Ashlee’s dedication to her profession and her community has earned her widespread recognition and respect. Her achievements reflect her commitment to excellence and her passion for making a positive impact in the lives of others.

Ashlee Baracy works closely with several colleagues at WDIV Local 4 News. Some of her notable colleagues include:

• Bob Ellis: Vice President and General Manager at WDIV.

• Devin Scillian: A seasoned anchor and reporter at WDIV Local 4, Devin is well-known for his work on the station’s evening newscasts.

• Rhonda Walker: An anchor who has been a prominent figure on the morning newscasts and is highly respected for her work in the Detroit community.

• Jason Colthorp: A reporter and anchor who covers a wide range of stories and is known for his engaging reporting style.

• Karen Drew: An investigative reporter and anchor who has received numerous awards for her in-depth reporting and commitment to uncovering important stories.

• Kim Adams: A fellow meteorologist and colleague at WDIV.

Ashlee’s return to WDIV has been well-received by her colleagues and viewers alike. She continues to work alongside a dedicated team to provide accurate and engaging weather forecasts.

Net Worth and Salary:

Ashlee Baracy’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million.

This wealth has been accumulated through her successful career in broadcasting and meteorology, as well as her various endorsements and public appearances.

As for her salary, Ashlee earns an annual salary ranging from $40,000 to $110,500. The exact figure may vary based on her experience, responsibilities, and contract specifics.

It’s worth noting that salaries in the broadcasting industry can fluctuate based on factors such as market demand, individual performance, and the size of the media market.

Ashlee’s financial success is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and talent in her field. She continues to be a respected and influential figure in the broadcasting industry.

Is Ashlee Baracy Married?

Yes, Ashlee Baracy is married to Jeff Kunkel. They have been together since their marriage in November 2017 and have two children.

How Old Is Ashlee Baracy?

Ashlee Baracy was born on April 22, 1985, which makes her 39 years old as of now.

Where Is Ashlee Baracy Working At?

Ashlee Baracy is currently working at WDIV Local 4 News in Detroit, Michigan. Her role at WDIV is as the Evening Meteorologist for the 4Warn Weather forecasts.

In this position, she provides weather updates on weekday mornings, at noon, and streams on Local4+.

Ashlee’s responsibilities include delivering accurate and engaging weather forecasts, helping viewers stay informed about the weather conditions in their area.