Wonya Lucas

EVP and GM, The Weather Channel Networks

WHY WE’RE WATCHING: After spending much of her time working on the network’s new branding initiative, Lucas was elevated last October, after the retirement of president Patrick Scott. With her hands on day-to-day operations, Lucas is charged with leveraging the brand promise further as it did with a licensing deal for outerwear with LL Bean.

HIGH ’05s: “We launched the new branding campaign, 'Bringing Weather to Life,’ based on extensive consumer research. I was thrilled that the outcome wasn’t simply a new 'tagline,’ but a strong internal and external brand mantra. Finally, being tapped to become the EVP and GM of The Weather Channel was truly a dream come true.”

PICKS IN ’06: “Our goal is to expand the definition of weather by taking advantage of all its dimensions. Our expertise is unmatchable and we will leverage all 120 meteorologists in the building, and invest in daily local and national weather, including more field coverage. We will build on our long-form strategy with the launch of new shows, including It Could Happen Tomorrow, which examines the potential for natural disasters to strike major metropolitan areas based upon similar, past weather events. It is almost eerie that our pilot, which we cannot air, was 'what if a Category 5 hurricane hits New Orleans?’”

MY TIME: “My life centers around my husband, Bruce Kirton and our daughters, Alexis and Sydney. We love to travel, ski and snowboard. I grew up in a family with an incredible sense of duty to the community. I continue this legacy by serving of several non-profit boards, and volunteering with local organizations.”