Valley News Live Named Lisa Green Chief Meteorologist
The station announced the promotion following the resignation of long-time chief Russ Thomas.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in People
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Valley News Live has promoted Assistant Chief Meteorologist Lisa Green to the role of Chief Meteorologist. She will take over the position as incumbent Russ Thomas prepares to depart the Fargo station.
Why it matters
The leadership change marks a significant transition for the local broadcast news team, with a successor chosen from within the existing staff. The move comes as Russ Thomas steps down to relocate closer to his home.
Lisa Green brings over two decades of tenure to the role, including 11 years of experience as a regular on Valley Today. Her background includes recognized reporting on major weather events in Enderlin.
The players
Lisa Green
She is the newly appointed Chief Meteorologist at Valley News Live who has served the station for more than two decades.
Russ Thomas
He is the departing Chief Meteorologist at Valley News Live who is leaving the station to move closer to home.
Valley News Live
This is a broadcast television station based in Fargo, North Dakota.
The details
Lisa Green joined Valley News Live in 2004, initially serving as a weekend meteorologist and reporter. A member of the Science Advisory Panel with the FMSM, she has earned Upper Midwest Regional Emmy nominations for her coverage of severe weather, including a destructive derecho.
Timeline
Lisa Green joined the station in 2004.
Lisa Green was named Chief Meteorologist on September 24, 2026.
Russ Thomas will work his final day on October 1, 2026.
Market Landscape
The promotion of a long-term internal staffer follows a pattern of continuity commonly seen in local news management transitions. By elevating an established expert, the station reinforces its brand stability against regional media competitors.
Viewers can expect to see Lisa Green leading the weather team in her new capacity starting in October. This change maintains consistency for local audiences who have followed her reporting on the station for two decades.
The takeaway
Selecting a Chief Meteorologist with two decades of local experience ensures a seamless transition for the news team. Viewers can continue to rely on the established expertise that has defined the station's severe weather coverage for years.
Further reading
For more on local leadership changes, visit the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Valleynewslive.
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