Baron Weather is proud to announce the promotion of two senior leaders, reinforcing our commitment to supporting an evolving media landscape across both traditional and emerging platforms.
Steve Bray has been promoted to Vice President of Media, and Cherie Smyly has been named Director of Media Sales and Partnerships. Together, the leadership promotions reflect Baron’s continued focus on customer-driven strategy, modern weather communication, and solutions that help media organizations connect with audiences across all platforms.
“Steve and Cherie bring deep industry knowledge and a clear understanding of how weather communication is evolving,” said Bob Dreisewerd, CEO and President of Baron Weather. “Their leadership reflects our focus on listening to customers, adapting to new media realities, and delivering solutions that help organizations communicate weather clearly and effectively across every platform.”
Steve Bray Brings Deep Newsroom Experience to Expanded Media Leadership Role
As Vice President of Media, Steve will lead Baron’s media strategy across broadcast and digital platforms, sales, and guide product direction to ensure solutions align with real-world newsroom workflows, audience engagement needs, and evolving technologies.
Steve has played a key role in shaping Baron’s media product strategy, including the development of the Baron Lynx Weather Display System, content-generation tools, and user-education programs. He will continue to lead Baron’s Client Experience team, setting a high standard for service from implementation through on-air execution—an approach that has supported both broadcast and expanding private-sector customers.
With firsthand experience in media leadership, including roles in news management and meteorology, Steve brings a deep understanding of newsroom operations, deadlines, and communication challenges. In his new role, he will serve as a bridge between product development, media customers, client support, and emerging technologies while supporting strategic relationships at the station and corporate levels.
Cherie Smyly Builds the Next Phase of Media Partnerships at Baron Weather
Cherie Smyly brings more than 30 years of experience in media and weather industry sales to her new role as Director of Media Sales and Partnerships. She has a long track record of building and sustaining partnerships with television stations, media groups, and local businesses.
Her experience includes leading large-scale client implementations such as group-wide weather systems and full radar deployments, with a strong focus on customer-centered, long-term partnerships. Cherie has also been an early advocate for the growing digital meteorologist and independent media market, helping identify new opportunities as weather delivery models continue to evolve.
In her expanded role, Cherie will lead Baron’s media sales and partnership strategy across traditional and digital channels, supporting revenue-driven weather solutions and continued market growth.
Thoughtful Leadership Transition
These promotions come as part of a broader leadership transition following the retirement of Mike Mougey later this year. Mike’s leadership and industry influence helped shape Baron’s reputation for trusted science, innovation, and customer commitment. The company’s expanded media leadership structure ensures continuity while positioning Baron to meet the changing needs of today’s media landscape.
“Mike’s leadership has had a lasting impact on Baron and the broader weather industry,” Dreisewerd said. “As he prepares for retirement, we’re grateful for the foundation he helped build and the legacy that he leaves. This transition reflects the strength of our team and the depth of experience within Baron and allows us to move forward with clarity, continuity, and a long-term view of the industry.”
As weather communication continues to evolve, Baron remains committed to investing in tools, partnerships, and leadership that help media organizations deliver impactful, trusted weather information to their audiences.
