PITTSBURGH -- Channel 11 News and WPXI.com welcome Mike LaPoint as the new Chief Meteorologist.

LaPoint was previously a staff meteorologist at WTMJ, an NBC affiliate in Milwaukee, Wis.

LaPoint also has experience in tornado alley at KOCO in Oklahoma City, and in Minneapolis at KSTP.

Since childhood, LaPoint said, he has been fascinated with weather.

He graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelor's degree in atmospheric science.

In addition, LaPoint holds a special distinction when it comes to forecasting. It’s called the Certified Broadcast Meteorologist seal.

To become a CBM, applicants must pass a rigorous written exam, meet strict educational guidelines and must have samples of their weathercasts approved by AMS board members.

The new CBM seal is the highest honor for a broadcast meteorologist.

He’s also been honored by the Oklahoma House of Representatives for his tornado coverage.

La Point is joined in Pittsburgh by his wife and 2-year-old son.

Watch new Chief Meteorologist Mike LaPoint on Channel 11 News.