Jun 25, 2026
Elaina Rusk reporting the forecast in her current role at KGET.
Courtesy of NBC/KGET
Elaina has a busy life at work and at home, from her current role as chief meteorologist with NBC affiliate KGET to advocating for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), especially for girls. In fact, Elaina is KGET’s first female chief meteorologist.
“I’m now celebrating 20 years in the business. It has been an absolute joy,” she said.
Elaina Rusk with her newborn daughter.
Photo courtesy of Elaina Rusk
Elaina later graduated with a certificate in broadcast meteorology from Mississippi State University. She has worked as a reporter, producer and host for KGET, in addition to being a supervisor and mentor, and also hosts lifestyle shows on KGET+.
Elaina and John Rusk on their wedding day.
Photo credit: Mike Larson
“Our days are full. We’re up by 6 at the latest and we spend the first half hour of our day feeding our 4-H animals, including two goats, two dogs, five rabbits and seven chickens,” said Elaine. “By 8:30, I’ve done the girls’ hair and gotten myself ready for the day. I work until 6 but I do take a long lunch to pick the girls up and go to their activities. I love being a mom taxi for them and having a chance to connect during the day.”
As Elaina looks ahead to turning 42 this month, she has a public reminder for all women, especially moms: be proactive about wellness.
Elaina Rusk. Courtesy of NBC/KGET
At 36, Elaina took a brief leave of absence due to a cancer scare. After months of abdominal pain, she underwent a hysterectomy.
“A routine pap smear finally revealed I had cells that weren’t cancer but could become cancerous,” she explained. “The excruciating pain was from an ovarian cyst. I was cancer-free, no chemo or radiation needed but I take every chance I can to tell women to go get checked.”
Even with work and family commitments, Elaina has been an avid community volunteer. She is a board member for Kern Dance Alliance and is a sustaining member with Junior League of Bakersfield.
Furthering STEM is a personal priority. Elaina is the board secretary of the nonprofit Kern County Science Foundation, which will host the Kern County Science Fair on March 9, 2027, at Dignity Health Arena, Theater and Convention Center. The event is open to student participants as young as fourth grade.
“I want to make sure all children know they can be in STEM,” she explained. “I have always loved science and weather but I let the math scare me, so I didn't pursue meteorology until later in life. When I did, I needed a tutor to help me survive it. I hope children understand that not every subject will be easy but if you look at it like a puzzle, every field is open and accessible.”
Curiosity about the world is something the family advocates.
“Every day, we find a curious question that involves science in everyday life, like ‘How does dew form on grass?’ just from being outside early in the morning. Without even knowing you’re doing it, you and your child can form a hypothesis,” she said. “You don’t have to know the science off the top of your head. You can teach them how to safely search the internet, find out about the water cycle and let them guide the learning.”
Elaina Rusk, Kern Dance Alliance board member.
Photo courtesy of Elaina Rusk
Q. What advice do you have for women when it comes to respite and renewal as they care for young children?
A. Think of the “Bluey” episode with the phrase “Sometimes moms just need 20 minutes.” That’s really true. Plan for some peaceful, quiet time for yourself every day.
Q. What should families in the Kern County area know more about in their community?
A. Kern Dance Alliance’s Books in Motion program at their local library. It takes place every summer. A book comes to life through dance, kids are invited to get up and learn the moves, then they have tactile learning with a craft and take home a free book.
Q. What is your parenting PSA?
A. Meet your child where they are.
Fill-in-the-blank questions:
Q. Favorite local restaurant: Sonder
Q. Best book you've read lately: “Theo of Golden” by Allen Levi
Q. Hidden gem in Kern County: The splash pad at Jastro Park
Q. First thing I do when I wake up in the morning: Count my blessings
