Derek Van Dam Bio, CNN, Age, Height, Wife, Kids, Family, Net Worth, Salary

Derek Van Dam
Derek Van Dam

Derek Van Dam Biography

Derek Van Dam is a well-known American journalist who is working as a weather anchor for CNN based in Atlanta. He also offers weather reports and science bulletins on Weekday and weekend editions of CNN Newsroom. He joined the station in September 2014 and has been working at the network since then. Prior to joining CNN International, Van Dam was credited with raising the quality and standards of weather broadcasting across the African continent with his previous position as Chief Meteorologist at eNCA.

Moreover, he was born and brought up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States. After high school, Derek enrolled himself at Central Michigan University, where graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Meteorology and Broadcast Journalism. Shortly after college, Van Dam was hired as a morning weather anchor at an NBC affiliate in Flint, Michigan. There he worked for a while then he later moved and joined 3News Channel Africa in Africa, where he was in charge of conducting various awareness programs.

Furthermore, he also fell in love with the place, and in 2008, he moved to Cape Town to increase his skills and experience in the field. Moreover, Derek was a member of US, a non-governmental organization (NGO) meaning “The Compassionate Life Foundation”. Additionally, he also worked as a Chief Meteorologist at eNCA, where he was praised for providing quality and standards of weather broadcasting across the African continent. While there, he also teams up with seven meteorologists & climatologists while anchoring daily weather bulletins for the station’s flagship news shows.

After that, he joined CNN International, where he is currently working. During his time with the network, Van Dam has covered extensive reports such as the climate crisis, Hurricane Harvey from Houston, Texas; Hurricane Maria from San Juan and Florida; and Hurricane Nate from Biloxi. On top of that, he also covered the major storm during Hurricane Joaquin with the infamous ‘Hurricane Hunters’ U.S. Air Force squadron looking for the doomed ‘El Faro’ cargo ship that sank during the storm as part of special coverage for Anderson Cooper 360°.

In 2018, Van Dam won the Edward R.Murrow Award for excellence in innovation for his coverage of the solar eclipse. He also holds a “Certified Broadcast Meteorologist” from the American Meteorological Society (AMS), a designation that recognizes excellence in his field. Presently, he is a weather anchor for CNN based at the network’s headquarters in Atlanta.

Derek Van Dam’s Age

How old is Derek? He is 39 years old as of 2023. Van Dam was born on October 7, 1983, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States. Additionally, he celebrates his birthday on October 7 every year.

Derek Van Dam Height/ Weight

Van Dam stands at a height of 5 feet and 7 inches tall. He weighs around 70 kg.

Derek Van Dam’s Wife

Is Derek married or dating? He is happily married to his beloved and gorgeous wife Tara Hossack. Tara is an independent producer and freelance journalist. The couple exchanged vows on August 2014 in Cape Town in a small ceremony since Van Dam had just joined CNN and needed to make it over to America for his new job. The newly couple had to live separated for four months while Tara was waiting for a visa to be granted. Furthermore, Hossack plays piano while her husband plays guitar. Presently, the family resides in Atlanta.

Derek Van Dam Kids

The two are proud parents of two adorable children. They welcome their first daughter on March 1, 2017, followed by their son, Logan Malloy who was born on July 31, 2018.

Derek Van Dam Family

Derek was born and brought up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to his parents Tom Van Dam and Carole Van Dam. Not much is revealed about his parents or his siblings. Therefore, it is unknown whether he is an only child or not.

Derek Van Dam’s Net Worth

How much does Derek earn? He has an approximate net worth of between $ 1 million-$ 5 million dollars. His career is the main source of his income which has enabled him to live a luxurious lifestyle.

Derek Van Dam’s Salary

Van Dam receives an estimated salary ranging between $ 45,000 to $ 100,000 dollars. This is according to his current station report.