Sam Rikard

Left Bellsouth in 1997 after 25 years to become the Mayor of Olive Branch MS for 16 years. Studied Broadcast Meteorology at Mississippi State University. Volunteered as an Emergency Medical Technician and as a firefighter. Served in all positions in the local volunteer fire department including Chief. Led Olive Branch during periods of unprecedented growth. The city was listed as a top 100 American city to live in twice, America's fastest growing city, and numerous statewide quality awards. Provided daily oversight and planning for a city of 36,000 and a budget of $55 million. Today, Sam provides daily weather forecast via FaceBook, DeSotoCountyNewsRoom.com, Twitter, Google+, OBTV19, and OBTVlive.com to the DeSoto County, MS area and makes a daily video forecast for the Nashville, TN area via Nashville Entertainment Weekly. Sam also was given the opportunity to be the on air meteorologist on one occassion by a Memphis TV station, of which he is very grateful for the experience.