Date of Joining WATE: August 1996
Birthplace/Hometown: Born in Kingston, Pa. and raised in Media, Pa.
Education:
Master of Arts, Journalism, University of Georgia
Bachelor of Arts, Speech-Theater, North Carolina Wesleyan College
Previous Media Experience:
WFOR-TV, Miami, Fla. 1989-1996
WSVN-TV, Miami, Fla. 1985-1989
NEWSCOPE (nationally syndicated program), Los Angeles, Ca. 1983-85
KSDK-TV, St. Louis, Mo. 1979-83
WCKT-TV (now WSVN), Miami, Fla. 1976-79
WLAC-TV (now WTVF), Nashville, Tenn. 1973-76
American Forces Vietnam Network, Saigon, South Vietnam, 1971-72
U.S. Army, Broadcast Officer TV Division, Augusta, Ga. 1970-71
Outside Interests/Hobbies:
I enjoy hiking, running (5K road races), sports, teaching Sunday school class, singing in the church choir, and working with the Boy Scouts of America.
What You Enjoy About Local News:
I became a news reporter because my parents were avid newspaper readers. At home they talked about current events and read things to me — events going on at home and across the nation. They helped spark the interest. Then my grade school teachers kept the flame alive. Growing up in Philadelphia, Pa., I lived where our country’s early history was made, where democracy was formed. My elementary and high school teachers made history interesting. They made sure we understood what democracy is about and how the historical figures in our community made a difference. Those teachers challenged and encouraged me as well as other students to “make a difference” in what ever profession we chose. It’s my love of history and the chance to report current events that peaked my interest in becoming a local reporter. In that role we have the opportunity to explain issues and to highlight the pros and cons to our viewers.
Media Awards and Honors:
Murrow Award for Investigative Reporting from Radio-Television Digital News Association
SPJ Award for Investigative Reporting, Society of Professional Journalists
SPJ Green Eyeshade Award
Emmy Award
Thirteen-time Emmy Award Nominee
National Press Club Consumer Award
National Headliner Award for Business/Consumer Reporting
National RTNDA/NEFE Excellence in Personal Finance Award
Loeb Award finalist
Society of Environmental Reporting Award
Gabriel Award
Casey Medal for Children’s Issues
Casey Medal finalist
Wilbur Award from Religion Communicators Council
San Francisco State Investigative Reporting Award
Cecil Award, National Arthritis Foundation
National Institute for Health Care Management Award finalist
National Autism Society Media Award
Dalton Pen Award
Two Valley Forge Freedom Foundation Awards
Two Regional Awards from National Arthritis Foundation
Ten Regional Murrow Awards
Tennessee AP Journalist of the Year, 2014
Tennessee AP Reporter of the Year, 2006 and 2009
Georgia and Tennessee AP awards
Tennessee Mental Health Association Award
Tennessee Hospital Association Award
Tennessee ARC award
Tennessee School Bell awards
Florida School Bell awards
Missouri Broadcaster Association awards for Investigative Reporting
East Tennessee SPJ Golden Press Card Award
Multiple Horace V. Wells Community Service Awards from East Tennessee SPJ
Multiple East Tennessee Golden Press Card Awards
Silver Circle Member, National Association of Television Arts and Science, Nashville Chapter
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