I started my reporting career as a high school senior, covering breaking news in the hallways, sports and entertainment (I'm sure there's plenty of blackmail footage out there!). Since that was considered a "fun" elective, I never intended on being in front of the lens professionally. That's until I stumbled across a TV club in college. After that, my career just fell into place.
My first job was at a cable station with my sister (director/editor) in the county we grew up in. Although our family still lived there, the signal couldn't even reach their house! That job was a challenge, but that's where I learned the most about this business. I was a one-man-band who had to lug heavy Beta gear in the Georgia heat (my car at the time didn't have AC)!
Next, I moved to South Georgia and landed a producer/reporting job at the powerhouse station in Albany, Georgia. I will NEVER forget my very first live report. It was September 11, 2001 (9/11). When I woke up that morning, I never imagined how such a horrible event would push my career into full throttle. I then became a full-time reporter once again.
After more than three years of covering eight counties, military goodbyes/homecomings and tons of severe weather, I headed south to Fort Myers, Florida to face another challenge ...to become an Investigative Reporter. I only stayed in Fort Myers for a few years, but that is where I earned my highest award (National Edward R. Murrow - Investigative Reporting).
For my next gig, I hit I-75 once again and headed two hours north to Bay News 9 in Tampa Bay.
When I look back at what I've accomplished, I'm proud of myself. But, I always reflect back to my journey...the places I've lived, the people I've worked with, the friends I've met and the people/places I've covered. It's amazing how many lives my career has touched. And I expect that list to get longer as the years go by.
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