As many of you now know, today, Wednesday, May 20^th, is my last day here at KWTX. I have been offered a wonderful new opportunity working outside of television – it will allow me to remain in Central Texas, ultimately settling in the Austin area this fall. My mom, who now lives more than 1500 miles away in Pennsylvania, will be relocating to Round Rock this summer. This is a chance for us to spend more time with each, and allow me to be near many close friends in the Austin area.

 

This was not an easy decision to make – I have spent five years at Channel 10, and can honestly say it was the most incredible experience of my life. I’ve had opportunities to move on to bigger stations in larger markets – at the end of the day I always knew they could not compare to the quality of the product and people that exist at KWTX.

 

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank just some of the wonderful people who made my time in Central Texas so very special.

 

I have to start with the viewers. Central Texas has embraced me and made this “Yankee” feel very welcome. Every caring e-mail…every person who has ever stopped me at the mall or the supermarket just to say hi…well I hope you all realize how much that has meant to me. When I came here I was told the people of Central Texas have warmth about them that you don’t find many places – I have come to realize that is very true.

Thank you for allowing me into your homes and for making me feel like an extended part of your family.

 

Speaking of family, I have to thank my mom who has always been completely supportive of my career ventures, and me even though they have taken me so far away from where I grew up. She LOVES Central Texas, and is literally counting the days until she arrives in Round Rock!

 

I have been so blessed to work day in and out alongside some of the best people in the business. Julie Hays was a gift from God. She made each day of work so much fun – I was so blessed to have her as my co-anchor. She remains one of my best friends. Emily Matthews was this unexpected surprise! I remember working with Emily as an intern, and being impressed with her intelligence and natural poise. It has been a true honor to sit beside her these last two years and see how much she has grown as a journalist. Brady Taylor and Lon Curtis are two of the best meteorologists to ever grace the airwaves in Central Texas. They are also both a pleasure to work with…always good for a laugh, and both filled with incredible patience to deal with me day in and day out!

 

I have to thank the people that surround me on a daily basis. We have an amazing crew that is working hard behind the scene to make us on-camera people look like we know what we’re doing! From directors to producers to floor crewmembers, it is a true team effort that makes our newscasts happen.

 

My colleagues in the KWTX newsroom have been incredible to work with on a daily basis. From current staff members like Gordon Collier and Dallas Cook, to past co-workers like Sharon Mayo, Chris Heath, Stephanie Serna, and Bianca Castro…the comradely that exists at this station is a rare thing in TV news.

 

KWTX has provided me the opportunity to meet many close friends inside and outside the business. Former News 10 reporter Annie McCormick remains one of my best friends, as does Tanya Foster, my former cross-town competition at KXXV. Melissa McGuire at KCEN-TV also remains a very dear friend whom I was lucky to meet five years ago.

 

The management at KWTX deserves plenty of acknowledgements. Our current General Manager, Bob Bunch, is a wonderful and caring man who genuinely does want the best for his staff. He understood the importance of this opportunity, and has given me his blessing every step of the way. I’ve been fortunate to work with some amazing managers; some are still here, other has moved on. Virgil Teter, Kat Yglecias, Paul Gately, Rick Bradfield, Rich Adams…all have contributed to my success at Channel 10.

 

I have to honor the hard work of our photographers, especially Jim Peeler. Jim is the man behind the Morning Buzz, and has been like a father to me. He has taught me a tremendous amount about the business and about life.

 

Throughout my career I have been mentored by people who have supported me, believed in me, and helped me to succeed. Brooke Osburn and Phyllis Williams at KOKH-TV in Oklahoma City taught me everything I know about how to be an effective anchor and reporter. Brad Hawkins, Tyler Sieswerda, Keith Jones, John Huck, Kelly Frey, and Ted Koppy…all people that I have supported me throughout my career, and all of whom I greatly respect. They’ve been my friends, my mentors, and my cheerleaders.

 

My Golden Apple teachers! You ALL have made my job the most fun position at Channel 10! I will miss my weekly visits to schools all across Central Texas, and our annual Golden Apple dinner. Also, a great big THANKS to all the District PR people, principals, and counselors who would help me out on a weekly basis organizing these visit.

 

I have so many wonderful friends all across Central Texas – so many wonderful charities that I have been so blessed to be affiliated with. I wish I had the time and energy to list everyone by name! I’d probably be typing for the next three days if I listed every friend that I have made in Central Texas. I’m fortunate that I will be so close by so that I can still visit with you all, and remain a part of your lives.