Current position:
Technical Director at CBSN
Responsibilities:
I’m involved in meetings to discuss news team coverage, which guests will be on set, pre-taped sessions and automated codes that run the format of the show. I’ve worked with many high-profile people including CBS’s Scott Pelley, Bob Schieffer and Josh Elliott. I also met Bernie Sanders earlier this year when he was campaigning in New York City.
Degree:
Communication Arts
Where did you live as a student?
Commuter
Favorite Class at Hood:
My favorite class was “Television in America,” taught by Donna Bertazzoni. She always made it interesting and fun, never too stressful. The class revolved around current events in broadcast news and advertising campaign analysis. I also took “Psychology of Death and Dying,” taught by Dana Cable. This class in particular had nothing to do with my major, but I needed a filler class during my senior year. Dr. Cable and the class proved to have a lasting impression—I remember telling my mom that if I had taken this particular thanatology class my first year in college, I probably would have ended up a psychology major.
What made you decide to attend Hood:
I transferred to Hood from Frostburg State University. It was close to home, and I was able to save money by living at home and commuting.
How did your experience at Hood influence or shape your career today?
I didn’t push myself as hard as I should have at Hood. I wasn’t involved in extracurriculars like the newspaper or radio. Now, looking back, I realize I probably should have. But I think because I didn’t get involved, it pushed me harder once I was out on my own professionally with not a whole lot under my belt. I was a sports intern at 25 WHAG in Hagerstown and then in Baltimore for the NBC news station. I realized through these internships I didn’t necessarily feel comfortable in front of the cameras. It was then that I moved to working behind the scenes on the production side of broadcast.
What is your fondest memory of your time at Hood?
My fondest memory includes the annual crab feast. I taught many out-of-staters how to properly pick Maryland crabs.
Describe Hood in one word:
Intimate—once I was in the upper-level classes in my major, the classes were eight, nine, or 10 people. We were all in it together, and you really got to know your peers and your professors— something nearly impossible at larger colleges.
What did you do in the year immediately after graduating?
Immediately following graduation, I went back to Hood in an attempt to complete a minor in graphic design. During this time, I picked up a job at Frederick City Mayor Randy McClement’s bagel shop, Market Bagel and Deli. I absolutely loved the job and enjoyed working with him. I worked in the middle of the night baking bagels. After the bagel shop, I worked in Washington, D.C., for my current employer, CBS. Then I made the transition to CBSN shortly thereafter.
Define your most successful moment:
My most successful moment was when I was nominated for an Emmy during my time working in Washington, D.C. The award was for a town hall for candidates running for mayor, hosted by the station.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
This year, I went on a six-day mission trip in the Dominican Republic. I’m beginning to think about aligning my love for broadcast with a philanthropic cause. I went with a team to El Cercado to do anything the village needed help with, which included planting avocado trees and visiting an orphanage, that doubled as an infirmary, to play with the children. I’m very interested in one day possibly pursuing a career with an organization that is more cause-oriented.
