What word best describes you?
Tireless
Title
Pella News and Sports Director
* at time of recognition
Employer
KNIA-KRLS
* at time of recognition
Lives In
Pella
Education
Washington High School
Iowa State University
Activities
- Iowa State University - Greenlee School of Journalism Alumni Council
- Pella Dutch Live - extra commentary for Pella Volleyball, Pella Soccer (outside of radio)
- Provides free photos for families to use of Pella and Pella Christian High School Activities, and for use by those schools in publications, social media, and other needs
- PREVIOUS: Pella 4th of July, Thursdays in Pella committee, Iowa Broadcast News Association
Working in Marion County
At a time when many local media outlets across the state are either corporately owned or closing, it’s exciting to be working for a locally-owned station that controls its own content guidelines and is largely funded by the strong local economy and businesses that understand the importance of having reliable local news and sports for Pella, Knoxville, and the surrounding area.
Living in Marion County
Getting the advantage of having a lot of resources available while living in a smaller, quieter community, while not being too far away from larger city experiences if desired. Professionally, it’s a point of pride to be appreciated by neighbors for the work I do.
Favorite Place to Relax
If I’m not at home with my family or at some sort of work-related event, I frequent many of the establishments in Pella and the surrounding area -- although not as much as I’d like to, sometimes. That includes anything for a drink, good meal, a movie, etc., and we are fortunate to have a strong number of those in the city limits.
Career Opportunities
Through my own career, I’ve been able to interact with many individuals considered the best in their field without having to leave the Pella city limits. While it may not be traditional for some, there are a lot of extremely talented people locally who have great expertise. And because they live in a smaller community, they may be affording unique chances for promotion or other means not available in larger cities.
Community Favorites
Pella is clearly a special place, and as a non-native, I have perhaps a bit more unique appreciation for how the community operates and what is available. The amount of volunteer-based activities and events that go on throughout most of the year, quality of life amenities (which can always be improved or added to), restaurants, locally-owned stores and service-based businesses, and other services available in a town this size would be astonishing elsewhere. It’s also a safe place to live with excellent educational opportunities that communities much larger wish they could have.
Career Advice to Teens
Understanding the importance of accuracy and truth, how to properly convey someone else's words or actions, awareness of what is happening beyond your own life “bubble” and getting to know (and generally get along with) people from different backgrounds.
Mentor
Former Pella Police Chief Robert Bokinsky
What is your wish for the Red Rock Area?
Continued growth and expanded amenities that enhance the strong communities already here and investment that makes living here viable for many years to come
What is your biggest passion, and why?
Accurately telling the stories of those who live in Pella and the surrounding area, and documenting the moments that mean the most to them in a creative and interesting way.
3 Hobbies
Photography, Watching/following sports at all levels, video games
