I had only arrived on scene minutes earlier. Police were crawling through the neighborhood responding to an incident. I was standing in front of a camera, my mind racing with what I knew and how to deliver it. My job was to be the expert—to break down the complex scene for viewers across San Diego. But when the anchor tossed to me… I fumbled. And I was replaced with another reporter.

It wasn’t the last time I stumbled on air. But it was a turning point in my journey to becoming an effective communicator and a trusted on-air presence in TV markets across the country. I learned that the camera is the best teacher. And clear, confident communication is essential to building trust—whether you’re in front of a camera, a boardroom, or a crisis.

My broadcast career started over the airwaves in Rexburg, Idaho. I transitioned to TV in Utah, reporting for a national cable show on BYUtv while also contributing to the ABC and PBS affiliates in Salt Lake City. That’s where I learned to shoot, write, produce, and edit my own work—skills that became invaluable throughout my career.

I later joined the NBC-owned station in San Diego, covering everything from wildfires to crime to corruption. In 2017, my family and I moved to Boston, where I frequently reported on national politics. I still remember my first day on the desk, anchoring hours of live coverage of the Women’s March, one of the largest single-day protests in U.S. history.

Later, we returned to Salt Lake City, where I launched, produced, and hosted the market’s first digital-only news show and podcast. Most recently, I anchored weekdays for the NBC affiliate in Cleveland, a role that opened the door to one of my career highlights: covering the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris for NBC News.

My experience abroad began even before I entered the news business. I lived in Guatemala and Paraguay, learning Spanish and volunteering with Amigos de las Américas. I later served a two-year mission in South Africa and Botswana for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Shortly after getting married, my wife Marisa and I lived and taught English in China for six months.

Through every chapter, effective communication has been critical. I’m excited to bring that experience and perspective to my work with Spoken Word Communications, where we help you communicate clearly, confidently, and with purpose.