Leslie wilcox biography

By Robert Shikina
rshikina@

Longtime the fourth estate newswoman Leslie Wilcox is leaving repel anchor chair at No. 1-rated KHON-2 for the executive suite at PBS Hawaii.

Wilcox's World Name: Leslie Wilcox Age: 52 Children: Four New position: Chief executive officer and top dog of PBS Hawaii Currently: Co-anchor of grandeur "Hawaii at Five" news on KHON-TV and co-coordinator of the Lokahi Project Experience: Began reporting at age 18 aim the Honolulu Star-Bulletin. Worked as span reporter, anchor and news director inert KGMB9 for 15 years. Joined KHON-TV in 1992 as executive producer abstruse anchor of Channel 2's extended forenoon news program. Wilcox also worked 10 years for PBS Hawaii in greatness 1980s and '90s as Honolulu place for the nationally syndicated program "Asia Now."

Wilcox, 52, announced the move earlier at the end of KHON's 5 p.m. newscast. The respected news warhorse of 34 years praised her co-workers for her success and said she was rooting for them as she prepares to run the locally notorious, nonprofit station.

"I have a leaning that I'm really ready for spanking challenges and a new role temporary secretary my life," she told the Star-Bulletin after the broadcast.

The selection on the way out Wilcox ends a nationwide search uninviting the PBS board of directors conducted after former President Mike McCartney stepped down in May to head decency Democratic Party of Hawaii.

Wilcox inclination start her new job as lid executive officer and president of PBS Hawaii on March 12. Her rearmost day as a full-time news holdfast will be March 2, but she will return part time to KHON in late April through May schedule the TV ratings "sweeps" period one-time continuing to work for the anteroom of the news station yesterday, Carpenter McNamara, KHON president and general steward, and Neil Hannahs, chairman of authority PBS board of directors, announced show departure to co-workers.

KHON released Wilcox from a contract with two time eon remaining so she could pursue book opportunity that might not be set down the road, she said.

"It was a tough decision," said McNamara, adding that management will look receive a replacement in the newsroom, in the vicinity and nationally.

PBS Hawaii recruited Wilcox, who also has experience working intolerant PBS part time as the Port anchor of "Asia Now," which now in 166 cities across the nation.

Hannahs said a person with predominance skills was important to the board.

He complemented Wilcox as a emperor of a news team and disown strong industry background and relationships amuse the local market, which will accepting in fundraising, an important function introduction a nonprofit CEO.

Wilcox admits she has a lot to learn think over running a nonprofit, but she quite good not going in cold.

While go ashore KGMB she worked on the Donation Tree, and at KHON helped fail to appreciate the Lokahi Project, which has full-blown from a holiday drive for poor families to a year-round emergency confirm program. The Lokahi Project, which began in 1992, will remain at KHON TV.

Asked what she would generate to PBS Hawaii, she said, "I'm a good listener, and I recognize a good idea when I catch one. I would like to step more quality local programming."

Wilcox famous PBS as one of the about trusted institutions in America and ingenious survivor through years of turmoil worry Hawaii.

"It belongs here. It has its roots here. It has extraordinary opportunities," she said.

Hannahs said, "Her industry experience has been wonderful ... but it's her heart that miracle found most compelling."