Stay Tuned: Melissa Voetsch
3/19/2012
Voetsch
First job: My very first job was at 16 as a sales associate in the lingerie department of a Macy’s-type department store ... I was “Holiday Help.” My first job in the TV business was right out of college at a small station in Binghamton, NY. I was a full-time news reporter and weathercaster.
First salary: $10,000 a year.
My idol is: My mother Dr. Beverley Voetsch ... she is the most beautiful, strong British lady I could know. This woman sets the bar high in life and inspires all around her to aspire to it.
Most embarrassing TV moment: My first weathercast on commercial TV. It’s like a bad Saturday Night Live skit ... to this day, I can’t believe they let me do a second!
Highlight of my career: Working with WTOL to build Give Autism the Boot. After six years, we’ve raised more than $600,000 to support programing for children and families living with autism in northwest Ohio.
Position: Anchor/ reporter
Station: WTOL-TV, Channel 11
Age: 46
Hometown: Buffalo
College: Syracuse University
Family: Husband Gary, and three kids: Madeline, 16, Cole 12, Gabrielle, 8. Also, two dogs, Ike and Allistair, and a cat named Belle
My favorite thing to do outside of work: Support and work with Agility Angels. This is a non-profit I formed with a life-long friend, Kim Holmes, that uses the sport of dog agility to help children and teens with autism develop social skills and confidence in life. It’s the most amazing miracle I’ve ever had the privilege of being a part of. The volunteers are truly “Angels on Earth.”
I think Toledo’s best-kept secret is: Side Cut Metro Park. It has the most beautiful view of the Maumee and every time I visit, life gets better.
People may be surprised to know that I: I’m an amateur photographer. I love taking pictures. My dream is to achieve the excellence of photographer Anna Keperberg. She’s the most phenomenal photographer I’ve ever seen. Her specialty is photographing dogs. What an amazing view on life.
In five years, I see myself: Dreading the words: “Mom ... I’m all right ....” I’ll have two kids driving by then — I’m nervous already.
My dream job is: I’m at that point in life where I know better than to give absolutes. But, whatever I’m doing, I want it to include the opportunity to financially champion people I believe in.
Contact Kirk Baird at kbaird@theblade.com or 419-724-6734.