3. The past couple of weekends have been heavy on breaking news. What was the newsroom like during that period?

Big breaking news stories bring all of us together. There’s no way to do what we do without teamwork. While the news may happen on a Saturday or Sunday, so many people and reporters raise their hands, text, or even run to the building because they want to be a part of the big story. It’s a team sport, ensuring each show and anchor moves the story forward and constantly updates our viewers. You can honestly tell the mark of a long weekend by Sunday, when producers are trying to figure out if the pizza outside the control room is dinner or breakfast. Sometimes it’s both. 

4. With MSNBC set to split from the NBCUniversal News Group, what have been some of the complexities you have encountered during this transition? 

I’ve been with this network for 10 years this fall, and I’ve been exposed to so many facets of the business and worked on some incredible projects with NBC News and MSNBC. These opportunities have helped me grow into a better journalist, mentor, and manager. Change can be hard, but it is also an opportunity. I see an incredible opportunity on the horizon. We are growing and showing up for our audience. 

We are building something from the ground up, with the input of our colleagues. Everyone has had a voice in what’s working, what we’d like to do differently, and there is a real sense of being in control of our own destiny. 

5. What is the best thing about your job?

The people. There’s nothing like watching an inquisitive intern start their first job after graduation at MSNBC. It means we are doing something right. To see the first person you hired work their way to become a senior producer. Plus, all the new talent we have on deck, watching them become the best version of themselves.  

Bonus question – Are weekend hours grueling?

It’s not easy on the eyelashes, I’ll say that. But it’s worth all the winks I get on Monday. 

It’s also the greatest excuse for my 11-year-old to force a trip to Sephora on me. Because surely mommy needs eye patches, but does she…