The note below was sent earlier this week to the staff at 11Alive. I've also been blessed to have great mentors over my career, namely Jack Mazzie, Don Cornwell, and Peter Diaz. As the walrus said, after 47 years in broadcasting, the time has come. Effective August 4th, retirement’s siren call will be answered. While there have been wonderful moments throughout my career, I can without equivocation say that the past 13 years at 11Alive have been the most rewarding. And that’s because of the opportunity to work with so many passionate and dedicated professionals like each of you. Your accomplishments are manifold: 236 Emmys (including the team award of Overall Station Excellence 7 times) 2 National Emmys 9 National Edward R Murrow awards 49 Regional Edward R Murrow awards 1 Peabody 1 Dupont 6 Georgia Association of Broadcasters Station of the Year recognitions …and many others But what has made the last few years the most rewarding has been to witness the respect and help you give each other to succeed. That support has led to numerous 11Alive team members being promoted within the station, to other stations, and to leadership roles within TEGNA. There is no greater reward for anyone in my position than to see others take the next steps in their careers. Your successes will be lasting memories for me. When my successor is announced, that person will quickly realize the amazing talent that exists at 11Alive. I know you’ll gift them with the same efforts and drive that I’ve been blessed to witness. I thank each of you for making my tenure at the station such a fun ride. My wish for you is both continued collective and personal success. --
John, Congratulations! From Week-TV to WXIA-TV a lot of success along the way. Marc
John, from young bucks at WEEK & KATZ to finally being able to enjoy the BEST part of life! Your legacy and success within the industry will live forever. Enjoy Living the Good Life! And, If you ever get to Venice FL, please look me up! BEST to you my friend! Wall
John, Congratulations. I know you will be missed, but retirement is more than it is cracked up to be. Enjoy. Best wishes always. The Other John from Tuesday Morning Bible Studies
Congrats on this next chapter, John! Thank you for everything you've done for 11Alive, journalists everywhere who've crossed paths with you, and the communities served by the station over the years under your outstanding leadership.
Congratulations, John!
congratulations John! Amazing career and I was lucky to work with you. GCOG!
John: You’re a living legend! You’ve been a mentor and friend to so many of us who aspired to be the kind of leader you have always been: forward thinking…so famously creative with a kindness that created a winning, one of a kind culture. You set the bar for us all to model. Congratulations and all best wishes my friend.
what an incredible journey!
Congrats John! What a great career! Hope to see you on the golf course
Associate Vice President, Arcadis, NA, Growth Leadership
1yJD! You deserve whatever is next to come!! Best wishes!!!