Hello!
My name is Nikki.
I’m a Public Information Officer + former 10-time Emmy Award-winning Executive TV Producer.
My Background
Experience
I have 18+ years in television & digital journalism in major markets: Washington D.C., Chicago & the Twin Cities
Education
Master of Arts
Communication Leadership
& Brand Communication
Drake University
Des Moines, IA
Bachelor of Science
Television & Radio Broadcasting
Minors: Motion Graphics & Writing
Ithaca College
Ithaca, NY
Skills
Crisis Communications, Graphic Design + Video Editing, Professional + Creative Writing, Social Media Content Creation + Management, Team Management
Architectural producer of the inventive newscast,
‘Breaking the News’
Career Highlights
Awards
Ten Emmy Awards from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, including Best Producer.
Three Page One Awards from the Society of Professional Journalists.
Creating A Show
I helped build an innovative show from the ground up. ‘Breaking the News’ is a long-format, modern newscast that has seen continuous year-over-year audience growth since its debut in 2016.
Trial of Derek Chauvin
Produced & boothed live coverage of the entire 3 week trial for former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin. Coordinated live analysis segments with a panel of experts, including a former assistant U.S. Attorney & former federal judge, that were produced on the fly during court recesses — all while editing & turning video in the booth.
Super Bowl LII
Produced 40+ live remote newscasts from downtown Minneapolis over 10 consecutive days ahead of the big game in 2018.
First Gig
Assistant special effects artist for Digital Film Tree in Los Angeles. First on-air product was the green virus in the ‘My Cabbage’ episode from the 5th season of Scrubs in 2006.
This episode resurfaced in 2020 after being used as visual reminder about the importance of social distancing at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Personal Life
Volunteer Work
Head of the Diversity & Inclusion Task Force at KARE 11
Trained counselor with Text Crisis Hotline
Foster with Secondhand Hounds & Ruff Start Rescue, focused on dogs raised in puppy mills or meat farms
Director of Diversity at Ithaca College (2003 - 2006)
More About Me
Motivation: 4-year-old daughter
Hobbies: Drawing, painting & baking
Loyalties: Green Bay Packers & Taylor Swift
Myers-Briggs: INFJ (introversion, intuition, feeling & judging) or the “insightful visionary”