Kristie Gonzales Named Director of Creative Services for WTVD-TV, NC

By: Caryn Robbins Mar. 12, 2013

Kristie Gonzales has been named Director of Creative Services and Local Programming for ABC-owned television station WTVD-TV in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina. The announcement was made today by Caroline Welch, President and General Manager of the station, to whom she will report.

Ms. Gonzales was most recently Creative Services and Public Affairs Director at ABC-owned station KFSN-TV/ABC 30 in Fresno, California. She began her career in broadcasting more than 12 years ago, and in her new position will oversee all on-air promotion, branding and local programming for ABC11.

"Kristie's creativity, energy and enthusiasm are a perfect match for the dynamic Raleigh-Durham market," said Ms. Welch. "ABC11 is a market leader, and we look forward to Kristie's contributions as we serve our Community across all platforms."

While at KFSN-TV, Ms. Gonzales was instrumental in the successful marketing and promotion of the station's brand on air, online, and on their mobile and social media platforms. Under her leadership, the ABC 30 Action News Facebook page grew to 73,000 likes and counting. In her Public Affairs role, she served as an ambassador for ABC30 to the Fresno community, and also managed sales and programming production for the station.

During her tenure, ABC30 was instrumental in helping a number of local causes, including the largest food donation ever to the Central Valley, and, with the help of Community partners, the distribution of more than 20,000 books and a thousand backpacks to Valley children. The ABC30 team also helped raise thousands of dollars for the Valley Animal Center, a no-kill shelter, and the Cat House on the Kings, the world's largest cat sanctuary.

Before moving to the West Coast, Ms. Gonzales worked as a Creative Services Producer at WPVI-TV in Philadelphia, another ABC-owned station, and at various stations in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She started her career as a newscast editor and eventually found her way into television marketing.

Ms. Gonzales holds a Bachelors of Arts in fine arts from the University of New Mexico and graduated summa cum laude with double honors. She is a painter by training and has spent time in France and Italy finishing her art education.

Ms. Gonzales is on the Vision for Equality Board of Directors, which advocates for people with disabilities, and has served on the Board of Directors for the Marjaree Mason Center, a domestic violence shelter in Fresno, CA. She has served as an expert panelist in both social media and producing commercials for ABC affiliates, and is currently serving on Disney/ABC Television Group's Hispanic Task Force.