”I think I have the best job in the world,” says Chris O’Connell.  “The best part is the diversity – walking into work not knowing who I will meet or where I will go next.  Everyday is an adventure.”

Previous experience
Chris joined 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS in April 2007 from Bay News 9 in Tampa, Florida, where he was a general assignment reporter for eight years then sports anchor for two years.  He previously worked at WTVR-TV in Richmond, Virginia, as bureau chief from 1995 to 1997.  Prior to that, he was a reporter for two years at WGAL-TV in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and reporter at WLYH-TV for a year, also in Lancaster.

Education
Chris received a Bachelor of Arts degree in broadcast journalism from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Awards received
Chris is recognized by both the Society of Professional Journalists and the Associated Press.  From SPJ, Chris received a “Green Eyeshade” award in 2006 for best sports feature; in 2000 he won best feature reporter; and in 1998 he won best breaking news.  The Florida Associated Press awarded Chris best individual achievement in 2001 and best spot news reporting in 1999.

Career highlights
Besides covering countless Florida hurricanes, Chris has flown with the elite U.S. Navy Blue Angels and interviewed President Bush.  He has also covered stories in London, Israel, Italy, South America and across the United States.

Community involvement
Chris has been active with the “Friends of Alexander Deihl Foundation” for the past 10 years.  The foundation helps children and their families who have been affected by a crippling disorder or are terminally ill, and is in honor of his nephew who suffers from Menkes Disease, a rare and terminal disorder.  Chris is also a volunteer with the American Cancer Society, and enjoys visiting and reading to local school children.

Personal interests
Chris has always enjoyed telling stories.  His first newsroom was his bedroom closet, where he would write newsletters during family gatherings.  He is always looking for the next informative, entertaining, or just plain interesting point of view.  After spending 10 years in the hot Florida sun, he decided to move to “the coldest place I could find”.  After relocating to Minnesota, he quickly found out what “Minnesota Nice” means.

Chris is an avid Philly sports fan, having grown up outside of Philadelphia.  He spends his free time working out, dining out, cooking and playing with his trusty Labrador retriever, Murphy.  He lives with the love of his life, Dawn.

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