Leisha Beard is the leader of two award winning television stations in Joplin, MO. Her industry experience advanced from assignment editor, to assistant news director to her promotion as News Director and News Production Manager in 2010.
Leisha has lead the news team through the year long coverage following the historic “Joplin EF5” tornado, along with several other severe weather events in the four states. In addition, she has lead the team through many changes and additions to the stations broadcasts such as the creation of a lifestyles show called Living Well.
An innovator in digital media, Leisha has been instrumental in driving audience engagement and increasing the stations profile across multiple platforms. Her station has received several awards from the Missouri Association of Broadcasters and Kansas Association of broadcasters for “Best Website.”
Leisha enjoys recruiting new talent, and developing young reporters into future professionals in the industry. A few notable hires now in Top 50 markets are, Allison Croghan – Salt Lake City; Ike Ejiochi – ABC News, New York; Deja Brown- New Orleans; Melanie Hunter – Sacramento; Jessica Brown -Cincinnati; Felicia Lawrence – Indianapolis and Jennifer Peñate – Tampa Bay.
Career Highlights include:
- Leisha produces several special projects including the KAB Award Winning program, Stronger Together: Remembering 05/22/2011, Honoring Black History, Veterans Voices, Remarkable Women and Honoring Hispanic Heritage.
- Manages a total staff of 60 employees in news, production, and digital services.
- Leisha has managed multiple on-air and online responses to breaking news and made sure that her viewers received the most timely information while simultaneously managing news operations.
Leisha has lived in Joplin for the last 20 years. She and her husband of 33 years were both raised in their hometown of Lamar, MO. Together, they have a grown son who lives in Joplin as well.
If you would like to contact Leisha, you can email her at lbeard@nexstar.tv
