William D Watson
Bill Watson has a career like most people you meet. He also has celebrated life beyond that career. He tries to bring that experience to his many projects. Bill is a veteran of the National Ski Patrol System, retiring after 20 years. He was an NSPS instructor for Outdoor Emergency Care and CPR. He also teaches CPR and First Aid for the American Red Cross. He has worked as a volunteer firefighter. He is also an avid sailor, having raced in many classes and in international caliber events in both the Star Class and on offshore boats. He currently is focused on cruising Tenacity, the 14-foot classic wood Catboat he shares with his daughter.
He brings the passion he has for these activities to his professional endeavors -- working under pressure, adapting methods of communication to fit needs – not merely imposing a set formula. He attempts to be ready for the worst of any storm at sea, or the rapidly changing challenges of firefighting or emergency medical care.
Most important, his life has been focused on his role as husband and father. His 22-year partnership with Nancy Woodhull is now the basis for his work. His daughter, Tennessee Woodhull-Watson, is involved in all aspects of his life and career as he is with hers. He uses what’s he’s learned to support Suzanne Welch in her career.
BORING BIOGRAPHICAL STUFF
Bill Watson's career in news spans 40 years. He has been a television news producer in Washington, D.C., coordinating coverage of Presidential politics, U.S. business or world summits and he has been a local TV reporter, covering fires or migrant labor issues. He has worked as news director for local TV stations, written and edited special newspaper inserts and worked as a free-lance photographer. He spent five years working as a media consultant--researching media issues in partnership with his wife Nancy Woodhull, a founding editor for USA TODAY and an internationally respected, media expert. His work is currently focused on the book based on Nancy Woodhull’s career and her contributions to the women's movement, as well as the way her family shaped their lives around her efforts. . “Father, husband and working journalist” is the way Bill Watson would choose to describe his career.
Highlights:
1997-
Father, husband, corporate spouse, writer, activist, producer, fundraiser.
1992-96
Principal, Nancy Woodhull & Associates.
1986-92
Independent TV production, clients include U.S. Chamber of Commerce, American Business Network, Gannett Co. Inc.
1982-86
TV Producer/assignment editor: WDVM-TV 9 (WUSA), Satellite News Channels (ABC/Westinghouse joint venture), American Business Network.
1970-82
Reporter, writer, assignment editor, news director: WROC-TV 8, Gannett Rochester Newspapers, WHEC-TV 10.
Professional Awards:
1976
International Association of Fire Fighters, International Media Award for a Television Feature Story
1974
Finalist, Columbia/Dupont Awards for investigative coverage of migrant labor abuses in New York and Pennsylvania.
1971-76
Various media awards from Associated Press and other organizations for spot news, feature coverage or general news excellence.
Education:
1970
Bachelor of Arts, Ohio Wesleyan University (Politics & Government)