Aaron Shaffer - Weather

Aaron Shaffer joined the CBS 2/FOX 28 team in December of 2009 as the weekend meteorologist and storm chaser.

Aaron was the chief meteorologist at television station in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, prior to his arrival in eastern Iowa. Before that he spent time in the mountains of Wyoming at a television station as their weekday morning meteorologist, after working for a private forecasting company in Madison, Wisconsin. He is excited to be closer to family and experiencing the wild weather seen in eastern Iowa by coming to CBS 2/FOX 28.

When Aaron is not forecasting or storm chasing you will likely see him out enjoying some form of outdoor sports or shooting photos. He is an avid outdoor sports enthusiast, and enjoys downhill and cross country skiing in the winter, and bicycling, hiking, and boating in the summer.

Aaron has a degree in Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

E-mail Aaron: anshaffer@kgan.com

Alice Barr - Reporter

Alice has been a proud member of the CBS 2 News team since December 2009. Even though her first taste of Iowa life came in the dead of winter, she quickly started to feel at home.

Alice grew up in Bethesda, Maryland, just outside Washington, DC. When talking to friends and family from home, she describes the people here as "Iowa Nice," a whole new level of friendly people!

Alice first moved to the Midwest to attend the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. After graduation, she spent three years as a reporter and anchor at WIFR in Rockford, IL.

Alice is excited to learn more about Eastern Iowa and can't wait to tell all your stories.

E-mail Alice: abarr@kgan.com

Jack Miller - Anchor

Jack Miller is an award winning news anchor who returns to his Midwest roots as he joins CBS 2 and Fox 28 News in June of 2008. Jack has reported and anchored across the country for more than 20 years.

In 1999, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences awarded Jack a regional Emmy for his live coverage of a police chase through the streets of Sacramento, Calif. Also that year, he was honored by the Radio-Television News Directors Association for coverage of breaking news. He also won an Ohio Associated Press news coverage award in 1996. He covered the Unabomber trial in 1998, President Clinton's campaign in 1996 and the Hormel meatpacking strike in Minnesota in 1986.

Jack began his TV news career in Sioux Falls, S. D., as a reporter. His first anchor job came next, in Mankato, Minn., where he was the only person in the news and weather departments on the weekend. He shot video, reported stories, wrote, produced and anchored the news and weather segments. He later held anchor positions in Rochester, Minn., Charleston, W.V., Sacramento and Jacksonville, Fla.

Jack is originally from Minneapolis and graduated from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn., with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism.

E-mail Jack: jdmiller@kgan.com

Jamie Oberg - Reporter / Reporter

Born and raised in the Midwest, Jamie Oberg grew up in Kansas. She graduated from the A. Q. Miller School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Kansas State University, with a degree in electronic journalism and an outside concentration in history.

Jamie joined CBS 2 as an Internet Anchor and Reporter in April 2008. She quickly found herself out from behind the computer and out on the streets reporting in Parkersburg after the May 25th tornado and the floods that followed in eastern Iowa.

She wasn't surprised to see Iowans immediately begin to help each other recover from the devastation. It's that Midwestern spirit that makes her proud to call Iowa her home.

Prior to CBS , Jamie reported, produced and shot her own stories at KTKA in Topeka, KS. She also worked as a freelance journalist at KPTS-8 in Wichita, Kansas, where she reported live for "Kansas Week" and "Kansas Health Watch."

Since Jamie comes from a small town, she knows the importance of community journalism and she looks forward to being active in Iowa communities.

When she's not working Jamie enjoys kick-boxing, geocaching, volunteering, catching up on her soaps and playing bingo. Oh, ya, and tailgating at football games.

She looks forward to watching the Hawkeyes and the Cyclones play, but says she can't cheer for the Cyclones when they play against her Wildcats.

Jamie wants to hear from you, if you see her out and about, say hi or e-mail story ideas.

E-mail Jamie: joberg@kgan.com

Jared Aarons - Sports Director

Jared Aarons comes to CBS 2 by the way of Butte, Montana., where he cut his teeth for nearly two years, first working as a sports reporter, and then as a news anchor for KXLF.

Jared grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, and found his passion for sports at an early age, going to all types of sporting events at Arizona State University, and elsewhere around the Valley of the Sun. And while he knew early on that he had an insatiable love for sports, Jared also knew he was better at talking about sports then he was at playing them. So he embarked on a career in broadcasting.

Jared began as a sports reporter at ASU in 1998, working for KASC radio, and for Sun Devil TV's award winning sports program, "Devils on the Deuce." During college Jared also held internships with KNBC in Los Angeles, KTVK in Phoenix, and with the Arizona Diamondbacks during their World Series Championship season.

Now in Eastern Iowa, Jared can't wait to bring his love for sports, and his talent for storytelling to CBS 2. As he puts it, "Sports are about more than just scores and highlights. You have to find the story behind each game, fan, and player. That's what makes it fun."

In his spare time, Jared enjoys golf, baseball, movies, and spending time with his dog, Vashti.

E-mail Jared: jaarons@kgan.com

Jason Carter - Reporter

"Iowa didn't choose me; I chose Iowa," says Jason Carter the newest edition to KGAN/KFXA's news and sports team.

Jason and his wife made a decision nearly 18 months ago to raise their family in Iowa. After voluntarily taking a break from news, Jason couldn't stay away from it any longer. "When government budget cuts are being tossed around, the ramifications affect my and family and yours." When storms are coming full steam ahead, they affect your family just like mine." When a big game is played, I'm interested in the story behind the score just like anybody else." Jason is glad to be chasing the big story and those that are just plain interesting for your family and his 3 kids Laurel Grace (5), Jackson (3) and Knox Gray.

For almost 10 years, this award winning journalist has covered some of the major news events of the decade, from The WorldCom scandal, to Hurricane Katrina, to the largest FBI sting of elected officials "Operation TN Waltz." But like many of us, Jason enjoys the variety and excitement in the world of sports, which is why he's been part of the coverage for a Superbowl, the NBA playoffs, and hundreds of high school, college, and professional sports.

He also was co-host of the number one rated state wide high school football radio show in Mississippi. "I have the perfect job, because one day I could be chasing down a politician and the next I'll be on the sidelines of the game, could you imagine a more perfect scenario?" He welcomes an invitation to come speak at your school or club, anytime. "We can talk about news, sports, family, or bulldogs..." Jason and his wife's oldest child is Norma Jean, an 11 year old, (77 in dog years) English Bulldog.

E-mail Jason: jwcarter@kgan.com

Justin Roberts - Weather

Justin Roberts joined the CBS 2 news team in July 2007.

Justin has been a life long Iowan, growing up in Northeast Iowa in the small town of Fayette. He began his broadcasting career in radio at the heritage call letters KOEL in Oelwein and from there moved to the 'Big City' of Cedar Rapids and WMT AM & FM.

Having anchored Severe Weather coverage on radio for the last five years, he bought some ties, learned how to apply makeup, and made the move to TV Weather, where you can join him every morning on CBS 2 This morning and on the CBS 2 News at Noon.

An avid Iowa Hawkeye and St. Louis Cardinals fan, Justin is excited to be forecasting the weather for his hometown and the area he knows so well.

When he's not in the Forecast Center, you can find Justin catching a round of golf, at a Kernels or Roughriders game, or spending time with family and friends.

Kelly O'Connell - Anchor

Kelly O'Connell joined the CBS 2 team in August of 2009 as the weekend anchor and reporter.

Kelly is happy to be back in the Midwest, back where she belongs! Before coming to Eastern Iowa, Kelly worked at WRBL in Columbus, Georgia. While in Georgia, Kelly reported, produced and anchored multiple newscasts.

Kelly grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota and went to the University of Minnesota, where she graduated with majors in Broadcast Journalism and Spanish. Although she cheers for the golden gophers, any Big Ten team holds a special place in her heart; she is a big sports fan!

When she is not working, Kelly enjoys running, spending time with family and friends, and being outdoors.

Kelly is looking forward to meeting the people of Eastern Iowa and telling their stories.

E-mail Kelly: koconnell@kgan.com

Kristian Leitzen - Reporter / Producer

Kristian joined the CBS 2 News team in September, 2008. He is glad to be back in the Midwest where he grew up. Kristian was raised on a dairy farm in central Wisconsin, before spending the last several years in Texas and California.

A graduate of the University of Houston, School of Communication, Kristian comes to KGAN from Eureka, California where he reported and anchored the news for six years, covering everything from the 2002 fish kill on the Klamath River to the Kinetic Grand Championship.

When not at work, Kristian likes to read, play video games and team sports and is teaching himself to bake.

E-mail Kristian: kleitzen@kgan.com

Kristine Ward - Anchor

Kristine Ward joined the CBS 2 News Team in March 2009 as the Morning and Noon Anchor.

She is happy to continue her broadcast news career in Eastern Iowa.

Kristine comes from KIMT News 3 in Mason City, IA where she produced and anchored the morning show for more than two years.

Before moving to Iowa, Kristine grew up in Minnesota and later left the chilly Midwest for Southern California.

She graduated from Pepperdine University with a degree in Broadcast News and an emphasis in Theater Arts.

During college, Kristine was preparing for her future career as a reporter and anchor at her college-owned station News Waves 26, Malibu's local news.

Volunteering and being involved in her community is important to Kristine. She's most actively served for such organizations as Habitat for Humanity, Blind Childrens Center and her local church.

When Kristine isn't working, she enjoys traveling, working out, and meeting new people. So if you see her, please stop and say hello.

Kristine loves to tell stories that impact her community.

Lee Dennis - Weather

Lee has been a part time member of the CBS 2 weather staff since the 1980's. He previously worked at KGLO in Mason City and KCAU in Sioux City where he won two Iowa Broadcasters Association Best Program Awards. Lee has earned his AMS & NWA seals of approval.

Originally from Des Moines, Lee has lived in Marion for years and is involved in the Marion Arts Council, Marion Kiwanis and the Cedar Rapids Area Elderly Consortium marketing group. He is also a continuing education instructor at Kirkwood Community College.

When not hard at work here at the station or volunteering, Lee enjoys playing golf, biking and spending time with his daughter.

Lindsey Morone - Reporter

Lindsey is a reporter for the CBS 2 News Team.

Lindsey joined the CBS 2 News Team in August 2008. She was born and raised in the Quad Cities where she also began her career as a television news reporter. Lindsey worked for two years in Davenport, Iowa bringing her viewers coverage on both sides of the Mississippi. There Lindsey covered everything from flooding to crime and was honored by the Iowa Associated Press for her reporting on public affairs.

Lindsey received a masters in Professional Media Practice from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. She also holds a degree in Radio-Television News and Production. In 2006 the National Broadcasters Association ranked Lindsey as the number one student news reporter in country. Lindsey's work has also been recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists and the Illinois News Broadcaster's Association.

Lindsey is excited to call Cedar Rapids her new home. If you see Lindsey out and about stop her and say hello. She loves meeting new people and hearing their stories. When she's not reporting breaking news, Lindsey enjoys hiking, camping and just being outdoors with her husband, Jason.

E-mail Lindsey: lmorone@kgan.com

Mace Michaels - Weather

Mace is excited to be back in the Midwest and happy to call Iowa home.

He and his wife Kim love to travel and watch baseball together. His two favorite teams are the Twins and the Rays. Although, Mace says he tries not to torture his wife with too much sports.

When Mace isn't tracking or chasing severe weather he's chasing his two Yorkies, Eddie and Mollie around.

Mace grew up in Crosby, Minnesota. He graduated with a B.S. in Meteorological Studies from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks and received his American Meteorological Society Seal for TV Broadcasts in 1997.

Mace spent the previous 10 years in Florida as a weekend Meteorologist at WFLA in Tampa and WINK in Fort Myers. He also worked for WOOD in Grand Rapids, MI and WSAW in Wausau, WI. His broadcasting career started in radio while he was in high school and college.

E-mail Mace: mmichaels@kgan.com

Robert Price - Reporter

Robert Price joined the CBS 2/FOX 28 News Team in September 2008 as a general assignment reporter.

Before arriving in Eastern Iowa, Robert was just one state away working as Weekend Anchor/Reporter at KHAS-TV in Hastings, Nebraska. During his time in the Heartland, he covered everything from floods, ice storms and tornadoes, to controversial state issues like moving the State Fair out of Lincoln, to the tragic mall shooting in Omaha. He received awards from the Nebraska Associated Press and the Nebraska Broadcasters Association for his breaking coverage of a massive downtown fire and for his series on the state's troubles keeping young adults in Nebraska.

A native of San Antonio, Texas, Robert graduated from the University of Southern California with degrees in Broadcast Journalism and Spanish.

When not out reporting, Robert likes to absorb pop culture by reading magazines and watching movies and television. He also tries to squeeze in a few games of tennis here and there, and he faithfully and fanatically roots for his Spurs, Rangers, Cowboys, and Trojans.

E-mail Robert: rprice@kgan.com

Tiffany O'Donnell - Anchor

Tiffany O'Donnell returns to CBS 2 as co-anchor of the 6pm and 10pm newscasts, and to Fox 28 as co-anchor of the 9pm. She is one of the area's most visible anchors, having held principal anchor posts at CBS 2 and Fox 28 beginning in 2001.

Tiffany began her broadcasting career at WHO-TV in Des Moines, Iowa as a morning weather and news anchor for the first weekend morning newscast in Central Iowa. From there she held posts ranging from weekend producer/anchor to special assignment investigative reporter, to co-anchor of the 5pm daily newscast, "Live at Five."

For the last 15 year years, O'Donnell has established a reputation as one of Eastern Iowa's most trusted newscasters. She's led breaking news coverage, including the 9/11 attacks, presidential caucus and election coverage, and has traveled across the country to interview newsmakers and celebrities. Her one-on-one reports include interviews with leaders ranging from former Presidential hopeful Senator John Kerry and Alma Powell, wife of General Colin Powell, to celebrities including Jay Leno and Rosie O'Donnell.

O'Donnell has won awards from the Iowa Broadcast News Association including honors for a Live Town Hall Meeting she hosted in the days following the 9/11 attacks, and Best Documentary from the Iowa Associated Press for "Life's Final Moments," following a woman's last days living with breast cancer.

In addition to her responsibilities at the anchor desk, Tiffany is extremely active in the community, serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Iowa Children's Museum, Secretary of the Board at Kids First Legal Office, and two-term Board member of the Alzheimer's Association East Central Iowa Chapter. She is also 2008-09 Co-President of the PTA at her daughter's school!

Tiffany grew up in Bettendorf, Iowa and is a graduate of DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana where she double-majored in Communications and French. She and her husband, Michael, have two daughters, Devon and Lucci. They live in Cedar Rapids with two dogs, two cats and 8 fish!

E-mail Tiffany: todonnell@kgan.com

Tim Seymour - Anchor

Tim Seymour was born and raised in Ohio, but he's anxious to start rooting for ANOTHER Big Ten team.

Tim joined the CBS 2 team in August of 2007, after reporting and anchoring at stations from South Carolina to Minnesota.

Tim and his family come to Eastern Iowa, from Louisville, Kentucky, where Tim was a reporter/anchor at WHAS-TV.

Tim says it'll be hard watching the next Kentucky Derby on television, instead of being there. But, he's looking forward to getting to know the people and events of Eastern Iowa.

Tim is a 1991 graduate of Ohio University (not to be confused with Ohio STATE University). He and his wife have two young daughters.

E-mail Tim: mseymour@kgan.com

Brittney Hibbs - Anchor / Reporter

Brittney joined KGAN news team in May 2009. She is an Iowa native, growing up in Des Moines and graduating from the University of Iowa with a degree in Journalism and Political Science. Brittney knew she wanted to be a journalist early in life having grown up around television in Des Moines where her father worked for WHO-TV.

During her college career, Brittney spent time in the newsrooms at WMAQ Chicago, KCCI-TV Des Moines and chaired the Iowa chapter of the Radio Television News Directors Association. She also produced, reported and anchored the University of Iowa's award winning news program, the Daily Iowan. She is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists and RTNDA.

In her time off Brittney enjoys spending time with her family. She also is a volunteer for the Eastern Iowa Girl Scouts and a member of Impact CR.

Brittney is very excited to call Eastern Iowa home. Go Hawks!

E-mail Brittney: bhibbs@kgan.com