Maria Downey

Maria Downey has served as the NATAS Regional Representative in Alaska since 2016.

She was asked to be on the board, after being inducted into the prestigious Silver Circle, for nearly 40 years of service, mostly covering statewide news in Alaska.

Maria has been at KTUU-TV for the majority of those years- the number one station in Alaska for more than three decades.

During that time, besides reporting and producing most of those years, she has held multiple management positions and is currently Chief Anchor and Senior Executive Producer.

Maria has been recognized for her work through NATAS, Murrow Awards, SPJ and statewide honors, including Alaska's Hall of Fame, Athena and YWCA Women of Achievement.

Maria is a graduate of the University of Florida, and believes it's so important to "pay it forward" to other journalism students. Which is why she is honored to serve on the NATAS board and serve as Channel 2's internship coordinator, to mentor and encourage this next generation of storytellers.