First on the screen & in service to others

Mary Jo West is beloved by Phoenicians for many reasons. Known for being the city’s first female prime-time news anchor in 1976, her life in front of the camera and behind the scenes has been one of service ever since.

She debuted with Bill Close as co-anchor for then KOOL-TV, Channel 10. She went on to work as an anchor and reporter for the CBS network’s pioneer all-night news program, NIGHTWATCH in New York. She also was the Chief Anchor and Managing Editor for KTVK-TV, Channel 3 in Phoenix.

As much as she loved reporting and anchoring, serving the community is her first love, particularly the mentally ill and the homeless. It would take too long to read all the numerous boards she has served on as well as community projects she has spearheaded.

Now that she has retired, Mary Jo is a volunteer with Global Hope Network International. Her passion is helping to complete a well for 70 orphans with HIV/AIDS in a remote village in Kenya. She says she left part of her heart there with those precious children.

In her personal life, Mary Jo is the proud mother of daughter Molly and her favorite title of all is “Nannie” to her three grandchildren!

To learn more about Global Hope Network International, click here: https://www.globalhopenetwork.org/

Original air date: February 18, 2021