Cara Connelly

While Connelly has successfully moved up the ladder at KYTV over the last several years, she is also dedicated to making a difference in the community.

“Our nation’s and our city’s greatest natural resource is the health, happiness and welfare of its children,” she said. “In Springfield, as in all other places where I have lived, my primary focus has been to devote my nonworking time and effort to organizations, causes and issues focused on the needs and general welfare of children.”

Connelly is co-anchor of the 5 p.m. news on KY3 and reports long-term investigative stories and daily breaking news stories for the station. In 2005, she won the regional Edward R. Murrow award for a series about unregulated religious reform schools.

Connelly started with KYTV more than three years ago as a weekend anchor. In 2004, she was promoted to morning co-anchor, and she took her current position in 2005.

She said her co-workers have influenced her success.

“I work with a group of professionals, who, over the past four years, have taught so much about news and life, and pushed me to do better, if only to keep up with them,” she added.

As a member of the Springfield Junior League and assistant chair for the organization’s education and development committee, and as an active volunteer with the Developmental Center of the Ozarks, Connelly has sought to focus the community’s attention on child-related issues.

Connelly serves as a host of the Red Cross’ Everyday Heroes Breakfast and hosts the A Time to Share luncheon benefiting the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks.

Born: 1976

If you were faced with a difficult business decision, from whom would you seek advice, and why? My dad. Through sheer hard work and determination, my dad has become tremendously successful. Whenever I get discouraged, he reminds me about his personal experience. He failed many times before he finally achieved success.

What book do you currently have open? “The Third Secret” by Steve Berry