Shelley Bortz KDKA-TV Pittsburgh Biography: Emmy-Nominated Reporter, Former Beauty Queen & Pittsburgh Voice (Updated 2026)

Shelley Bortz is a seasoned American television news reporter and Emmy-nominated journalist known for her compassionate storytelling, investigative reporting, and strong community connection.

She has been a valued member of the KDKA-TV news team in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, since October 2021.

With nearly two decades of experience across multiple markets, Shelley brings professionalism, resilience, and warmth to her coverage of local news, breaking events, and human-interest stories.

Early Life and Family Background

Born on February 26, 1974, in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, Shelley Bortz is 52 years old as of 2026.

She was raised in a supportive family by her father, George Bortz III, and mother, Christine Andrews.

She has an older sister (who placed in the top 15 of the Miss Pennsylvania pageant) and a brother, George Bortz IV.

Her tight-knit upbringing in Fayette County instilled values of hard work, perseverance, and community involvement that continue to define her personal and professional life.

Education and Athletic Achievements

Shelley attended Geibel Catholic High School in Connellsville, where she excelled academically and athletically.

She went on to play college basketball at Gannon University on a full athletic scholarship. Despite facing major challenges, she scored over 600 career points, demonstrating remarkable determination.

Her athletic legacy has been recognized with induction into the Fayette County Sports Hall of Fame. She is also honored as a Distinguished Alumna of Geibel High School.

In addition to playing, Shelley served as the Public Address Announcer for the University of Pittsburgh Women’s Basketball Team for three seasons, further deepening her ties to Pittsburgh sports.

A Story of Resilience: The 1994 Car Accident

On April 1, 1994, while attending Gannon University, Shelley was involved in a tragic car accident. She was in the backseat with her best friend and teammate, Kerri Welc, when another vehicle collided with theirs.

The crash resulted in serious injuries for all involved and the heartbreaking loss of Kerri Welc. This life-altering event profoundly impacted Shelley, teaching her about gratitude, strength, and the importance of cherishing every moment.

Her ability to return to the basketball court and build a successful career stands as a powerful example of resilience.

Career Journey Across Multiple Markets

Shelley’s broadcasting career reflects versatility and dedication:

• Early internships at WJET in Erie and FOX Sports Pittsburgh.

• First full-time role as weekend anchor/reporter in Scottsbluff, Nebraska.

• Morning and evening anchor/reporter positions at WTAP (NBC) in Parkersburg, West Virginia.
• Subsequent roles in Steubenville, Ohio; Jacksonville, Florida; and St. Louis, Missouri.

• Joined WPXI-TV in Pittsburgh in August 2015, serving as a reporter until September 2021.

• Transitioned to KDKA-TV in October 2021, where she continues to report on local news, investigations, and community stories.

Her coverage has included significant Pittsburgh-area stories such as school district investigations, emergency incidents (including fiery crashes), financial crimes, and uplifting local features. She is known for her thorough, fair, and empathetic approach to journalism.

Pageant Titles and Additional Achievements

Beyond broadcasting, Shelley has excelled in the pageant world. She was crowned Mrs. Pennsylvania America and Mrs. Ohio United States, showcasing her poise, intelligence, and commitment to community service.

These experiences have complemented her journalism career, allowing her to connect with audiences on multiple levels. She has received an Emmy nomination for her outstanding reporting work.

Personal Life and Family

Shelley Bortz is happily married to Bob Ligashesky, a veteran NFL assistant coach with experience on Super Bowl-winning teams. Bob currently serves as Special Teams Coordinator at Syracuse University.

The couple has one daughter, Sydney (born in 2009), who is the center of their world.

The family shares their Pittsburgh home with their beloved dog, Phoenix. Shelley often speaks fondly of spending quality time with Sydney and Phoenix, whether on the basketball court or enjoying outdoor activities.

In her downtime, Shelley enjoys hip-hop and R&B music, watching Love & Basketball, reruns of Seinfeld, and reading true crime books.

She loves Italian cuisine (with Meloni’s Restaurant in Uniontown as a favorite) and lists Aruba as her ideal vacation spot.

A self-described “middle-of-the-day” person, she prefers the East Coast lifestyle and is not a fan of Star Trek or Star Wars. She stays active through basketball, tennis, and kickboxing.

Net Worth and Salary (2026)

As a veteran reporter in a top-25 media market, Shelley Bortz’s annual salary at KDKA-TV is estimated between $60,000 and $130,000.

Her overall net worth as of 2026 ranges between $1 million and $5 million, accumulated through years of dedicated work in television news and supplemented by her family’s successful careers.

Colleagues at KDKA-TV

Shelley works alongside a talented and experienced team, including:

• Ken Rice and Kristine Sorensen (Evening News Anchors)

• David Highfield and Lindsay Ward (Morning News Anchors)

• Bob Pompeani (Sports Director and Anchor)

• Ray Petelin (Meteorologist)

• Jessica Guay and other reporters

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Shelley Bortz

1. How old is Shelley Bortz?

Born on February 26, 1974, Shelley Bortz is 52 years old as of 2026.

2. Is Shelley Bortz married?

Yes. She is married to Bob Ligashesky, Special Teams Coordinator at Syracuse University. They have a daughter named Sydney and a dog named Phoenix.

3. What happened in the 1994 accident involving Shelley Bortz?

She survived a serious car crash that tragically took the life of her teammate and best friend Kerri Welc. The experience deeply influenced her outlook on life and resilience.

4. Where does Shelley Bortz currently work?

She has been a news reporter at KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh since October 2021.

5. Did Shelley Bortz win beauty pageants?

Yes — she was crowned Mrs. Pennsylvania America and Mrs. Ohio United States.

6. What college did Shelley Bortz attend?

She played basketball at Gannon University on a full scholarship.

7. What are Shelley Bortz’s favorite things?

Music (hip-hop/R&B), movie (Love & Basketball), TV show (Seinfeld), books (true crime), and food (Italian cuisine). She enjoys basketball, tennis, and spending time with her daughter Sydney and dog Phoenix.

8. Has Shelley Bortz won an Emmy?

She has been nominated for a regional Emmy Award for her journalism excellence.

Shelley Bortz remains a dedicated journalist, inspiring role model, and community advocate in Pittsburgh. Her journey from athlete to award-winning reporter highlights perseverance, passion, and a genuine commitment to telling meaningful stories.

Sources:

• KDKA-TV profiles,

• WPXI archives,

• local Pittsburgh media reports,

• university records,

• and public interviews (updated through 2026).