Susan Koeppen Biography: WPXI, Age, Career, Husband & More

Susan Koeppen Biography: Award-Winning Journalist at WPXI-TV

Susan Koeppen is a highly accomplished and award-winning journalist currently serving as an anchor at WPXI-TV in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

She is widely recognized for her extensive career spanning three decades in television news, marked by numerous accolades and significant reporting.

Current Role at WPXI-TV:

At WPXI-TV, Susan Koeppen anchors the Channel 11 News at 4 PM and also anchors the Breaking News Desk for Channel 11 News at 5 PM. She joined WPXI-TV to anchor the station’s new 4 PM newscast, which launched in September 2021.

Award-Winning Career Highlights:

Susan Koeppen is a nationally known and award-winning journalist with an impressive collection of honors, including:

• Nine (or ten) Emmy Awards: Her work has been consistently recognized with multiple Emmy Awards for excellence in journalism.

• Three-time recipient of the Gracie Allen Awards: These awards from the American Women in Radio and Television honor exemplary programming created for women, by women, and about women.

• Edward R. Murrow Award: In 2014, she received a regional Edward R. Murrow Award for her investigation into dangerous glass doors and windows.

• Associated Press Awards: Honored for general excellence in reporting and best local documentary.
• Golden Quill Award: For her story on Wi-Fi dangers.

• Beacon Award from the Home Safety Council (2006): For her work on consumer safety issues.

• United Nations Association of Rochester International Media Award: For her coverage of war-torn Bosnia.

Notable Reporting and Career Path: Koeppen’s career has taken her across the globe and through various significant events:

• CBS News Consumer Correspondent: Prior to her time in Pittsburgh, she served as a consumer correspondent for CBS News, appearing on “The Early Show” and “CBS Evening News.” During this time, she broke the story of the largest crib recall in U.S. history.

• 9/11 Coverage: She was one of the first local reporters to arrive at the Flight 93 crash site in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, on September 11, 2001.

• Previous Stations: Her experience includes anchor and reporter roles at KDKA-TV and WTAE-TV in Pittsburgh, as well as WHEC-TV (Rochester, N.Y.), WKTV-TV (Utica, N.Y.), and WNYT-TV (Albany, N.Y.). She is one of the few Pittsburgh broadcasters to have worked at all three major stations.

• Susan Koeppen Media: Before returning to WPXI-TV, she founded Susan Koeppen Media, where she works as a motivational speaker, emcee, and moderator for events.

Personal Story and Advocacy:

In 2011, Susan Koeppen suffered sudden cardiac arrest while training for the Pittsburgh Half Marathon.

She was saved by two medical students who performed CPR and firefighters who used an AED.

This life-altering experience has made her a national spokesperson for the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation and an advocate for heart health, working closely with the American Heart Association.

She has shared her story on various national talk shows.

Education and Personal Life:

Susan Koeppen was born in Albany, N.Y., and graduated in 1994 from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications with a degree in broadcast journalism.

She is married to plastic surgeon Dr. Jim O’Toole and they have three children. She enjoys travel and has visited every continent except Antarctica.

Age

Susan Koeppen was born on April 16, 1972, which makes her 53 years old. Her zodiac sign is Aries. She is of Caucasian ethnicity and holds American nationality.

Husband

Susan Koeppen is married to Dr. Jim O’Toole, a plastic surgeon based in Pittsburgh. The couple has been together for several years and shares a strong bond. They are also proud parents to three children.

Dr. Jim O’Toole is a highly regarded plastic surgeon based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

He has over 20 years of experience in the field and is known for his compassionate and patient-centered approach.

Dr. O’Toole specializes in breast reductions and breast cancer care, and he is double board-certified by both the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Dr. O’Toole completed his medical education at Saint Louis University School of Medicine and further specialized in plastic surgery at the University of Pittsburgh.

He also trained in New York City with the Long Island Plastic Surgical Group, where he developed advanced techniques in breast reconstruction.

In addition to his private practice, Dr. O’Toole is the Director of the Wound Care Program at UPMC Shadyside.

His innovative surgical techniques and dedication to patient care have made him a prominent figure in the field of plastic surgery.

Height

Susan Koeppen stands at a height of 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) and weighs approximately 56 kg (123 lbs).

Her body measurements are 33-28-33 inches. She has beautiful grey eyes and blonde hair.

Career and Background

Susan Koeppen began her career in journalism after graduating from Syracuse University with a degree in Broadcast Journalism.

She has held various roles in the industry, starting as a reporter and working her way up to anchoring positions.

Susan spent a significant portion of her career at KDKA-TV, where she was well-known for her consumer reporting and investigative stories.

She joined WPXI-TV as the 4 p.m. news anchor, continuing her commitment to journalism and her community.

Susan Koeppen Heart Attack

Susan Koeppen experienced a sudden cardiac arrest in November 2011 while training for a half-marathon. She collapsed during a run, and fortunately, two medical students nearby performed CPR until paramedics arrived.

Challenges Faced After Surviving Cardiac Arrest

1. Physical Recovery:

   • Surgery: Susan underwent surgery to repair a damaged mitral valve, which was identified as the cause of her cardiac arrest.

1. • Rehabilitation: She participated in cardiac rehabilitation to regain her strength and improve her heart health.

2. Emotional and Mental Health:

   • Anxiety and Fear: Surviving such a traumatic event led to anxiety and fear about her health and future.

1. • Lifestyle Changes: Susan had to adopt a healthier lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, to prevent future cardiac issues.

2. Advocacy and Awareness:

   • Public Speaking: Susan became a national spokesperson for the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation and works closely with the American Heart Association to raise awareness about heart health.

• • Education: She uses her platform to educate others about the importance of CPR training and recognizing the signs of cardiac arrest.

Susan’s resilience and dedication to advocacy have turned her personal challenges into a mission to help others. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of heart health and the impact of timely medical intervention.

Here are some notable anchors and reporters at WPXI-TV:

Cara Sapida

• Cara Sapida: Reporter

• David Johnson: A veteran anchor who has been with WPXI-TV for over three decades. He co-anchors the evening newscasts.

• Lisa Sylvester: Co-anchors the evening newscasts alongside David Johnson. She joined WPXI-TV in 2013 and has a background in national news.

• Gordon Loesch: Anchors the morning newscasts. He has been with WPXI-TV since 2004 and has covered major stories both locally and nationally.

• Amy Hudak: An Emmy award-winning journalist who joined WPXI-TV in June 2019. She previously worked at WTNH-TV in New Haven, Connecticut.

• Vanessa Freeman: A morning news anchor and reporter who joined WPXI-TV in April 2020. She has also worked at Cheddar Inc. in New York.

• Hazel Sanchez: An anchor and reporter who has been with WPXI-TV for several years.

Net Worth and Salary

According to publicly available information, Susan Koeppen’s estimated net worth is between $1 million and $5 million.

Additionally, her annual salary is reported to fall within a range of $50,000 to $140,000. These figures are approximate estimates based on her career as an award-winning anchor and reporter and may vary over time due to changes in her roles or other external factors.

Is Susan Koeppen Married?

Yes, Susan Koeppen is married to Dr. James O’Toole, a plastic surgeon. The couple tied the knot on August 18, 2000. They have three children together: one daughter and two sons.

How Old Is Susan Koeppen?

Susan Koeppen is 53 years old, having been born on April 16, 1972.

Where Is Susan Koeppen Working?

Susan Koeppen is still working at WPXI-TV. She anchors Channel 11 News at 4 p.m. and also handles the Breaking News Desk for Channel 11 News at 5 p.m.

Susan Koeppen joined WPXI-TV in August 2021 and has been a prominent figure there since. She continues to be a prominent figure in the Pittsburgh news community, bringing her expertise and experience to the station.