NCTV17 is a 501(c)3 nonprofit

NCTV17 Alumni

NCTV17 has a strong alumni base of television professionals who began their careers with us. Whether as a news or sports reporter, each person found an opportunity to learn and grow as a journalist and storyteller.  NCTV17 created a supportive environment led by seasoned professionals who took the time to guide and mentor them.  Their strong passion for storytelling and drive to be great propelled these alumni to the next level and beyond. 

Jordan Abudayyeh

Jordan Abudayyeh – Deputy Chief of Staff for Communication, Office of the Governor J.B. Pritzker

Jordan started her career as an associate producer at WISN in Milwaukee before continuing to NCTV17, where she reported and anchored our weekly news program. She took her experience in hyperlocal news and moved to Springfield, IL, to cover the statehouse as a political reporter for WICS and WRSP. As a lifelong Illinoisan with a passion for politics, Jordan transitioned from covering politics to working on the campaign trail as press secretary for J.B. Pritzker’s successful gubernatorial campaign. Jordan currently serves as Deputy Chief of Staff for Communication in Governor J.B. Pritzker’s administration, where she’s had the opportunity to work alongside those who are making history every day.

Aysha Ashley Househ

Aysha Ashley Househ – Staff Writer, Hidden Remote and Netflix Life (Fansided)

Aysha began her career as a weekend reporter at NCTV17. She is a multimedia journalist with a passion for entertainment news and telling community stories. She currently writes and produces five articles daily about television/movie news for Hidden Remote and Netflix Life. She interviews showrunners and cast members and attends fan conventions for panel and convention coverage.

Will Armistead

Will Armistead – Senior Director of Production, Banner Studios

Will began his career at NCTV17 as a part-time sports videographer and, seven years later, left as its sports director. During his time at NCTV17, he grew the sports department, created a feature-length documentary called We Are Rivals, produced the first live broadcast of the Naperville marathon, and helped his team to excel across the board. Will joined the Banner Studios team as a producer and now is a senior director of production. In 2016, he won a Chicago/Midwest Regional Emmy for Outstanding Achievement for Sports Program – Hat Trick.

Chris Casquejo

Chris Casquejo – International Multimedia Journalist, Voice of America (VOA)

Chris came to NCTV17 to improve his MMJ skills and put his Medill School of Journalism training to work as a reporter. Currently, Chris hosts and produces for the VOA Asia Weekly newscast targeted at the Southeast audience.  He also writes scripts, edits, and does live reporting from the White House and other locations throughout Washington, D.C.

Michelle Corless

Michelle Corless – Digital Newscast Producer, ABC 7/Disney

Michelle was one of the first reporters at NCTV17 and helped set the standard for community news. Her next step after NCTV17 was to Iowa as a reporter and then a producer for KWWL before moving to WTHR in Indianapolis as a morning show producer.  In 2020, Michele returned to the Chicago area to work with ABC7 as a news writer and producer, and the following year, she took on the role of Digital Newscast Producer. Michelle’s drive and work ethic will continue to serve her as she helps ABC7 with its new digital endeavors.

Zach Groth

Zach Groth – Sports Director, ABC21 (WPTA)

Zach started his career as a host/producer for NCTV17’s college sports program(s), called play-by-play action for live broadcasts, and was a sports reporter creating feature stories from the six area high schools. He was a digital journalist for WJZY in North Carolina before landing in Fort Wayne, Indiana, at WPTA, where he serves as sports director.

Ryan Piers

Ryan Piers – Anchor, Gray Television’s Digital Network

Ryan started his career as a part-time reporter with NCTV17, covering various topics from city council to feature stories. One of his personal favorites, he said, was a series of stories about the runners participating in the Naperville marathon. It combined his passion for news and sports, which he continues to do today. Ryan is currently an anchor at Gray Television’s Digital Network, Local News Live, Washington, D.C. He also is a play-by-play broadcaster.

Lindsey Theis

Lindsey Theis – National Health and Science Correspondent, Scripps News

Lindsey started as an intern and soon landed the first news producer role at NCTV17. Her passion and dedication to news helped launch Naperville News 17. This experience took her to WPDE-TV in Myrtle Beach, SC, then to a role as anchor/reporter at KMTV Omaha, NE, before moving to the national level. Lindsey’s time at NCTV17 gave her a strong base and the confidence to move up the career ladder quickly.