Laura Hand anchors the weekend edition of Today in Central New York. Laura also produces “Weekend’s Best Bets,” “The Week Ahead,” the “ In Touch” events calendar and “CNY in Focus” series. As community relations director, Laura is responsible for coordinating CNY Central’s public service and community initiatives as well as facilitating station tours and job shadows.
Laura has been honored with numerous journalism and community awards including the Muriel Koretz Award for encouraging children’s reading, CNY SPCA’s Kizey Award, Marguerite Higgins Journalism Prize for her coverage of the Gulf War, and Syracuse University’s Outstanding Alumna Award . Laura also holds several awards from the New York State Broadcasters Association, the Associated Press, and the Syracuse Press Club.
Laura’s passion for philanthropy reaches far beyond her duties at CNY Central. She is active on the Salvation Army of the Syracuse Area’s advisory board and has contributed significantly to the Hope for the Bereaved Butterfly Garden of Hope, and National Orange Day for Syracuse University. She also enjoys reading to children at local schools and libraries.
As an “Army Brat”, Laura grew up in cities all over the world and fondly remembers summers with her mother in Trieste, Italy. She earned bachelor’s degrees from Syracuse University in political science and journalism. Laura is married with two adult children. She enjoys horseback riding and owns a Thoroughbred horse. She is also an avid gardener.
• Memorable Story: Tully landslide - we were in the mud, watching the state police helicopter pulling homeowners off their roofs
• Memorable Interviews: Nelson Rockefeller - We stretched a microphone cable across his path to stop him to talk. Nancy Reagan - For some reason she was in Hancock Airport and there was no one around. We talked at length!
• Dream Job: I like my current job!
• Role Model: Nancy Dickerson
• Why I'm a Journalist: Because I like to share information, and to help people appreciate all the positives of the community we live in
• College: Syracuse University
• Hometown: "Army Brat"... Lived all over the world growing up
• Current Residence: Syracuse
• Astrological Sign: Aquarius
• Favorite Musician or Group: Classical and Opera... Gustav Mahler - Resurrection Symphony
• Favorite Book: Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged,
• Favorite Movie: High Noon, ET, Close Encounters
• Favorite TV Show: Big Bang Theory, Downton Abbey, Law and Order
• Favorite Food: I like to try new things!
• Favorite Destination: The Central New York Countryside
