Jennifer Kovaleski Biography – Emmy-Winning Investigative Reporter at ABC15
Jennifer Kovaleski is an Emmy-award-winning investigative journalist currently working with ABC15 in Phoenix, Arizona.
She joined the ABC15 Investigators team in June 2023, bringing a wealth of experience from her previous roles.
Her career highlights include impactful investigations that led to significant policy changes, such as exposing failures in Colorado’s child services system and uncovering legal violations by an elected district attorney.
Before joining ABC15 in Phoenix, Kovaleski worked as an investigative reporter for KMGH-TV in Denver, Colorado.
Kovaleski has received at least one Emmy Award for her investigative reporting. Her work has also been featured in various news outlets across the country, including The Denver Post, WCPO-TV (Cincinnati, OH), WPTV-TV (West Palm Beach, FL), and others.
Early Life and Education
Born in Reno, Nevada, Kovaleski grew up in various cities, including Los Angeles, Phoenix, Houston, Raleigh, Sacramento, and Denver.
She spent seven years in Arizona during her childhood and attended Arrowhead Elementary School in Glendale.
She graduated Cum Laude from the University of Missouri School of Journalism with a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in business (2005–2009).
Her interest in journalism began early; at age 11, she participated in an undercover investigation in Houston, Texas, wearing a hidden camera to expose drug use at a rave party, which led to policy changes and recognition from the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Additionally, her reporting has garnered national attention, as evidenced by a recent ABC15 investigation into the wrongful arrest of a Phoenix woman by federal agents, which led to a demand for a Department of Justice investigation by U.S. lawmakers.
Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, exploring new places, and spending time with her family.
Age:
Jennifer Kovaleski was born on August 5 in Reno, Nevada, making her Leo by zodiac sign. She is of White ethnicity and holds American nationality.
Parents and Siblings:
Jennifer Kovaleski was born in Reno, Nevada. She was greatly influenced by her father, Tony Kovaleski, an award-winning investigative journalist at Denver7.
His career sparked her passion for journalism. In fact, she joined him on an undercover investigation at age 11 in Houston. That early experience earned her recognition from the DEA.
On the other hand, her mother’s identity and background remain private. However, Jennifer’s strong love for family time suggests a close-knit home life.
She has at least two siblings. One is her sister, Brooke. The third sibling remains unnamed, though Tony is known to have three children.
Jennifer was raised in several cities, including Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Denver. This nomadic lifestyle likely stemmed from her father’s journalism career.
It also helped her develop adaptability and resilience. Moreover, her Eastern European roots—possibly Polish or Slavic—can be inferred from the family surname.
Together, these experiences shaped Jennifer’s deep passion for accountability journalism.
Husband:
Jennifer Kovaleski is married to Doug Nisenson, a football coach at Chaparral High School in Arizona, and they have one daughter, Layla.
Details about Doug and Layla are private, reflecting Jennifer’s focus on her career. She enjoys family time, including hiking with Doug and Layla.
Height:
Jennifer Kovaleski stands at an estimated height of 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters) and weighs approximately 130–145 lbs (59–66 kg).
Her body measurements are likely around 34-26-36 inches (bust-waist-hip), reflecting a balanced and proportionate physique.
Career and Background:
Jennifer Kovaleski currently serves as an investigative reporter for ABC15 News, KNXV-TV in Phoenix, Arizona.
She is an Emmy Award-winning journalist with a track record of exposing corruption, uncovering government mismanagement, and championing accountability in public institutions.
Prior to joining ABC15, Jennifer worked at multiple broadcast stations where she gained valuable experience and earned recognition for her impactful stories. Her work continues to make a difference in the communities she serves.
Early Career
Jennifer’s passion for journalism ignited at the age of 11 when she participated in an undercover investigation for a station in Houston, Texas.
She wore a hidden camera to a rave party at the Astro Arena, exposing an environment where drugs were offered to underage children.
Her footage captured several on-scene drug overdoses by minors, revealing a lack of security and prompting significant policy changes by county officials.
The Federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) recognized the investigation for its impact, and Jennifer even appeared on MSNBC to discuss the findings.
University Years
Jennifer attended the University of Missouri School of Journalism, graduating Cum Laude with a degree in Broadcast Journalism.
During her time at university, she gained hands-on experience at KOMU-TV, where she worked as an anchor, web editor, and reporter.
She also interned at KMGH-TV and contributed as a reporter for NPR. Her university years laid the foundation for her investigative approach and storytelling skills.
Professional Stations
WTVD-TV (Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina)
Jennifer joined WTVD-TV, where she covered major events such as Hurricane Irene, the April 2011 tornado outbreak, and John Edwards’ federal campaign finance trial.
Her investigative work exposed a loophole in state law that allowed out-of-state sex offenders to move to North Carolina without registering.
This report earned her an RTDNAC First Place Award for Investigative Reporting.
KMGH-TV (Denver7, Denver, Colorado)
In 2013, Jennifer became a Multimedia Investigative Journalist at KMGH-TV. Her investigations in Colorado led to significant policy changes, including exposing failures in the child services system.
One of her notable reports uncovered social services’ missed warning signs in the tragic death of a 10-year-old boy, which led to new legislation redefining child abuse and mandating better training for caseworkers.
Her work also led to the resignation and disbarment of an elected district attorney who violated laws regarding crime victim notifications.
ABC15 (KNXV-TV, Phoenix, Arizona)
Jennifer joined the ABC15 Investigators team in June 2023. Her reporting continues to hold powerful entities accountable, uncovering waste, fraud, and abuse.
She has tackled issues such as misleading information on state websites and wrongful arrests by federal agents. Her work exemplifies her commitment to impactful journalism.
ennifer Kovaleski has conducted several impactful investigations throughout her career, earning her recognition as a dedicated investigative journalist.
Here are some of her most notable reports:
Exposing Failures in Colorado’s Child Services System:
- Jennifer’s investigation into the tragic death of a 10-year-old boy revealed that social services missed critical warning signs. Her year-long reporting led to new legislation redefining child abuse and mandating improved training for caseworkers.
Disbarment of a Colorado District Attorney:
- Her investigative work uncovered that an elected district attorney violated laws by failing to notify crime victims of plea deals. This led to the attorney’s resignation and disbarment.
Uncovering Misleading Information on State Websites:
- At ABC15, Jennifer exposed inaccuracies on Arizona state websites, holding public entities accountable for providing misleading information.
Wrongful Arrest by Federal Agents:
- Jennifer’s reporting proved that federal agents wrongfully arrested a Phoenix woman. This investigation highlighted flaws in the system and brought attention to the misuse of authority.
Abuse Allegations at Mingus Mountain Academy:
- Jennifer’s extensive investigation into Mingus Mountain Academy, a facility for troubled teens, revealed a history of violations, including inappropriate staff behavior and physical abuse. Her reporting brought these issues to light, prompting further scrutiny.
Loophole in North Carolina’s Sex Offender Registration Law:
- During her time at WTVD-TV, Jennifer uncovered a loophole that allowed out-of-state sex offenders to move to North Carolina without registering. This report earned her an RTDNAC First Place Award for Investigative Reporting.
Jennifer Kovaleski has received several prestigious awards and recognitions for her impactful investigative journalism:
- Emmy Award: She won a News & Documentary Emmy in 2021 for her coverage of the STEM School Shooting, recognized as an Outstanding Regional News Story.
- RTDNAC First Place Award: This award honored her investigation into a loophole in North Carolina’s sex offender registration laws during her time at WTVD-TV.
- Recognition from the DEA: At just 11 years old, her undercover investigation exposing drug-related issues at a rave party earned acknowledgment from the DEA for its significant impact.
At ABC15, Jennifer Kovaleski works alongside a talented team of investigative journalists who share her commitment to uncovering waste, fraud, and abuse.
Notable colleagues include:
- Melissa Blasius: A senior investigator known for her in-depth reporting on government transparency and public accountability.
- Anne Ryman: An investigator who has uncovered critical issues, such as the misuse of taxpayer funds and public safety concerns.
- Garrett Archer: Known for his expertise in data-driven journalism and election coverage.
- Christel Bell: A skilled reporter with a focus on community stories and impactful investigations.
- Elenee Dao: A journalist dedicated to uncovering public safety issues and government accountability.
- Nicole Grigg: Renowned for her investigative work on environmental and health-related topics.
- Josh Kristianto: A reporter with a knack for digging into complex stories and delivering clear insights.
- Amber Sullins: A meteorologist who contributes to the team with her expertise in weather-related investigations.
Net Worth and Salary:
Jennifer Kovaleski’s estimated net worth is around $1 million to $5 million, reflecting her successful career as an Emmy-award-winning investigative journalist.
Her salary is likely within the range of $75,000 to $120,000 annually, which aligns with industry standards for experienced investigative reporters at prominent stations like ABC15.
Is Jennifer Kovaleski Married?
Yes, Jennifer Kovaleski is married. Her husband is Doug Nisenson, a football coach at Chaparral High School. They have a daughter named Layla.
How Old Is Jennifer Kovaleski?
Jennifer Kovaleski was born on August 5 in Reno, Nevada. While her exact year of birth isn’t public, she is estimated to be in her late 30s to early 40s.
Where Is Jennifer Kovaleski working?
Jennifer Kovaleski is currently working at ABC15 (KNXV-TV) in Phoenix, Arizona. She joined the station in June 2023 as part of the ABC15 Investigators team.
In her role as an investigative journalist, she focuses on uncovering waste, fraud, and abuse, holding powerful entities accountable, and driving meaningful change through impactful reporting.
Jennifer Kovaleski is active on social media. She maintains professional profiles where she shares her investigative work and engages with the public:
Instagram: @jenniferkovaleskiabc15
Facebook: Jennifer Kovaleski ABC15
X (formerly Twitter): @JennKovaleski
On these platforms, she shares updates on her investigative reports, behind-the-scenes insights, and interacts with her audience.
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