Kate Welshofer: Biography, Comedy Center Strategist, Writer
Kate Welshofer is a seasoned journalist and content creator who transitioned from a 27-year career in broadcast journalism to her current role as a Communications and Content Strategist at the National Comedy Center.
She joined the center in 2024, where she oversees digital, social, and broadcast content development, focusing on audience engagement and brand growth.
Kate’s journey began in Perry, New York, and she pursued a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication at St. Bonaventure University.
Her career highlights include anchoring and producing for Spectrum News and WGRZ-TV in Buffalo, where she co-created and hosted the popular show Most Buffalo.
Current Roles:
- Communications and Content Strategist at the National Comedy Center: Since early May 2024, Kate Welshofer has been working at the National Comedy Center in Jamestown, NY. In this role, she acts as an ambassador for the center, aiming to increase its visibility and help people understand its offerings through various media platforms.
- Writer & Content Creator at Welshofer Creative LLC: Kate is the owner of Welshofer Creative LLC, where she continues her work as a writer and content creator.
- Columnist: She writes a weekly column for The Perry Herald in Perry, NY, and a monthly column for the online edition of Buffalo Spree magazine. Her written work and audio recordings are also featured on Substack under “Kate Welshofer Was Here.”
- Author: She recently released her debut book, “You Monster! (That’s a Compliment)” in December 2024, stemming from her “Secret Monster Project,” a daily creative practice involving hand-drawn doodles that evolved into a brand with merchandise and art installations.
Background:
- Award-Winning Journalist and Broadcaster: Before transitioning to the National Comedy Center, Kate had a 27-year career in broadcasting and journalism. She worked as a news anchor for Spectrum and Time Warner in Rochester and Albany for many years. More recently, she was a news anchor and creator of “Most Buffalo” for four years at WGRZ.
- Edward R. Murrow Award Winner: She received the National Edward R. Murrow Award for outstanding broadcast and digital journalism in both 2020 and 2021 from the Radio Television Digital News Association.
- Creator of “One Cup Monday” and “One Cup with Kate”: During her time as a news broadcaster, she also created humorous YouTube broadcasts, which she found to be a creative outlet. These videos played a role in her being hired at “Most Buffalo.”
- Return to Western New York: Kate has strong ties to Western New York. She grew up in Perry, NY, and her grandparents lived in Jamestown. She also spent summers near Chautauqua Lake and graduated from St. Bonaventure University with a degree in journalism communication. After living and working in larger cities, she returned to her roots in Perry in 2023.
- Creative Pursuits: Even while working in news, Kate pursued creative writing and storytelling. She started a blog/website, katewelshofer.com, and a YouTube channel featuring lighthearted and funny content. She also created “News for Kids” in Rochester, a unique program for young aspiring journalists.
- Actor and Director: According to IMDb, Kate Welshofer has also been involved in acting and directing short films, including “Test Drive Surprise” (2016), where she was an actor, co-director, and co-writer. She is also credited as an interviewer in the movie “Can You Keep a Secret?” (2019) and as Carissa in the TV series “Welcome Home” (2015-2019).
Age:
Kate Welshofer was born on December 30, 1980, making her 44 years old as of 2025. Her Zodiac sign is Capricorn. She is of White ethnicity and holds American nationality.
Parents and Siblings:
Kate grew up in the village of Perry, New York, with her parents, Patricia and Harry Welshofer, and two older sisters, Martha and Elizabeth (“Beth”). Her mother, Patricia, passed away in September 2024.
Her father was a retired military man who also taught Western culture and philosophy at Genesee Community College.
Kate often shares fond memories of her mother on social media, reflecting their close bond. However, details about her siblings, if any, are not publicly available.
Additionally, she attended Perry Central High School before pursuing her passion for journalism at St. Bonaventure University, where she earned a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
Kate’s upbringing in a close-knit community and her family’s values likely played a significant role in shaping her creative and professional journey.
Husband:
Kate Welshofer is married to Chip Matthews, whom she wed in June 2022. Chip Matthews is the Director of Student Life at SUNY Geneseo, a role that reflects his background in education and student engagement.
He holds a Master of Public Administration from the State University of New York College at Brockport and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Roberts Wesleyan College.
Their relationship has a poignant backstory: Kate and Chip were high school acquaintances in Perry, New York, and reconnected years later through a suggestion from Chip’s late wife, Sarah Matthews, who encouraged him to invite Kate to speak to students at Geneseo.
After Sarah’s sudden passing in the summer of 2020, Chip found solace in nature and eventually began a forest therapy practice, a journey Kate has written about in her work.
Their bond deepened when Chip offered to help Kate move a treadmill into her home, bringing along his son Porter, marking the start of their closer relationship.
Children;
As for children, Kate and Chip do not have any kids together as of April 2025, based on available information.
Chip has two children from his previous marriage to Sarah—Porter, who was mentioned in the treadmill-moving anecdote, and another child whose details remain private.
Kate has not publicly shared plans or indications of having children of her own, and her focus appears to remain on her career, creative projects, and life with Chip.
After leaving WGRZ-TV in December 2023, Kate moved from East Amherst to Perry to live with Chip full-time, a significant step as it was the first time they resided together since their marriage.
Her essays, such as those on Substack and in Buffalo Spree, occasionally mention Chip in warm, anecdotal contexts—like enjoying coffee together or attending events—but details about his children or their family dynamics are scarce.
Height, Weight:
Kate Welshofer stands at a height of 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 meters) and weighs approximately 125 lbs (57 kg).
Career and Background:
Kate has an extensive background in broadcasting and journalism, with 27 years of experience.
She worked as a news anchor in Rochester and Albany for Spectrum and Time Warner, hosting the nightly news.
More recently, she was the creator and anchor of “Most Buffalo” at WGRZ-TV in Buffalo, New York, a role she held for four years.
In May 2024, she transitioned to the National Comedy Center as their Communications and Content Strategist.
Spectrum News
Kate devoted over 14 years of her career to Spectrum News, where she worked as a weeknight news anchor.
During this time, she gained a wealth of experience in broadcast journalism. Her role involved delivering timely and engaging news reports while connecting with diverse audiences.
This long tenure highlights her ability to adapt to the evolving demands of the industry and establish herself as a trusted voice in news reporting.
WGRZ-TV
In January 2018, Kate joined WGRZ-TV in Buffalo, New York, where she became the anchor of the weekday show Most Buffalo.
This program was unique in its focus on storytelling and community-centered content. Kate’s creative energy shone through as she co-created and hosted the show, which became a hit with viewers.
Her work at WGRZ earned her significant recognition, including nominations for a New York State Regional Emmy. Her time at WGRZ cemented her reputation as a skilled and innovative journalist.
Rochester Networks
Before her role at WGRZ, Kate spent over a decade working as a producer and reporter for networks in the Rochester, New York area.
This phase of her career helped her build a strong foundation in both news production and on-camera reporting.
Her responsibilities likely included curating compelling news stories, conducting interviews, and producing content that resonated with local audiences.
Albany Networks
Kate also worked in Albany, New York, where she spent 10 years as a weeknight anchor.
Her role here involved presenting evening news broadcasts, often covering significant local and regional stories.
Her work during this time contributed to her reputation as a reliable and experienced journalist in the broadcast industry.
National Comedy Center
In 2024, Kate made a career transition to join the National Comedy Center as a Communications and Content Strategist.
In this role, she oversees the development of digital, social, and broadcast content. Her focus is on enhancing audience engagement and driving brand growth.
This position allows Kate to blend her journalistic skills with her passion for creativity and storytelling. Her work supports the center’s mission to celebrate the art of comedy and its cultural impact.
Kate Welshofer has been involved in several notable coverage efforts throughout her journalism career. While specific details about individual stories are limited, her work has consistently focused on community-centered storytelling and creative content.
Here are some highlights:
- Community Features on “Most Buffalo”: During her time as the anchor of Most Buffalo on WGRZ-TV, Kate covered a wide range of stories that celebrated the people and places of Buffalo. The show was known for its unique blend of news and lifestyle content, showcasing the city’s vibrant culture and community spirit.
- Award-Winning Writing: Kate received a national Murrow Award for her writing in the small TV market in October 2020. This recognition underscores her ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences.
- Creative Content on YouTube: Kate’s YouTube channel features humorous and engaging videos that reflect her personality and storytelling skills. While not traditional news coverage, her content has helped her connect with audiences in a unique way.
Awards and Recognitions:
Kate Welshofer has received several awards and recognitions throughout her career, showcasing her talent and dedication to journalism:
- National Murrow Award: In October 2020, Kate was honored with the prestigious national Murrow Award for her exceptional writing in the small TV market. This award highlights her ability to craft compelling and impactful narratives.
- Regional Murrow Award: Prior to her national recognition, Kate received a regional Murrow Award, further emphasizing her excellence in journalism.
- New York State Associated Press Association: Kate has been recognized by this association for her contributions to journalism, reflecting her commitment to delivering high-quality news content.
- National Press Photographer’s Association: She has also been awarded by this organization, showcasing her versatility and creativity in storytelling.
- New York State Regional Emmy Nomination: During her time at WGRZ-TV, Kate was nominated for a New York State Regional Emmy, acknowledging her innovative work on the show Most Buffalo.
Kate Welshofer has worked alongside many talented professionals throughout her career. During her time at WGRZ-TV, she collaborated with colleagues such as:
- Kelsey Kaufmann: Collaborated with Kate during her time at WGRZ-TV, contributing to the station’s engaging environment.
- Scott Levin: A well-known anchor who worked alongside Kate during her tenure at WGRZ.
- Maryalice Demler: A distinguished journalist and co-worker at WGRZ-TV.
- Melissa Holmes: Another talented anchor at WGRZ who contributed to the station’s success.
- Pete Gallivan: Known for his journalistic skills, Pete collaborated with Kate at WGRZ-TV.
- Kawanza McCall: Played a significant role in the team at WGRZ-TV.
- Julie Mecklenburg: Partnered with Kate at WGRZ-TV, enhancing the creative and journalistic output.
Book:
Kate Welshofer has embraced her passion for writing alongside her career in journalism and content creation.
In late September 2023, she began writing a column for her hometown newspaper, The Perry Herald, which has been a staple in Perry, New York, since 1877.
Her columns reflect her creative voice and connection to her roots. She also shares these writings on her Substack platform, allowing a broader audience to engage with her work.
Kate’s writing often blends humor, storytelling, and personal insights, showcasing her ability to connect with readers on a deeper level.
Her journey as an author complements her broader creative endeavors, including her work as a Communications and Content Strategist at the National Comedy Center and her YouTube channel, which she launched in 2013.
Net Worth and Salary:
Is Kate Welshofer Married?
Yes, Kate Welshofer is married. She wed Chip Matthews in June 2022. Chip is the Director of Student Life at SUNY Geneseo, and the couple reconnected years after being high school acquaintances in Perry, New York. They now live together in Perry, where Kate moved full-time after leaving WGRZ-TV in December 2023.
How Old Is Kate Welshofer?
Kate Welshofer was born on December 30, 1980, which makes her 44 years old as of 2025.
Where Is Kate Welshofer Working?
Kate Welshofer is currently working as a Communications and Content Strategist at the National Comedy Center. She joined the center in 2024 after a 27-year career in broadcast journalism.
In her role, she oversees the development of digital, social, and broadcast content, focusing on audience engagement and brand growth.
This position allows her to combine her passion for storytelling and humor while contributing to the center’s mission of celebrating the art of comedy and its cultural significance.
Kate Welshofer is active on social media. She maintains an Instagram account under the handle @katewelshofer, where she describes herself as a writer, speaker, content creator, and mischief maker.
Her recent posts include reflections on her 50th birthday and various creative projects. Additionally, she has a Facebook page titled This Is Kate Welshofer, where she engages with her audience.
Kate also shares content on her YouTube channel, Kate Welshofer, where she posts videos related to her work and personal experiences.
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