Shelley Bortz is a recognizable face in Pittsburgh local news as an Emmy-nominated reporter for KDKA-TV. Her on-air presence is known for being clear, compassionate, and unwavering. Her story is one of perseverance, making her a public figure whose life is as inspiring as the stories she covers.
The Vitals: Age, Family, and Hometown Roots
Shelley Bortz was born on February 26, 1974, making her 51 years old as of 2025. Her birthday places her under the sign of Pisces. Bortz is a native of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, and her reporting for KDKA-TV is a true homecoming. She grew up in a supportive, sports-loving family. Her parents, George Bortz III and Christine Andrews, instilled a dedication to athletics that she shared with her older brother, George Bortz IV. Her father was inducted into the Fayette County Sports Hall of Fame alongside her in 2021, making them the first father-daughter duo to be honored.
The Sportswoman: Shattering Records on the Court
Before journalism, Shelley Bortz shattered records on the basketball court. At Geibel Catholic High School in Uniontown, she became a local legend, setting school records with 1,977 career points and over 1,000 rebounds. She was named WPIAL Class AA Player of the Year. Shelley Bortz attended Gannon University (1992-1997) on a full basketball scholarship, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Communications.
The Unbreakable Spirit: A Reporter’s Deepest Story
On April 1, 1994, during her time at Gannon, Shelley was a backseat passenger in a high-speed car crash caused by a drunk driver who ran a stop sign. Her best friend and Gannon teammate, Kerri Welc, died from her injuries. Shelley suffered life-threatening injuries, including a shattered pelvis, multiple broken bones, and internal organ damage. She required extensive surgery, leaving her with five pounds of metal in her body.
Doctors predicted she might never walk or play basketball again. After three months in a wheelchair and a year of rehabilitation, she made a return to the Gannon court. She played the season wearing her late teammate’s jersey. This personal tragedy shaped her approach to reporting, especially on stories involving loss, crime, and community resilience. She has since volunteered with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), turning her pain into advocacy.
Read also: Boosting immunity with Shelley Wynter
The Career Path: From Small Towns to Pittsburgh’s Big Desk
Shelley Bortz’s journalism career involved moving from smaller regional markets to major cities. After securing early internships at WJET (Erie) and FOX Sports Pittsburgh, she started as a weekend anchor/reporter in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, and then worked as an anchor/reporter in Parkersburg, West Virginia, and Steubenville, Ohio. She took on reporting roles in larger markets like Jacksonville, Florida, and St. Louis, Missouri. She returned to the Pittsburgh media market in 2015, working for six years at WPXI-TV. She joined KDKA-TV (CBS Pittsburgh) as a full-time reporter in October 2021. Reporting in her home region, she brings a deep understanding of local issues-from community initiatives to breaking news investigations-that resonates powerfully with the Pittsburgh audience. Her work has earned her an Emmy nomination.
More Than a Reporter: Pageant Titles and PA Announcing
Bortz is also a public speaker and titleholder. She held the titles of Mrs. Pennsylvania America and Mrs. Ohio United States and served for three seasons as the Public Address Announcer for the University of Pittsburgh Women’s Basketball Team.
Family and Personal Life: Husband Bob Ligashesky
Shelley Bortz is married to Bob Ligashesky, a coach who has served as a special teams coordinator for numerous teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers during their 2008 Super Bowl XLIII championship season, and at major colleges like Syracuse University. They have a daughter, Sydney, born in 2009, and a puppy named Phoenix. The family lives in the Pittsburgh area. Shelley maintains her athletic physique through an active lifestyle that includes basketball, tennis, and kickboxing.
Net Worth and Financial Insight
Shelley Bortz’s career in broadcast journalism has resulted in a solid financial standing. Her estimated net worth is between $1 million and $5 million, and her reporter salary is estimated to range from $45,000 to $120,500 annually.
The KDKA News Team: Bortz’s Colleagues
Shelley Bortz works alongside an accomplished roster of anchors and journalists at KDKA-TV, including Ken Rice, Heather Abraham, David Highfield, Ray Petelin, Ron Smiley, Andy Sheehan, and John Shumway. Together, they uphold the station’s reputation for comprehensive and reliable news coverage in the region.
Read also: Remembering Shelley Duvall
Read also: Weight Loss Guide Andalusia, AL