Executive Board
The UMTV Executive Board is comprised of “Officer” positions, each with specific responsibilities, and two Executive Producer positions for each active UMTV show. The group meets at least once per month to discuss ongoing UMTV projects, goals, and policies. All E-Board positions are meant to last for one full academic year, with the ability to reapply.
UMTV Officers
Shea McDonald
Station Manager | Class of 2027
Shea McDonald is a senior majoring in Broadcast Journalism and Communication Honors. Shea is UMTV’s Station Manager and an active reporter, anchor, producer, and director across UMTV programs including SportsDesk, NewsVision, Off The Wire, and UMTV Special Presentations. Shea is a freelance sports podcast analyst and works as a Production Assistant for UM Athletics. He hopes to pursue a career in sports media.
Click here to contact Shea.
Dani Vega
Social Media Coordinator and SportsDesk Executive Producer | Class of 2028
Click here to contact Dani.
UMTV Executive Producers
Emma Balleste
UniMiami Executive Producer | Class of 2027
Emma Balleste is a Senior majoring in Broadcast Journalism with minors in French and Law & Politics. Emma currently serves as the Executive Producer for UniMiami and is a Video Producer for NewsVision. In previous semesters, Emma has anchored across different shows such as NewsBreak, NewsVision and UniMiami. She also enjoys crewing and working behind the scenes, helping bring stories to life. Outside of UMTV, Emma is passionate about pursuing a career in Broadcast Journalism and is always looking for new opportunities to learn and grow in her career path.
Click here to contact Emma.
Jessica Valdes
NewsVision Executive Producer | Class of 2026
Jessica Valdes is a senior majoring in Broadcast Journalism. She is the Executive Producer of NewsVision and an active member of UMTV, with experience in anchoring, reporting, and newsroom editing. Outside of UMTV, she has worked with University of Miami Athletics, Streann Media, and the Ryan Seacrest Foundation. She hopes to pursue a career in broadcast media, focusing on storytelling and amplifying diverse voices.
Click here to contact Jessica.
Lazaro Chavez
NewsBreak Executive Producer | Class of 2026
Lazaro Chavez is a senior majoring in Broadcast Journalism with a minor in Political Science. He is Executive Producer of NewsBreak and has contributed in a variety of roles across multiple UMTV shows. Lazaro is also a senior writer for The Miami Hurricane, covering news, sports, arts, and political op-eds, and he serves as President of the College Republicans. Off campus, Lazaro is active in local politics through the City of Hialeah Beautification Committee and managed communications for his sister’s city council campaign. Lazaro hopes to pursue a career in media both on-air and behind the scenes, with a long-term goal of holding public office.
Click here to contact Lazaro.
William DePaola
CanesCast Executive Producer | Class of 2027
William DePaola is a senior majoring in Meteorology and Broadcast Journalism with a minor in Mathematics. William has been a part of CanesCast for four years and delivers weather forecasts for NewsVision. He also has experience with WSI MAX, which is an industry-approved weather graphics system. William hopes to pursue a career in broadcast meteorology.
Click here to contact William.