None — Mark O'Brien joined the Channel 9 news team in August 2010 as the anchor for Eyewitness News Saturday and Sunday mornings, and Eyewitness News Midday Saturday and Sunday and as a general assignment reporter. Before coming to Channel 9, Mark was an anchor and reporter at WTEN-TV in Albany, NY and WVIR-TV in Charlottesville, VA.
During his time in Albany, Mark frequently covered the state legislature and the governor's office at the State Capitol. He also took part in training at the State Police Academy to show viewers what it takes to become a New York State Trooper. It was the first time television news cameras were allowed inside the academy to document the day-to-day life of recruits. The New York State Associated Press Broadcasters Association recently recognized Mark for his coverage of a middle school stand-off, during which a principal was held hostage.
Mark earned his bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Virginia and his master's degree in journalism from Columbia University. He began his broadcasting career as a radio news anchor, part-time disc jockey, and station manager in Charlottesville. He also interned at WTVR-TV in his hometown of Richmond, VA.
Mark's interests include travel, photography, tennis and NASCAR--Alan Kulwicki was and always will be his favorite driver. He also enjoys arts and entertainment, from the movies to theater to local galleries. Mark even won (surprisingly!) "Dancing with the Albany Stars" in 2008 as part of a fundraiser for Dance Crazy, a non-profit that teaches ballroom dance in schools as a way to promote healthy living, increase physical activity, boost self-esteem and foster teamwork. Mark has also taken part in various community organizations over the years, including the Red Cross, Leadership Charlottesville (through the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce), Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic and serving as a lector at church.
Mark currently lives in Charlotte.