WGAL Finance-HR Exec Collette Leonard Dies At 63

Veteran broadcast financial executive Collette Leonard, 63, died May 24 from inoperable cancer. At the time of her death, Leonard was the controller and human resource manager for WGAL Lancaster, Pa. (DMA 39) where she had served for the past 17 years.

Prior to joining WGAL, Leonard was the business manager for WNUV Baltimore, and prior to that worked at WJZ Baltimore.

“Collette was a kind and caring person and an excellent controller who demanded excellence of herself and her department, but always with compassion and concern for every employee,” said Paul Quinn, WGAL General Manager. “A Hearst Television senior VP once said Collette was the gold standard in our company and I certainly agreed. I was extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to work with Collette for the past 17 years at WGAL. She was the very best.”

She is survived by her husband Nolan, son Nolan Wayne and two grandchildren.

The family has requested memorial donations can be made in Leonard’s name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.