Signing Off in Spokane *

After 25 years of being a guiding force and calming voice during some of the biggest and most important stories in the Inland Northwest, Stephanie Vigil has announced that she will be leaving KHQ this June. Stephanie has been one of the most recognizable faces and names in the community, having anchored every newscast at KHQ (Spokane) and nearly every big event from presidential visits to Gonzaga Final Four and Seahawks Super Bowl.

Stephanie came to Spokane in 1997 from KOVR Sacramento, CA and quickly made it home. She has embedded herself in the community by volunteering for various organizations, including Vanessa Behan, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the Rypien Foundation. She has hosted hundreds of events and selflessly gave her time to make Spokane and North Idaho better places to live. Stephanie’s dedication and commitment to the community has earned her numerous honors, including recognition by Spokane Magazine and The Inlander as Best Female Anchor for the past 22 years.

Stephanie is not retiring but rather repurposing herself. She plans to pursue her dream of owning her own company and designing a pickleball apparel line called PKL. The sporty, classy, and comfortable clothing line will be made especially for pickleball fanatics, which is what Stephanie has become. She also plans to travel, grow, learn, and stay curious to life and all it has to offer.

In 2013, Stephanie earned a Master’s Degree in Communications and Leadership at Gonzaga University. She became an adjunct professor and taught a reputation and leadership class at Gonzaga, and then published a book called “Reputation by Design”. Stephanie has achieved a lot in her professional career, but she will tell you her biggest accomplishment has been raising two beautiful and successful sons, Nicholas and Johnathan.

KHQ, Inc. President Patricia McRae said, “When I hired Stephanie, I knew she would be an overachiever and elevate KHQ to the station we are today. I have never worked with an individual that has so much charisma, talent, and entrepreneurial ambitions. Her heart is big, and she has opened it up to so many. That smile and laugh will forever be permeated in the TV station”.

Stephanie’s final day on the KHQ anchor desk will be June 8. She is forever grateful for the community's acceptance and love, and for allowing her to be a part of their lives for a quarter of a century. Stephanie has left an indelible mark on the Inland Northwest, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.