KOMO News Director Holly Gauntt is leaving the station and headed to Denver. 

Gauntt will be the Vice President of News & Digital for KDVR/KWGN. Gauntt tells the KOMO staff in a memo that she wasn't looking for a new job and that the Denver gig "presented itself" (don't you love when that happens?).

She will stay at the Seattle station through the November book, before heading to Denver.

Here is the internal memo sent to the KOMO staff and obtained by FTVLive:

From: Holly Gauntt
Date: October 15, 2014 at 3:02:38 PM PDT
To: &Seattle-KOMO-News-All
Subject: Family

HI all,

We’ve all heard people say that when it’s all said and done they’ll want to be remembered for the kind of person they were and for the love they showed their family and friends. I have reached a crossroads in my life in which I need to choose family and home. So it is with a heavy heart that I leave KOMO and Seattle and return to my hometown of Denver. I wasn’t looking for a job but a fantastic one presented itself. I have accepted the position of Vice President of News & Digital for KDVR/KWGN in Denver. It’s a great station with a fantastic GM and staff.  While I’m sad to be leaving KOMO, I am excited about joining such a great operation.

We’ve been through so much in the last 8 years at KOMO. Ups and downs and way too much loss. But we’ve always weathered the storm together with great grace, compassion and professionalism.  Working at KOMO has been the best professional experience of my 31 year career. You have no idea how much I will miss you, the people here in every single department. I’ve said it many times since I’ve been here, it’s been like Camelot.  

Sinclair has been extremely supportive of me over the past year and I am very, very grateful. They understand the need to make family and home a priority. Also, keep in mind that they’ve given us a lot at KOMO and will continue to. Scott and his team will do everything in their power to support KOMO and help the station grow. They really like us guys!  

We’ve been hitting on all cylinders and making great strides. All of the departments work so well together. I know that will continue long after I leave.

It’s in the DNA here. As you all know, Janene has spent her professional career at KOMO. She knows the kind of News Director that’s needed for this newsroom and you know she’ll make a great choice. Scott knows a lot of great news people in the business and will partner with Janene to find the perfect fit.  

I will stay at KOMO through the November book and leave soon after it’s over. In the interim, Sarah will take charge of the newsroom and I will start handing over the reigns.  We still have a very important book to get through so lets bring our “A” game and do what we’ve done a few times recently, end a major book #1 in all newscasts!

One final thought… my allegiance to my hometown team is a surprise to no one at KOMO!!! It never waivered, even in the face of adversity!