Following the departure of veteran news anchor Katie O'Mara, WNEM (Saginaw) has chosen the new anchor to replace her on the main newscasts.

Colette Boyd, who started at the station in 2013, is joining longtime anchor Sam Merrill on the anchor desk during 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts each weekday.

"I was just thrilled and so excited," Boyd said about getting the promotion. "I have really big shoes to fill."

After a leave of absence that started at the beginning of 2015, O'Mara made a final appearance on the station's 6 p.m. newscast Thursday, Sept. 10, to announce her permanent departure. She had worked for the station since 1996.

O'Mara said she intends to spend time with her family as she continues to battle a rare blood disease she was diagnosed with eight years ago.

Boyd took her new spot next to Merrill on Monday.

"During her time with us, Colette has demonstrated not only that she's a commanding and engaging anchor, but also a strong journalist who supports the team around her with a positive and nurturing approach," WNEM News Director Ian Rubin said in a statement.