A Massachusetts native and one of Boston’s most trusted television personalities, Gene Lavanchy has been a familiar face in New England homes since starting in 1989. Throughout his award-winning career, Gene has informed, entertained, and connected with viewers through his approachable style, local perspective, and genuine appreciation for the communities he serves. Gene began his Boston television career in 1989 as the studio host for Boston Bruins hockey broadcasts on TV38, a role he held for four seasons. In 1992, he joined WHDH-TV as weekend sports anchor before rising to Sports Director and lead sports anchor. During his 11 years at the station, Gene also hosted the popular Sunday night program Sports Xtra. His work earned him multiple Emmy and Associated Press awards, as well as recognition as Massachusetts Sportscaster of the Year by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association. In 2003, Gene became a vital part of the launch of Boston 25 Morning News. Its “all local, all morning long” combination of news, traffic, and weather offered viewers a distinctly New England alternative to national morning programs. Since then, it has grown into a go-to source for busy viewers preparing for the day ahead. As an anchor for much of the six-hour morning newscast, Gene takes great pride in helping New Englanders start their day informed and prepared. He alerts viewers to breaking news, brings context and perspective to the day’s biggest stories, and, when the moment is right, puts one of his finest talents to work: delivering a perfectly timed Dad Joke. For the past 21 seasons, Gene has also served as the field anchor for Boston 25 Morning News’ popular Zip Trips. Broadcasting live from cities and towns across Massachusetts, he has visited more than 300 communities and met thousands of remarkable people along the way. Through Zip Trips and his work in the newsroom, Gene has interviewed countless newsmakers, celebrities, community leaders, and everyday citizens doing extraordinary things. Before establishing his career in Boston, Gene held sports anchor positions at WLNE-TV in Providence, Rhode Island, and WBBH-TV in Fort Myers, Florida. A graduate of Emerson College, he grew up in Walpole, Massachusetts, and remains deeply connected to the community. Gene and his wife, Anne Marie, are the proud parents of four children: Matthew, Jack, Brett, and Lauren. All four were under the age of 10 when Gene joined Boston 25. Today, they are grown adults, a family milestone that also reflects just how long Gene has been part of New Englanders’ morning routines. Gene’s commitment to the region extends well beyond the newsroom. A proud Walpole resident and active member of the community, he served on the board of the Friends of Walpole Community Athletic Complex, a group that helped build new fields at Walpole High School and improve recreational sports facilities throughout the town. He has also served as a spokesperson for the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress, the Buddy Walk, and the Independence 5K Walk & Run, supporting programs for children and adults with developmental disabilities in more than 110 communities across Massachusetts. In recognition of his dedication to his hometown and his many years of community service, Gene was named the Friends of St. Patrick’s Person of the Year in 2012.