Profile
Brenda Parks Hughes, who grew up in the mountain community of
Swannanoa, NC, began her career as an elementary school teacher
in Florida and North Carolina. From there, she 鈥渞einvented鈥� herself
and became one of the first female television sports reporters in the
Southeast (ACC Sports Center; Jefferson Pilot/Raycom). Brenda then
moved into television news as an anchor/reporter (WITN – eastern NC
& NBC12 – Richmond, VA). Before leaving Richmond, she helped
establish the Richmond Police Department鈥檚 first Media Relations
Office.
Following a move to the North Carolina coast with her husband, Tom,
Brenda created WetBird Productions, Inc., producing historical feature
documentaries for PBSNC (UNCTV). Two of the five she produced –
Thank You, Eddie Hart and Marching Once More – were awarded
Regional Emmys. She is proud to have produced three World War II
documentaries, helping preserve history for future generations.
Brenda is a graduate of Meredith (BA-Sociology, 鈥�70) where, in 2025,
she was presented an honorary doctorate. She received her masters
degree from East Carolina University (MS -Administrative Services,
鈥�77) and in 2007, was selected as one of 鈥�100 Incredible ECU
Women.鈥� Brenda has served as a member of the North Carolina Film
Council and the Cucalorus Film Festival. She and Tom live in
Wilmington, NC.