Debra Bollman: Age Daughter, Reporter, Husband, and Social Media 

Debra Bollman is an American television reporter and anchor best known for her work at WZZM 13 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She has had a long and distinguished career in broadcast journalism over the past few decades. 

I will provide details on Debra Bollman’s age, background, family, career highlights, and social media presence in this article.

Who is Debra Bollman?

Debra Bollman is a seasoned journalist reporting news in West Michigan for over 30 years. She is a morning anchor at WZZM 13, the ABC affiliate in Grand Rapids. 

Bollman grew up in Michigan and graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in telecommunications. She began her broadcasting career in radio before transitioning to television news.

Over the years, Bollman has covered many local and national stories. She has reported live from the scene of breaking news events, conducted interviews with politicians and community leaders, and anchored coverage of major elections.

Debra Bollman’s Age: How Old is She?

Debra Bollman was born on November 11, 1956. As of 2023, she is 66 years old. 

Bollman has been working in news broadcasting since the early 1980s, giving her over 40 years of experience in the journalism field. She joined WZZM 13 in 1995 and has been a West Michigan morning television fixture for nearly 30 years.

Even after decades on the job, Bollman remains passionate about delivering the news to regional viewers. Her longevity is a testament to her journalism skills and connection with the local community.

Debra Bollman’s Daughter And Family Background

Debra Bollman was born Debra Kay Moore in Lansing, Michigan. She is one of seven children born to Donald and Marilyn Moore.

Bollman graduated from Haslett High School in Haslett, Michigan, in 1974. She went on to attend Michigan State University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in telecommunications in 1978.

After college, Bollman began using her professional name, “Debra Bollman.” She started her broadcasting career in radio before moving to TV news. While working in Traverse City, Michigan, Bollman met her husband, Brad Bollman. 

The couple married in 1984 and raised two daughters, Jennifer and Stephanie. Jennifer Bollman followed in her mother’s footsteps and became a news reporter. She worked at television stations in Lansing and Grand Rapids.

Debra Bollman’s Reporter Career 

Debra Bollman’s journalism career spans over 40 years:

Early 1980s: Bollman worked in radio as a reporter, anchor, and public affairs director 

at stations in Lansing and Traverse City, Michigan.

1984: She transitioned to television as a reporter for WPBN in Traverse City.

Late 1980s: Bollman moved to WILX in Lansing as a reporter and anchor. 

Early 1990s: She went to WZZM 13 and reported on various topics, including education, consumer issues, and politics.

1995-Present: Bollman became a morning anchor at WZZM 13. She co-anchored the morning newscasts for many years alongside Bob VandeWege, who retired in 2020.

Some highlights of Bollman’s storied career include:

• Live reporting from the floor of the Republican National Convention.
• Anchoring WZZM 13’s coverage of major elections, including the 2020 presidential race.
• Reporting on the Larry Nassar scandal and investigation from its onset. 
• Extensive reporting on education challenges in Michigan, including teacher shortages.
• Consumer advocacy reporting and investigative segments like “On Your Side.”
• Interviewing famous figures like President Gerald Ford, President George W. Bush, and first lady Michelle Obama.

Debra Bollman’s Husband and Personal Life

Debra Bollman met her husband, Brad Bollman while working as a reporter in Traverse City in the early 1980s. The couple married in 1984.

Brad Bollman is a real estate investor and developer. He founded Bollman Properties, which is based in Grand Rapids. Debra and Brad Bollman have two daughters together – Jennifer and Stephanie. Both girls grew up in Grand Rapids.

Jennifer Bollman followed her mother’s career path and became a news reporter. She graduated from the University of Michigan and worked at Lansing and Grand Rapids television stations. Stephanie Bollman has mostly stayed out of the public eye. She is a graduate of Michigan State University.

Debra Bollman has said that her daughters and husband have always supported her demanding career. She often relied on her mother-in-law’s help with childcare during long work hours. 

The Bollmans have lived in the Grand Rapids area for over 25 years. Debra is an active member of the community. She has volunteered with the Grand Rapids Symphony and the Inner City Christian Organization. 

Outside of work, Bollman enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family at their home on Green Lake. Even after her long journalism career, she still loves going to work each morning.

Debra Bollman on Social Media

Debra Bollman has embraced social media as a way to connect with viewers. She is active on the following platforms:

Facebook: Bollman has a verified Facebook page with over 16,000 followers. She shares behind-the-scenes photos, videos, and commentary.

Twitter: On Twitter, Bollman has over 4,000 followers under the handle @DebraWZZM. She live-tweets during major news events.

Instagram: Bollman’s Instagram account is @therealdebrabollman. She gives a glimpse into her personal life through photos with family and co-workers.

Social media allows Bollman to give viewers a more personal look at her life. She often interacts with followers and responds to comments on posts.

Debra Bollman’s Legacy 

Over her illustrious 40+ year journalism career, Debra Bollman has left an indelible mark on television news in West Michigan.

As an anchor and reporter, Bollman has informed countless viewers of the stories and issues impacting their communities. She is known for her warm yet authoritative delivery and dedication to providing context and depth in her reporting.

Bollman’s career is a testament to the positive impact that local journalists can have. Her professionalism, integrity, and commitment to public service have made Bollman a trusted voice for generations of viewers.

Even in today’s changing media landscape, Debra Bollman remains a constant. Her steady presence on West Michigan’s morning newscasts reminds me of the vital role of local news.

At 66, Bollman shows no signs of slowing down. Without a doubt, her legacy at WZZM 13 will be one of excellence in journalism.

Conclusion

Debra Bollman is a celebrated news anchor and reporter in West Michigan. Now 66 years old, she has had a four-decade broadcasting career. Bollman is known for her professionalism, compassion, and dedicated coverage of impactful local stories. 

She continues to be a morning TV fixture in Grand Rapids alongside a new generation of journalists she has influenced. Bollman’s life and career inspire women in the media seeking to make a difference.