Sheldon Dutes, an award-winning journalist with a notable career in broadcast news, is leaving WESH in Orlando to work outside of local TV.
Orlando is his hometown, and he is excited to pursue new career ambitions in corporate communications at AdventHealth.
Highlights
- Sheldon Dutes joined WESH 2 News in December 2020 but left journalism to pursue new ambitions in corporate communications at AdventHealth.
- He was a cornerstone of WESH’s news team, covering significant events with professionalism and depth.
- An award-winning journalist officially transitioned into corporate communications with a new compensation package estimated at around $100,000 annually.
Sheldon Dutes is an Emmy Award-winning multimedia professional with 18 years of expertise producing compelling content across broadcast, digital, and social media platforms.
Having honed his skills in newsrooms nationwide, he has mastered media strategies and fostered strong relationships with journalists.
Beyond his media career, he demonstrates a passion for community impact through leadership roles on nonprofit boards, providing strategic guidance to secure funding and amplify organizational visibility.
In 2024, he was a candidate for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Visionary of the Year award, raising more than $33,000 to support cancer research and assist patients.
Moreover, he is a Leadership Florida Connect Class 14 member and exemplifies dedication, leadership, and a commitment to making a difference.
Sheldon Dutes’s New Career Ambitions In AdventHealth
After years of delivering impactful stories and earning accolades for outstanding journalism, Sheldon Dutes is stepping away from local television to pursue a new career path in corporate communications.
He has been a familiar face in Central Florida, covering breaking news, investigative pieces, and community stories that resonated with viewers.
Sheldon Dutes has been a cornerstone of WESH’s news team, covering significant events with professionalism and depth.
He is known for his versatility, and his Emmy Award solidified his reputation as one of Orlando’s most respected journalists.
Moreover, his ability to connect with viewers and his dedication to ethical journalism made him a trusted regional voice.
Quick update/career change! Wrapping up my 18-year broadcast news career with a full heart and lots of gratitude. I anchored in my hometown, worked in New York, earned recognition for my work, and made lifelong friends along the way. It’s been great. Truly. But I’m excited and ready to pursue new career ambitions outside of TV news. Orlando is my hometown and I’m proud to stay here as I pivot to a new career in corporate communications. I’m incredibly grateful for my parents’ unwavering support, which has allowed me to fearlessly pursue my dreams regardless of how they’ve evolved and taken shape.
Sheldon Dutes
While leaving broadcast journalism is bittersweet, Sheldon is excited to transition into corporate communications, where he will leverage his storytelling expertise in a new capacity.
He joined AdventHealth in March 2025 and serves as its manager and team member for communications & Engagement.
His move reflects a growing trend of journalists transitioning into strategic communications roles, where their ability to craft narratives and engage audiences is highly valued.
Sheldon, a highly respected and accomplished journalist, was fondly remembered by his colleagues in a profoundly heartfelt tribute honoring his remarkable contributions and lasting impact.
We are going to miss you Sheldon Dutes!!! Help me wish Sheldon a bittersweet goodbye as this is his late day not only at WESH but in broadcast journalism. He has been in this industry for 18 years and I’ve learned soooo much from him. We wish you the very very best!
Paola Tristan Arruda TV
Sheldon Dutes Lands High-Profile Corporate Communications Role with Six-Figure Salary
After an illustrious career in broadcast journalism, award-winning former WESH 2 anchor Sheldon Dutes has officially transitioned into corporate communications.
Sources familiar with the hiring indicate his new compensation package is estimated at around $100,000 annually, a significant increase from typical local TV news salaries.
Sheldon has become one of Central Florida’s most trusted journalists, thanks to his Emmy-winning reporting. He is excited to work as a manager at AdventHealth.
He will oversee key responsibilities for the private company, including internal messaging, executive communications, and media relations.
Sheldon earned a B.A. in American Studies and began his career in journalism as a news reporter for WCSC-TV in October 2007.
Later, he joined Hearst Television in November 2010 and moved to NBC Universal Media in November 2012.
Similarly, he reported on WISN-TV in the greater Milwaukee Area in December 2015 and joined WESH 2 News in December 2020.
Colleagues expect him to thrive in shaping corporate narratives with the financial rewards to match.
Additional Information
- Sheldon Dutes earned his B.A. in American Studies from the University of Notre Dame and received his master’s degree in Corporate Communication from Marquette University.
- As a child, he performed on the stages of the Civic Theater (now Orlando Family Stage) and attended performances at the Bob Carr Theater.
- He is a tutor for the Adult Literacy League and a member of its board of directors.
- He likes to read, travel, cook, and create playlists based on the music he Shazams each month in his spare time.
