SUMMARY
Steve Hunsicker describes his life as an adventure. An adventure that has taken him around the world, into the underwater world of the Atlantic and Pacific and in the executive offices of television news. He has been regularly quoted in newspapers, magazines and on television. His adventures as a Peace Corps volunteer inspired two books and lead to his current position as the South Florida recruiter for Peace Corps. Steve spends his time speaking with people who are interested in volunteering overseas and interviewing Peace Corps applicants.
Steve was a business development volunteer in the Kingdom of Tonga. As a volunteer, Steve helped more than 500 small‐business owners start or expand businesses in one‐on-one settings and workshops. He created websites for four Tongan businesses; he tutored students on business topics at the University of the South Pacific and produced several videos including one for Peace Corps to explain Tonga to incoming volunteers.
Steve was a business development volunteer in the Kingdom of Tonga. As a volunteer, Steve helped more than 500 small‐business owners start or expand businesses in one‐on-one settings and workshops. He created websites for four Tongan businesses; he tutored students on business topics at the University of the South Pacific and produced several videos including one for Peace Corps to explain Tonga to incoming volunteers.
Before volunteering with the Peace Corps, Steve spent 23 years in Television News, including 15 years with Freedom Communications the company that owns WPEC CBS 12, in West Palm Beach. At WPEC, Steve was the Executive News Director, responsible for eight hours of local news every day on WPEC and WFLX Fox 29.
Prior to joining WPEC, he was the News Director at Freedom's WTVC's NewsChannel 9, the top rated station in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Steve began his TV career in Tallahassee, Florida and has also run TV News Departments in Gainesville, Florida, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and Honolulu, Hawaii.
Steve enjoys volunteering with the United Way VITA program preparing tax returns for low income households. He also volunteers as a buddy diver with Shake-a-Leg Miami's Lockwood Memorial Dive program.
SKILLS
EXPERIENCE
Peace Corps
05 / 2010 - Present
South Florida Recruiter
US Peace Corps
2007 - 2009
Business Development Volunteer at Tonga Development Bank
WPEC-TV, Freedom Broadcasting
2003 - 2007
Executive News Director
WTVC NewsChannel 9
1992 - 2003
News Director
Promoted to co-owned WPEC-TV
KGMB9
1991 - 1992
News Director
WHP-TV
1990 - 1991
News Director
WYOU-TV
1990 - 1990
Assistant News Director
Promoted to co-owned WCJB-TV
WCJB-TV
1987 - 1990
News Director
WTXL-TV
1984 - 1987
Assignment Manager / Assistant News Director
EDUCATION
West Virginia University
1978 - 1983
BS , Broadcast Journalism
Phi Gamma Delta
INTERESTS
SCUBA Diving, Volunteering with United Way
LANGUAGES
PUBLICATIONS
Steve's Adventure with the Peace Corps
05 / 2011
After a 23 year career in TV News, Steve Hunsicker left the comforts of his Florida home, moved to the South Pacific and served for more than two years as Peace Corps Volunteer.
This chronological account of his adventures begins from the day he first decided to apply to Peace Corps until the day he finished his service. Through his stories the reader will gain a great insight into not only the Peace Corps but life in the South Pacific.
Steve's story is a great read for anyone who has wanted to leave the world of corporate America and experience a simpler experience.
The beginning of the book deals a lot with the process of applying to Peace Corps, but once Steve arrives in Tonga, the stories and numerous photos bring to life the people and the culture of the island Kingdom.
The book is available in both printed and electronic form from Amazon.com and other bookstores.
Tonga
07 / 2011
Other Places Publishing · ·http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982261942/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1312239437&sr=8-1
Tonga has eluded outsiders for much of its history. From the imperial powers of Europe to modern-day travelers, Tonga has often been overlooked amongst the South Pacific island nations. But for those who do venture to this archipelago nation, a timeless Polynesian experience awaits; one that is all its own. The writers of this guidebook each lived, worked and played throughout Tonga as Peace Corps Volunteers. They lived with local families, learned village life, and experienced this fascinating country like few outsiders have before. Each writes of the island group where they lived - all reviews are from first-hand experience and local insider information. This comprehensive guidebook covers cultural norms (such as the eyebrow flick and greeting sniff), explains the curious clothing fashions, and divulges secret spots known only to locals. To see the real Tonga and to travel like a local, this book is a must.
- Swim with Whales Tonga is one of only two places in the world where visitors can snorkel alongside these magnificent creatures. The best island groups for whale encounters are Vava u and Ha apai.
- Explore Deserted Beaches and Islands With one hundred sixty-six islands in Tonga, white sandy beaches and uninhabited islands are abundant there.
- Snorkel and Dive Tonga is still unknown to many travelers, leaving unbelievable pristine reefs and dive spots uncrowded, patiently awaiting exploration.
- Experience Local Culture Cultural events, like kava circles and dance performances, provide a unique opportunity to become immersed in the local culture which pervades Tonga.
