Heather Catallo is an award-winning investigative reporter whose work has changed laws, imprisoned criminals, prompted FBI investigations, led to major government reforms and held public officials accountable.
Heather's investigation into the probate courts in Southeast Michigan resulted in the passage of Public Acts 13-14 of 2018. Her work forced the resignation and termination of three public officials, and changed the way Public Administrators can handle probate estates after someone dies. Her investigation into probate court guardianships prompted a First Amendment battle with a local judge and lawyers, and she has become known across the country for her guardianship and conservatorship system reporting. Legislation has now been introduced in Lansing for reforms based on her work.
Heather is also known for providing some of the most comprehensive coverage of the historic Kilpatrick Corruption Trial. Her investigation into Wayne County government resulted in resignations, terminations, suspensions, and indictments of former County Executive Robert Ficano’s appointees. Heather's work led to the extensive FBI investigation into corruption allegations in that administration.
Her past investigations have challenged the state's foster care system and exposed flaws in the way some children are removed from their parents, even forcing one court to change its policies on child removal hearings. Heather also exposed a national adoption fraud scheme, and her undercover reporting showed how the main suspect in the case was violating her bond which landed her in federal prison.
Heather is the recipient of some of journalism's highest honors. She was awarded the DuPont-Columbia Award, regarded as the most prestigious prize in broadcast journalism. Heather has won 19 EMMY awards, including an EMMY for Best Reporter and Best Investigative Reporter. Investigative Reporters and Editors, Inc. (IRE) cited her work on the Wayne County investigation as among the country's best reporting. Heather's work earned her a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award for her probate investigation. The Michigan Association of Broadcasters named Heather the 2023 Reporter of the Year. She also won Reporter of the Year in 2013, 2010, 2009 and 2007. Heather has also received several Associated Press Awards for her reporting. The Society of Professional Journalists has also honored Heather with several First Place awards for Investigative Reporting and Open Government Reporting.
Heather is a metro-Detroit native, and a graduate of Syracuse University's S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.
If you have any stories or questions for Heather email her at hcatallo@wxyz.com.
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