Betty-Jo Cugini is vice president of news at NBC 10, the top-rated television news operation in the Providence-New Bedford market.

Cugini received the 2005 Press Freedom Award from the Radio/Television News Directors Association.

Cugini has been nominated for an ATHENA award, which recognizes women for outstanding leadership.

Cugini is a board member of Adoption Rhode Island and Family Services of Rhode Island, serves on the advisory committee for Women's Resource Center of South County, is a member of the Dante Society and is a graduate of Leadership Rhode Island.

Cugini joined WJAR in 1987 as an assignment editor. She was promoted to manager of special projects and assistant news director. As special projects manager, Cugini directed election coverage at NBC 10 for 10 years. She also developed and produced the curriculum guide, an educational project created in conjunction with Rhode Island College and used in area schools. She is a two-time Emmy Award winner.

Prior to NBC 10, Cugini worked at WEAN radio and WLNE-TV.

Cugini served as the Rhode Island correspondent for USA Today from 1983 to 1987 and wrote two feature articles for the national publication.

She is the mother of two children, Christopher and Katharine.