Tarlesha Acoff

Born and raised in Bessemer, AL, Tarlesha studied Mass Communications with a concentration in Radio/Television at Alabama State University. She graduated Magna Cum Laude and earned her B.A. in Communications. Tarlesha became a part of the communications field early, landing her first job before even graduating college as Radio Personality at WVAS 90.7FM, temporarily filling in for Mel Marshall on the Mel Marshall Morning Show. She later joined the Bama State Radio team and hosted her own radio morning show from 6 to 8 a.m. Mondays through Fridays. During her collegiate career, Tarlesha was a director for HorneTVision, directing basketball, football, and baseball games throughout the seasons. That is where her passion for directing began.

Tarlesha joined WSFA 12 News in July 2012 as a Technical Media Producer. She directs fast-paced newscasts, cut-ins for breaking news stories, and other news-related productions. Today in Alabama as well as Alabama Live, are her main newscasts. In her directing career, she has had the pleasure of directing NBC’s Lester Holt. She directed local coverage of three American Presidents—President Joe Biden, Donald Trump and President Barack Obama. In 2019, Tarlesha was given the honor of becoming a force to be reckoned with behind the scenes of television and in front of the camera. She currently hosts her very own TV segment, “The Rundown,” which airs Thursdays and Fridays on WSFA 12 News and has been on since 2021. She is also the co-host of Fridays in the Kitchen, which airs on the first Friday of every month during Alabama Live. She is also the producer, director, and editor of “Being Real with Bethany” on WSFA, deemed a ‘podcast you can watch.’

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her dog Cruella, traveling, and of course, cheering on her Alabama State Hornets. She plans to be a multifaceted African American woman in Television who can not only direct outstanding television but also step in front of the camera and be a phenomenal TV personality.