Meet the Team
Introducing the staff of The Upbeat Reporter
Publisher
Mary Kay Kuhrts
Mary Kay Kuhrts dreamed of publishing a Christian news magazine in 1988 during a successful career in printing sales for a publishing house in Fort Worth. Born and raised in Borger, Texas, Mary Kay gained her experience in graphic design, marketing, and public relations over the next ten years after moving to Amarillo in 1990.
Her dream finally came to fruition, and the first issue of The Upbeat Reporter was launched from the office of The Canyon News in November of 1999 and was printed and distributed in Amarillo and Canyon.
Since that time, Mary Kay worked for local nonprofit organizations, but began dreaming once again of publishing The Upbeat Reporter. She re-launched the publication in June 2019, and her mission remains “Bringing Good News, Hope and Direction to The Texas Panhandle.”
Creative Director
Cathleen Tyson-Day
Cathleen Tyson-Day is the head of the design department at PPS in Amarillo, Texas. Her professional career spans over her lifetime specializing in marketing and graphic design. Cathleen consults and designs with companies and non-profit organizations in Amarillo, Lubbock and Midland; developing their marketing and online campaigns. Winter 2022, she began as Creative Director over Magazine Design/Marketing/Promotions for The Upbeat Reporter.
Cathleen was the artist over the design/marketing/program layout under the direction of Mila Gibson for the Amarillo Opera for over twelve years. She designed the brand and logo that was used from 1996 to through 2009.
Cathleen continues to be designer/consultant for the Downtown Women's Center and Leadership Amarillo & Canyon's annual fundraiser luncheons for over eight years.
Cathleen's is a large supporter and singer in the Amarillo community.
She is married to Billy Day.
Email: cattyson@gmail.com
Editor
Janet Byars
Janet Byars is semi-retired and works part-time for the Amarillo Area Bar Association. She has worked in the legal field and the mental health field over several decades. She enjoys working with her sister, Mary Kay, on the Upbeat Reporter!