Jason Pederson is a Wisconsinite by birth and an Arkansan by choice. He was raised by his father and mother (Joel and Judy) in the town of around 5,000 people (New Richmond, WI). The population today is just over 10,000. Both Jason and his brother Eric, one year younger, are grateful for the love and commitment their parents have for one another and for the small-town values, ethics and opportunities their upbringing produced.
After graduating with a degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Wisconsin – River Falls, Jason accepted a job with KTVE (NBC) in El Dorado. While working in south Arkansas he met his future wife and El Dorado native Mary Carol Spencer. 1995 was a big year for the couple: they were married, moved to Little Rock (where they still reside), joined Fellowship Bible Church (where they still attend), and Jason started at KATV Channel 7 (ABC).
From 1999 to 2019, Jason served as the station’s 7-On-Your-Side reporter. In 2019, he joined the Arkansas Department of Human Services where he serves as Deputy Chief of Community Engagement. Jason and Mary Carol have two children, Spencer (1999) and Shelby (2001). About that same time, Jason and Mary Carol became certified foster parents and welcomed a teenager into their home.
J.B. has been their bonus-son ever since, and J.B. has added a bonus daughter-in-law (Terra) and bonus grandson (Eli). The couple’s experience with the foster care system motivated Mary Carol to start a Christian non-profit (The CALL), which helps recruit, train, and support foster families. Mary Carol is currently the Executive Director of STEP Ministries, a Christian non-profit that helps partner disadvantaged youth with mentors, encouragers, and tutors. For fun, Jason enjoys spending time with his nieces, attending Razorback sporting events, playing disc golf, singing karaoke, antiquing, and traveling…all with Mary Carol. “Somebody’s Knocking” is Jason’s first book. He’s already working on his second. Stay tuned.