WFTS weekend morning anchor Ellen McNamara has left the Tampa ABC-affiliate for a Monday-Friday anchor-reporter job at KSTP in Minneapolis-St. Paul.

McNamara began her broadcasting career with CBS-affiliate KLBK in Lubbock, TX.  After a stint with KXAN in Austin, she joined WFTS in April 2009.

McNamara is the daughter of longtime CBS News correspondent Bob McNamara and her family has strong ties to the Twin Cities. Her parents met in Minnesota and her dad worked at local CBS-affiliate WCCO before joining CBS News.

“Although I’ve never lived there, my family has strong ties to the area,” McNamara said, mentioning that her sister currently lives in Minnesota. “I’m very excited.”

An avid runner, McNamara is set to join KSTP after she competes in the Boston Marathon on April 16th. Her first day is scheduled for the 23rd.

Here’s part of McNamara’s final newscast at WFTS…