William Nettle is a familiar face around Vicksburg.

The station director of VTV, the city of Vicksburg’s local access channel, he’s usually found either out with one of the station’s film crews covering city-sponsored and other community events going on in the city or getting the board room at the City Hall Annex ready for a meeting or other programming.

A Warren Central graduate, Nettle attended Jackson State University, where he majored in mass communications. He’s been with VTV for nine years, starting part-time as a videographer and editor, and later joining the staff full-time.

He was named station director in 2013 when former director Willis Thompson was elected South Ward alderman.

“I enjoy it; it’s been good,” he said of his time with VTV. “I’ve met a lot of good people, made some good friends, and I’m grateful for the time that I’ve had here. It’s been a good job to have. I feel very fortunate to have had this job for the time I had it.”

Nettle is leaving his job on Thursday to focus on working as a Realtor, which he has been doing part time for about nine years.

The VTV job also influenced him to get involved in the community, he said.

“It started off as me going to a lot of events that the job carried me to. Going out and seeing there were so many things that I can involve myself in from behind the camera; hearing people tell their stories and listening to people highlighting the needs of the community.

“I realize that I could help, so I just started reaching out to people I’ve met over the years, and networking and working with people who provided the avenue to help me reach out and serve.”

He began volunteering through the United Way of West Central Mississippi, and becoming a member of United Way’s Board of Directors and its community investment committee at the invitation of United Way director Michele Connelly. “I thought about it (the invitation) for a few minutes, and I immediately said, ‘Yes I’m interested in that,’” he said.

The community investment committee, Nettle said, meets with directors of United Way’s member agencies to discuss their needs so they can determine the best way to utilize the donations the organization receives.

Nettle, who is also a Realtor, also serves on the Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors, and is a member of the Vicksburg Kiwanis Club and the Vicksburg Optimist Club.

He said he enjoys serving on the Habitat board, “Because it’s a need. A lot of people need good, affordable housing and as a Realtor I see a need — that people just don’t have access to good quality housing. I love being in a position to help someone achieve that goal.”

Outside of his community work, Nettle is active in Bypass Church of Christ on U.S. 61 North, teaching Bible class and serving as a LIFE group coordinator.

LIFE group, he said, is an association in the church composed of different groups.

“I’m with the singles. Single people (in the church) get together and discuss the issues we face as singles that married people don’t, and we try to try to be there for one another and help each other out.”

He also serves as the church’s audiovisual director, a song leader and youth coordinator. “I stay busy with the church; I enjoy it,” he said. “So many people have given to me over the years when I was growing up, I don’t mind giving back to the kids that are up and coming today.”

Nettle has been a Realtor for nine years.

He said he initially never thought about going into real estate until he talked to a family friend who suggested it.

“I shadowed a Realtor around one the day, and I loved it. I felt it was something I could do, so I’ve been doing it ever since,” he said. “It’s so rewarding. So many people are achieving a goal they never thought they could, so when they get to that closing table and get those keys, it’s rewarding to me to know I helped somebody achieve that goal. That’s what I love about being a real estate agent.”

His love of working in real estate has influenced him to resign his position with VTV and go into real estate full time.

“I’ll miss the camaraderie with my co-workers,” he said. “I made some friends here over the years, and I’m going to miss interacting with them. I’ll miss the job, too. I’ll still be going to the same events, but I’ll miss being with the city of Vicksburg workers.”

But he’ll still be available to help in the community.

“I’m always ready to help out when there’s something I can do, help out and fulfill a need,” he said.