After being let go by ABC-7 in 2016, local news anchor Leon Harris is joining rival station NBC4 Washington.

Harris became a familiar face and beloved personality over his 13-year tenure anchoring the 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts at ABC-7. But that station didn’t renew his contract last fall, and on Thursday, NBC4 announced that it was adding Harris to its roster.

“This has been such a great surprise,” Harris said in a phone interview Thursday after lunching with new colleague Doreen Gentzler. “It’s given me a really, really good energy. I was at ABC-7 almost 14 years. Getting the chance to hit the reset button like this is really refreshing for me.”

In his new position, Harris will co-anchor NBC’s weekend newscasts at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. with Erika Gonzalez. The station said that he also will contribute to breaking news coverage, special reports and recurring segments that will focus on “inspiring people in our community.”

Harris started his career behind the scenes at CNN, first as an intern and then working in the network’s satellite department in the 1980s. He became an anchor in the early ’90s and was at the anchor desk for much of the network’s coverage of the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995 and the 2000 presidential election. He was part of the CNN team that won an Emmy for the network’s coverage of the World Trade Center attacks in 2001.

But after a shake-up at CNN, Harris joined ABC-7 in 2003, quickly becoming a fixture in Washingtonians’ living rooms. Known for his deep laugh, ever-present mustache and ability to connect with viewers, he twice won the local Emmy for Best Anchor.

In a statement, Jackie Bradford, president and general manager of NBC4, said, “Leon has been an incredibly well-respected journalist, both in Washington and on a national stage for many years. We are very glad he has agreed to join our team and continue his career here.”

Harris turned 56 on Thursday. “Today is my birthday and this is my gift,” he said.