Sandra Smith is 46 years old, having been born on September 22, 1980. Best known as a prominent broadcast journalist and television anchor, she currently co-anchors America Reports on the Fox News Channel alongside John Roberts. Before making her mark in television news, she spent years working directly on financial trading floors and equity markets.
Understanding her trajectory requires looking past simple biographical trivia. Her path from Chicago trading desks to national television news explains how she built a distinct reputation in broadcast media.
Early Life and Athletic Roots
Born and raised in Wheaton, Illinois, a western suburb of Chicago, Smith grew up in a household deeply connected to finance. Her father worked as a floor trader at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, exposing her to market dynamics from an early age.
During her time at Wheaton Warrenville South High School, she excelled academically and athletically. She served as the cross-country team captain, earned All-DuPage Valley Conference honors, and competed in track events before graduating in 1998.
She initially attended Illinois State University before transferring to Louisiana State University (LSU). At LSU, she ran track and field—competing in events like the 1,500 meters and steeplechase—and earned a bachelor's degree in business with a minor in speech.
From Chicago Trading Floors to Wall Street
Unlike many media personalities who follow a traditional reporting track straight out of college, Smith entered the financial sector first. Her early roles included working as a research associate at Aegis Capital Group and a trader at Hermitage Capital.
She later moved to Terra Nova Institutional in Chicago, where she served as director of institutional sales and trading. In this role, she managed hedge fund accounts, handled institutional investments, and helped develop program trading models. That hands-on market experience gave her a practical, analytical foundation that later set her apart from general assignment reporters.
Transition to Broadcast Journalism
Smith transitioned from finance to media by joining Bloomberg Television as an on-air reporter, where she covered U.S. equities and derivatives markets.
In October 2007, she joined the newly launched Fox Business Network (FBN) as a reporter. Her expertise allowed her to bridge complex economic reporting with general audience broadcasts. She became a regular contributor to programs like Imus in the Morning and gained broader visibility across both FBN and the Fox News Channel.
Key Career Milestones at Fox
- 2007: Joined Fox Business Network as a foundational reporter.
- 2014: Named a co-host of the daytime talk program Outnumbered.
- 2015: Co-moderated the first Republican presidential primary debate hosted by Fox Business.
- 2017: Shifted to co-anchor America's Newsroom.
- 2021: Transitioned to co-anchor America Reports on weekdays alongside John Roberts.
Personal Life and Family
Smith married John Conolly, a former financial professional and business commentator, in May 2010. The couple met during their days working together in institutional finance. They live in New York City and have two children together, a daughter named Cora and a son named John Jr.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sandra Smith's current role on television?
She serves as the co-anchor of America Reports on the Fox News Channel, airing weekday afternoons.
Did Sandra Smith work in finance before television?
Yes. She spent several years working in institutional sales, research, and trading for firms including Aegis Capital, Hermitage Capital, and Terra Nova Institutional before moving into broadcast journalism.
Where did Sandra Smith go to college?
She started her undergraduate studies at Illinois State University and later transferred to Louisiana State University, where she graduated with a degree in business and competed in Division I track and field.
Is Sandra Smith married?
Yes, she married John Conolly in 2010, and the couple has two children.
