Sandra Smith is an established American television journalist and news anchor who currently co-anchors America Reports on the Fox News Channel alongside John Roberts. Before entering broadcast journalism, Smith built a professional foundation in finance, working as a stock and options trader and institutional sales director. Her transition from the trading floor to national television news distinguishes her background from many traditional media personalities.
This profile examines Sandra Smith's trajectory, covering her roots in Illinois, her financial sector career, her rise through the Fox News and Fox Business networks, and her personal life.
Early Life and Educational Background
Born in Wheaton, Illinois, a western suburb of Chicago, Smith grew up in a household deeply connected to financial markets. Her father worked as a floor trader at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, and several relatives held positions within Chicago's financial district.
During her years at Wheaton Warrenville South High School, Smith balanced academics with competitive athletics. She served as the captain of the cross-country team, earned varsity letters in both cross country and track, and qualified for state-level athletic events. More details regarding the matter are explored by Associated Press.
She began her higher education at Illinois State University before transferring to Louisiana State University (LSU). At LSU, she continued her involvement in track and field, competing in middle-distance running events such as the 1,500 meters, the mile, and the steeplechase. She graduated from LSU with a degree in journalism and a minor in speech.
The Financial Sector Career
Unlike many journalists who enter the media straight out of college, Smith spent several years working directly within the financial industry.
Her early career roles included:
- Research Associate at Aegis Capital Group: Conducted research and analysis on retail stocks, produced weekly client newsletters, and identified potential investment opportunities.
- Trader at Hermitage Capital Corporation: Executed U.S. equities and options orders in New York City, performed portfolio analysis, and prepared commission reports.
- Director of Institutional Sales and Trading at Terra Nova Institutional: Managed investment management and hedge fund accounts in Chicago, assisting clients with program trading models.
This background gave her direct, practical experience with equities, derivatives, and institutional trading, which later informed her entry into business journalism.
Transition to Broadcast Journalism
Smith entered television reporting as an on-air reporter for Bloomberg Television. In this role, she covered U.S. equities and derivatives markets, contributed to breaking news segments, and wrote for Bloomberg Press.
In October 2007, she joined the newly launched Fox Business Network (FBN) as a reporter. Her financial expertise allowed her to deliver market commentary and analysis across various network programs. She also made regular guest appearances on programs such as Imus in the Morning and the late-night satire show Red Eye.
Expansion at Fox News
Over time, Smith's responsibilities expanded from business reporting to general news and political commentary on the Fox News Channel.
- Outnumbered: In April 2014, she became a co-host of Outnumbered, a daytime panel discussion program addressing current news and cultural topics.
- Presidential Debates: In 2015, Smith made history by co-moderating the first Republican presidential primary debate hosted by Fox Business Network, working alongside Trish Regan.
- America's Newsroom: She transitioned to co-anchoring the morning news program America's Newsroom alongside Dana Perino in 2017.
- America Reports: She currently serves as co-anchor of America Reports with John Roberts, airing weekday afternoons and focusing on breaking headlines, prominent issues, and interviews with newsmakers.
Personal Life and Family
Smith married John Connelly in May 2010 at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago. The couple met years earlier while working together at Terra Nova Institutional. They live with their two children, a daughter born in 2013 and a son born in 2015.
While Smith maintains a high public profile due to her daily television presence, her husband has generally maintained a low public profile, working in finance and marketing. Smith has frequently credited her family as a vital support system given the demanding schedule of live daily broadcasting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sandra Smith's educational background?
Smith graduated from Wheaton Warrenville South High School in Illinois and earned a degree in journalism with a minor in speech from Louisiana State University.
Did Sandra Smith work in finance before television?
Yes. Before becoming a broadcast journalist, she worked as a stock research associate, an equities and options trader, and an institutional sales director.
What show does Sandra Smith currently co-anchor?
She co-anchors America Reports on the Fox News Channel alongside John Roberts on weekday afternoons.
When did Sandra Smith join Fox News?
She joined the Fox media family in October 2007 as part of the launch team for the Fox Business Network before expanding into Fox News Channel programming.
