Erin Ivory, professionally known for many years as Erin McElroy, is an Emmy Award-winning American journalist, feature reporter, and television news anchor currently working for WGN-TV in Chicago, Illinois. She joined WGN in April 2011 and initially became well known as part of the station’s WGN Morning News, where she served as a traffic anchor and morning reporter. After years of early-morning broadcasting, she transitioned to the WGN Evening News, where she focuses on feature stories highlighting remarkable people and communities across the Chicago area.
Known for her warm personality, engaging storytelling, and community-focused journalism, Ivory has spent more than two decades in television news. Before arriving at WGN, she worked at television stations in Milwaukee, South Bend, Rockford, and WGN’s sister station CLTV, building extensive experience in reporting, anchoring, and traffic coverage.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Erin McElroy Ivory |
| Professional Name | Erin Ivory |
| Profession | Journalist, Feature Reporter |
| Nationality | American |
| Current Employer | WGN-TV Chicago |
| Position | Feature Reporter |
| Birthplace | Bellingham, Washington |
| Education | Columbia College Chicago |
| Degree | Broadcast Journalism |
| Years Active | 1990s–Present |
Early Life and Family
Erin Ivory was born and raised in Bellingham, Washington, where she spent most of her childhood. She has spoken publicly about one of the defining moments of her youth: when she was in fifth grade, her parents divorced. Erin has often credited her mother with being a source of strength and inspiration during that difficult period, noting that watching her mother persevere shaped her own determination and work ethic.
Although Erin has shared parts of her upbringing, she has largely kept details about her parents and siblings private. Public sources indicate that her father worked as a teacher and later served as an elementary school principal before retiring, while information about her siblings has not been widely disclosed.
Education
Erin attended Columbia College Chicago, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in broadcast journalism. During college, she developed practical newsroom skills that prepared her for a successful career in television reporting and anchoring.
Early Television Career
Before joining WGN-TV, Erin worked at several Midwest television stations, including:
- WSBT-TV in South Bend, Indiana
- WREX-TV in Rockford, Illinois
- WDJT-TV in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- CLTV, WGN’s Chicago-based sister station
While working in Rockford, she helped launch “CommuterCast,” an online traffic reporting service that delivered regular travel updates for viewers. These roles allowed her to gain experience in anchoring, reporting, and traffic broadcasting.
WGN-TV Career
Erin joined WGN-TV in April 2011. She initially became a familiar face on WGN Morning News, serving as a traffic anchor and helicopter traffic reporter while also covering breaking news and feature stories. Her energetic reporting style and strong connection with viewers made her one of the station’s most recognizable personalities.
After years on the morning team, she transitioned to the WGN Evening News, returning to her roots as a feature reporter. In this role, she highlights uplifting stories, inspiring individuals, local organizations, and unique events throughout Chicagoland.
Awards and Recognition
Erin Ivory has received multiple honors during her broadcasting career, including Emmy Awards recognizing her excellence in television journalism. She has earned praise for her storytelling, feature reporting, and ability to connect with audiences through meaningful community-focused journalism.
Erin Ivory Age
Erin Ivory was born on July 25, 1974, in Bellingham, Washington. As of 2026, she is 52 years old and celebrates her birthday each year on July 25. Her zodiac sign is Leo. While some online biographies report different birth years, the most consistently cited date is July 25, 1974.
Erin Ivory Husband
Erin Ivory is married to Demetrius Ivory, the Chief Meteorologist at WGN-TV. The couple met while working at the station and publicly announced their relationship in 2014 before marrying on December 21, 2014, in Chicago. Their marriage is well known among WGN viewers because both are prominent members of the station’s news team.
Erin Ivory Children
Erin and Demetrius have a blended family with four children.
Their family includes:
- Lucia (daughter)
- Joaquin (son)
- Twin daughters Hadley and Harlow, who were born in 2016 through gestational surrogacy after Erin experienced pregnancy-related medical complications.
The couple has openly discussed their fertility journey, hoping their experience would encourage and support other families facing similar challenges.
Erin Ivory Health Journey
In 2021, Erin revealed that she had suffered a heart attack and had been away from WGN while recovering. She later explained that her experience was unexpected because she had no typical risk factors and maintained an active lifestyle. Her openness about recovery and heart health raised awareness about cardiovascular disease, particularly among women, and inspired many viewers.
Erin Ivory Family
Erin frequently shares moments with her husband and children on social media, but she has generally kept details about her parents and extended family private. Her public life centers largely on her journalism career and immediate family.
Erin Ivory Height
Erin Ivory’s height has not been officially listed by WGN-TV. She stands at approximately 5 feet 4 inches (1.63 meters). Since WGN has not verified this measurement, it should be regarded as an estimate.
Erin Ivory Salary
WGN-TV does not publicly disclose employee compensation.
Based on industry averages for experienced reporters and anchors in the Chicago television market, Erin Ivory’s annual salary is estimated to range between $80,000 and $120,000. Various online sources provide lower and higher estimates, but none have been officially confirmed by WGN or Ivory.
Erin Ivory Net Worth
Erin Ivory has spent more than two decades in broadcast journalism, building a successful career across several Midwest television stations.
Her estimated net worth is between $1 million and $5 million, primarily derived from television journalism, speaking engagements, and related professional work. As with most broadcasters, no official financial disclosures have been made, so these figures are estimates.
Interesting Facts
- Erin joined WGN-TV in April 2011 and later transitioned from morning traffic to feature reporting on the evening news.
- She graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a degree in broadcast journalism.
- She is married to Demetrius Ivory, WGN-TV’s chief meteorologist.
- She and her husband have openly shared their surrogacy journey to help raise awareness about infertility.
- Erin publicly discussed recovering from a heart attack in 2021, encouraging viewers to pay attention to heart health regardless of age or fitness level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Erin Ivory?
Erin Ivory (formerly Erin McElroy) is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and feature reporter at WGN-TV in Chicago. She joined the station in 2011 after working at several Midwest television stations.
How old is Erin Ivory?
Erin Ivory was born on July 25, 1974, making her 52 years old as of 2026.
Is Erin Ivory married?
Yes. Erin Ivory is married to Demetrius Ivory, WGN-TV’s Chief Meteorologist. They married on December 21, 2014.
How many children does Erin Ivory have?
She has four children in a blended family: Lucia, Joaquin, and twin daughters Hadley and Harlow. The twins were born through gestational surrogacy in 2016.
What happened to Erin Ivory’s health?
In 2021, Erin revealed that she had suffered a heart attack and later returned to work after recovering. She has since used her experience to promote awareness of heart disease symptoms and prevention.
What is Erin Ivory’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth ranges between $1 million and $5 million, based on her long career in broadcast journalism.