Mary Stoker Smith is an award-winning American television journalist, news anchor, and reporter best known for her long-standing career with FOX6 News (WITI-TV) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She anchors FOX6 News at 5 and 10 p.m. and is widely recognized for her in-depth health reporting, investigative features, and community-focused journalism. Since joining FOX6 in May 2010, Smith has become one of Wisconsin’s most respected television personalities. She also earned the Chicago/Midwest Regional Emmy Award for Outstanding News Anchor in both 2021 and 2022.
Before arriving in Milwaukee, Smith worked in several major television markets, including Boston, New Hampshire, Rockford, and Philadelphia. Her career spans more than three decades and includes reporting on crime, politics, education, health, and major community events. She is also known for her extensive charitable work, particularly in breast cancer awareness, adoption advocacy, and children’s organizations.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Mary Stoker Smith |
| Date of Birth | February 11, 1969 |
| Age | 57 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Journalist, News Anchor, Reporter |
| Current Employer | FOX6 News (WITI-TV) |
| Position | Evening News Anchor & Reporter |
| Education | University of Wisconsin–La Crosse; Emerson College |
| Years Active | 1990s–Present |
Early Life and Family
Mary Stoker Smith was born on February 11, 1969, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, where she spent most of her childhood. She has often spoken about her Wisconsin roots and the important role her hometown played in shaping her career and values. Growing up in western Wisconsin, she developed a love for communication and public service that ultimately led her into broadcasting.
One of the most inspiring aspects of Smith’s personal story is that she was adopted at six months old after spending time in three foster homes. She has openly discussed how adoption profoundly influenced her life and why she actively supports adoption awareness initiatives. Her personal experience has made her a passionate advocate for adoptive families and foster children throughout Wisconsin.
Despite being a public figure, Smith has kept the identities of her adoptive parents largely private.
Mary Stoker Smith Father
Many readers search for information about Mary Stoker Smith’s father. However, she has never publicly identified either her biological father or her adoptive father. Because she was adopted as an infant, very little verified information is available regarding her biological parents. Likewise, she has chosen not to publicly disclose the names or occupations of her adoptive parents, preferring to protect their privacy.
Although their identities remain private, Smith has frequently expressed gratitude for the family who adopted and raised her, crediting them with providing a loving home and encouraging her education and career.
Education
After graduating from West Salem High School in Wisconsin, Smith earned a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse. She later worked as a college recruiter for the University of Wisconsin–Madison before deciding to pursue television journalism full time. To prepare for broadcasting, she earned a Master’s Degree in Journalism from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts.
Miss Wisconsin USA
Before establishing herself in journalism, Smith achieved statewide recognition by winning the Miss Wisconsin USA 1996 title. She went on to represent Wisconsin at the Miss USA 1996 pageant in South Padre Island, Texas. Although she did not win the national title, the experience enhanced her public speaking skills and introduced her to audiences across the state.
Early Career
Smith began her television career as a general assignment reporter at WNDS-TV in Derry, New Hampshire. Her strong reporting skills quickly earned her a promotion to evening news anchor, serving audiences throughout New Hampshire and the Boston television market.
She later joined WTVO-TV in Rockford, Illinois, where she anchored the station’s morning news before eventually leading the 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 10 p.m. newscasts. When she departed Rockford, the city honored her contributions by proclaiming “Mary Stoker Smith Day.”
Philadelphia Years
Smith moved to Philadelphia to become the lead anchor at WPHL-TV (WB17) before transitioning to KYW-TV (CBS 3). At KYW, she served as a weekend evening anchor while reporting during the week across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, covering crime, politics, education, health, and feature stories.
FOX6 News
In May 2010, Smith joined FOX6 News (WITI) in Milwaukee. She currently anchors FOX6 News at 5 p.m. and 10 p.m., while also producing and reporting innovative health stories for the station’s evening broadcasts. Her work has included coverage of major Wisconsin news events, public health issues, political developments, and community initiatives.
Awards and Recognition
Smith’s journalism has received numerous honors throughout her career. Most notably, she won the Chicago/Midwest Regional Emmy Award for Outstanding News Anchor in 2021 and 2022. She has also been recognized for her community service and has remained active with organizations such as the American Heart Association, Ronald McDonald House, and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.
Mary Stoker Smith Age
Mary Stoker Smith is 57 years old as of 2026. She was born on February 11, 1969, La Crosse, Wisconsin, United States. She celebrates her birthday each year on February 11, and her zodiac sign is Aquarius.
Mary Stoker Smith Husband
Mary Stoker Smith is married, although she has chosen to keep her husband’s identity out of the public eye. She occasionally mentions her husband in interviews and station biographies but has never publicly shared his name, profession, or other personal details. The couple resides in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Smith has consistently maintained this aspect of her personal life as private.
There is also no verified public information confirming whether the couple has children.
Height
Mary Stoker Smith stands approximately 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 meters) tall. Some biographies report slightly different measurements, but 5 feet 5 inches is the figure most consistently cited across public profiles.
Community Involvement
Smith has devoted considerable time to charitable causes throughout her career. She regularly emcees fundraising events supporting the following:
- Breast cancer awareness.
- The American Heart Association.
- Ronald McDonald House Charities.
- Adoption awareness initiatives.
- Youth leadership and scholarship programs.
She has also publicly documented her own mammogram experience to encourage women to prioritize early breast cancer screening.
Mary Stoker Smith Salary
FOX6 does not publicly disclose employee salaries. Based on industry estimates for veteran anchors in the Milwaukee television market, Smith’s annual salary is generally estimated to fall between $80,000 and $135,000. These figures are third-party estimates and have not been officially confirmed by Smith or FOX6.
Mary Stoker Smith Net Worth
After more than three decades in broadcast journalism, Mary Stoker Smith has accumulated an estimated net worth of between $1 million and $5 million. Her primary income comes from her long television career, public speaking engagements, and community appearances. Like most television personalities, these figures are estimates and have not been publicly verified.
Interesting Facts
- She won Miss Wisconsin USA 1996 and represented Wisconsin at Miss USA 1996.
- She is a two-time Chicago/Midwest Regional Emmy Award-winning news anchor.
- She was adopted at six months old after spending time in foster care.
- She holds degrees from both the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse and Emerson College.
- She has worked in New Hampshire, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin during her broadcasting career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mary Stoker Smith?
Mary Stoker Smith is an American television journalist and award-winning anchor for FOX6 News (WITI) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She anchors the station’s 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts and is known for her health reporting.
How old is Mary Stoker Smith?
She was born on February 11, 1969, making her 57 years old as of 2026.
Who is Mary Stoker Smith’s father?
Mary has not publicly identified her biological or adoptive father. She has shared that she was adopted as an infant but has chosen to keep her family members’ identities private.
Is Mary Stoker Smith married?
Yes. She is married, but she has not publicly disclosed her husband’s identity.
What is Mary Stoker Smith’s salary?
Her annual salary is estimated to range between $80,000 and $135,000, although FOX6 has not officially confirmed her compensation.
What is Mary Stoker Smith’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is between $1 million and $5 million, based on third-party estimates of her long broadcasting career.