Age: 37
Company: WFSB — Channel 3 Eyewitness News
Title: Evening News Anchor
No. of years with current company: 6
Town where I live: Rocky Hill
Town where I work: Rocky Hill
College: Tufts University
Highest degree: Bachelor’s degree in political science and mass media and communications studies
Erin Connolly is an Emmy-nominated journalist who has been anchoring and reporting across the country for more than a decade. She is currently an evening anchor for the No. 1 news team in Connecticut. Connolly joined WFSB in 2014 and can be seen weekdays anchoring Eyewitness News at 4 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 11 p.m.
What’s been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career?
I was able to share the story of a local man in desperate need of a liver. One of our viewers saw the piece on WFSB and ended up donating her organ — ultimately, saving his life. I was able to reunite the pair following surgery.
How are you involved in the community?
I pride myself on being an active volunteer and attending as many charity events as possible. Since starting at WFSB, I have helped raise money for a number of organizations, including the Channel 3 Kids Camp, Hartford HealthCare and Connecticut Children’s.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, including my husband, Billy, and my daughters, Ireland (4) and Connolly (2). I also love traveling, playing sports and cooking
How did dealing with the coronavirus pandemic help you grow as a leader?
I was trusted by the people in our state to give them accurate and timely information about COVID-19. It is a responsibility I did not take lightly. I worked hard to create a balance of professionalism and compassion in my reporting.
Four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty:
1. Emmy-nominated journalist who has been anchoring and reporting across the country for more than a decade.
2. Serves as the evening news anchor at WFSB — the No. 1 news team in Connecticut
3. Graduated from Tufts University and served as the co-captain of the women’s basketball team.
4. Donated countless hours to various charities by making appearances and speeches to help raise money.
Fun Fact
I am a former New York state free throw champion.