Kelly Evans Biography | CNBC, “The Exchange” & Co-Anchor, “Power Lunch”

Kelly Evans: CNBC Anchor, “The Exchange” & “Power Lunch” | Biography

Kelly Evans is a prominent American journalist and television personality currently serving as a co-anchor for two popular programs on the CNBC business news channel: “The Exchange” and “Power Lunch.”

Here’s a brief overview of her background and career:

• Early Life and Education: Born in Syracuse, New York, Kelly was raised in Lexington, Virginia. She graduated magna cum laude from Washington and Lee University with a bachelor’s degree in business journalism.

• Career Beginnings: Kelly started her journalism career at The Wall Street Journal in 2007, where she covered real estate and economics. She wrote columns “Ahead of the Tapes” and “Heard on the Street” and hosted the daily “News Hub” on WSJ.com.

• Joining CNBC: In 2012, Kelly moved to CNBC Europe in London and a year later relocated to CNBC’s headquarters in New Jersey. She has co-hosted various shows on CNBC, including “Closing Bell.”

• Current Roles: Kelly anchors CNBC’s “The Exchange,” a program aimed at today’s investors, and co-anchors “Power Lunch.” Both shows are broadcast from CNBC’s headquarters in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.

Key Achievements and Contributions

• “The Exchange” and “Power Lunch”: Evans’s insightful commentary and engaging interviewing style have made her a valuable asset to both “The Exchange” and “Power Lunch,” where she provides viewers with in-depth analysis of market trends, economic indicators, and breaking news.

• Wall Street Journal Contributions: Her work at The Wall Street Journal, including her insightful columns and the “News Hub” program, established her as a respected voice in financial journalism.

• Moderating Roles: Evans has demonstrated her versatility by moderating high-profile events, such as a 2012 Republican Primary debate and a debate between James Carville and Ann Coulter.

Early Life and Education:

From an early age, Kelly was an accomplished athlete. She attended Rockbridge County High School, where she earned eight varsity letters in lacrosse, cross country, and track.

Kelly even placed 8th in Virginia at the cross-country state championships during her sophomore year.

After high school, Kelly attended Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. She graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in business journalism.

Kelly was not only dedicated to her studies but also excelled in sports.

She was a George Washington Honor Scholar, a four-time scholar-athlete, and co-captain of the women’s lacrosse team, receiving First Team All-State, First Team All-ODAC, and First Team All-Region selections.

She was also elected to the national leadership honor society Omicron Delta Kappa.

Parents and Siblings:

Kelly Evans was born in Hartford, Connecticut, and raised in the charming town of Lexington, Virginia.

Nestled in Rockbridge County near the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lexington provided a rustic and tight-knit community that significantly influenced Kelly’s early years.

The picturesque environment fueled her love for the outdoors and sports, laying the groundwork for her future successes.

Parents

• Father: Dave Evans, a man known for his unwavering support and encouragement. He played a pivotal role in Kelly’s life, fostering her academic and athletic achievements.

• Mother: Although details about her mother are sparse, it’s clear that a strong family foundation helped shape Kelly’s remarkable journey.

Siblings

Kelly has chosen to keep much of her personal life private, including details about her siblings.

This discretion speaks to her professional focus and commitment to maintaining a boundary between her personal and public life.

Career:

Evans began her journalism career at The Wall Street Journal in 2007, covering real estate and economics.

She wrote the “Ahead of the Tape” column, contributed to “Heard on the Street,” and hosted the daily “News Hub” program on WSJ.com.

In 2012, she joined CNBC as an on-air correspondent, initially based in London before moving to the network’s headquarters in New Jersey.

At CNBC, Evans co-anchored “Closing Bell” and later took on roles as host of “The Exchange” and co-anchor of “Power Lunch.”

Early Career at The Wall Street Journal

Kelly Evans embarked on her journalism career at The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) in 2007, right after her graduation.

At WSJ, she covered critical beats focusing on real estate and economics. Her exceptional work led her to become a part of the prestigious Global Economics Bureau.

She gained significant recognition for her insightful columns “Ahead of the Tape” and “Heard on the Street,” which were widely read by the financial community.

Additionally, Kelly hosted the daily “News Hub” on WSJ.com, further honing her skills in presenting and discussing complex economic issues.

Move to CNBC Europe

In May 2012, Kelly made a significant career move by joining CNBC Europe in London, England. Here, she served as an on-air correspondent and handled various business day programs for CNBC.

This role marked a transition from print journalism to television, allowing her to leverage her deep understanding of financial topics in a new medium. Kelly replaced Erin Burnett, who left CNBC for a position at CNN.

Relocation to CNBC Headquarters in New Jersey

In May 2013, Kelly relocated to CNBC’s headquarters in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. This shift was another pivotal moment in her career, as she took on the role of co-anchor for “Closing Bell” after Maria Bartiromo’s departure.

Kelly’s tenure on “Closing Bell” showcased her ability to dissect and discuss market movements and financial news in a clear and engaging manner. Her tenure on the show lasted until 2018, when Sara Eisen took over the co-anchor role.

Hosting “The Exchange” and “Power Lunch”

In 2018, Kelly transitioned to a prominent hosting role for CNBC’s program “The Exchange”.

This show is specifically designed for today’s investors, focusing on market trends and investment strategies.

Kelly’s insightful analysis and engaging presentation style quickly made “The Exchange” a popular program among viewers.

Additionally, she co-anchors “Power Lunch”, where she covers the most pressing financial news and provides in-depth discussions on economic issues.

Her dual roles on these shows demonstrate her extensive knowledge and versatility in financial journalism.

Notable Coverage:

Kelly Evans has had several notable coverage moments throughout her career, making a significant impact in the world of financial journalism.

• 2012 Republican Primary Debate: Kelly was one of the moderators for the Republican Primary debate held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in 2012. This high-profile event showcased her ability to handle significant political and economic discussions.

• James Carville vs. Ann Coulter Debate: Kelly moderated a debate between political pundits James Carville and Ann Coulter during Washington and Lee University’s 25th annual Mock Convention. This debate further established her as a prominent figure in moderating contentious and high-stakes discussions.

• Global Economic Coverage: Throughout her tenure at The Wall Street Journal, Kelly covered critical beats focusing on real estate and economics. She wrote impactful columns such as “Ahead of the Tape” and “Heard on the Street,” and hosted the daily “News Hub” on WSJ.com.

• Federal Reserve and Inflation: Currently, at CNBC, Kelly covers a wide range of topics including finance, cryptocurrency, and the impacts of artificial intelligence on markets. She is particularly known for her keen focus on the Federal Reserve and inflation, providing insightful analysis that helps viewers understand complex economic issues.

• Market Movements and Economic Trends: As the host of “The Exchange” and co-anchor of “Power Lunch,” Kelly has covered numerous stories about market movements and economic trends. Her ability to break down and communicate these complex topics has made her a trusted voice in the financial community.

Kelly Evans has worked alongside many talented colleagues at CNBC. Here are a few notable ones:

• Tyler Mathisen: Tyler is the managing editor and co-anchor of CNBC’s “Power Lunch” alongside Kelly. He is an experienced journalist with extensive knowledge of economy and finance.

• Sara Eisen: Sara took over the co-anchor role on “Closing Bell” after Kelly moved to “The Exchange” in 2018. Sara is known for her work on international and financial news.

• Joe Kernen: Joe is a co-anchor of CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” the network’s signature morning program featuring discussions on the day’s top stories.

• Melissa Lee: Melissa is the host of “Fast Money,” a fast-paced look at the world of Wall Street.

• Andrew Ross Sorkin: Andrew is the co-anchor of “Squawk Box,” and he’s known for his in-depth analysis of financial markets and major corporations.

These colleagues, along with Kelly Evans, contribute to the network’s solid reputation in business news and financial journalism.

Financial Status:

Personal Life:

• Age: Kelly Evans was born on July 17, 1985, making her 39 years old.

• Zodiac Sign: Being born on July 17, Kelly’s zodiac sign is Cancer.

• Ethnicity: Kelly Evans is of Caucasian ethnicity.

• Nationality: She holds American nationality.

• Marital Status: Kelly is married.

Husband:

Kelly Evans is proud to be married to Eric Chemi, a man with an impressive career and diverse interests.

They exchanged vows on April 22, 2017, in a private ceremony, solidifying a partnership based on mutual respect and shared ambitions.

About Eric Chemi

• Career: Eric Chemi is not just a former CNBC sports reporter; he’s a powerhouse in his own right. Throughout his career, he has held significant roles at Bloomberg TV, JPMorgan, and Morgan Stanley. Today, he’s the founder and managing director of a thriving insurance agency called Team & Total, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and expertise.

• Education: Eric is an alumnus of the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he studied Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. His academic background reflects his analytical and sharp mind.

• Personal Interests: Eric’s passion for sports and fitness is unwavering. He was a national champion in track and field during his youth and currently enjoys activities like tennis and weightlifting.

About Their Kids

Kelly and Eric cherish their role as parents to five wonderful children. Their first child, a son, was born on July 5, 2018.

They’ve also been blessed with a daughter shortly after and have three more children, whose details they’ve chosen to keep private.

Kelly has gracefully managed the challenges of balancing her illustrious career in journalism with the joys and demands of raising a big family.

The Chemi-Evans household is a vibrant, dynamic one, based in New Jersey, where they continue to thrive.

Physical Attributes:

Kelly Evans, with her confident and engaging presence on screen, has specific physical characteristics that complement her professional demeanor.

Physical Description:

• Height: Kelly stands at an impressive height of 5 feet 10 inches (approx. 180 cm).

• Weight: She maintains a healthy weight of around 127 pounds (approx. 58 kg).

• Hair Color: Kelly has beautiful dark brown hair.

• Eye Color: She possesses striking blue eyes.

Kelly’s tall stature and sharp features make her a notable presence in the world of financial journalism.

Social Media Activity:

Kelly Evans is actively present on platforms such as Twitter and Instagram.

She uses these channels to share professional updates, insights from her shows, and occasionally, personal anecdotes.

By rejoining social media, Kelly has strengthened her engagement with fans and has broadened her influence in the world of financial journalism.