Donna Pitman Biography (2025): 7 Inspiring Facts About the Beloved KMBC Anchor, Husband, Kids & Net Worth
Attribute Details
Name Donna Pitman
Age 49 (as of 2025)
Birth Year 1975
Birthplace Independence, Missouri, USA
Profession Journalist, Anchor, Reporter
Known For Anchoring First News on KMBC 9 & KCWE
Husband Cody Pitman (Brand Designer)
Children 4 (including Gabriel and a daughter diagnosed with Pompe disease)
Education University of Missouri – Bachelor of Journalism, Minor in Spanish
Career Start 1999 (WHOI-TV, Peoria, IL)
Net Worth $1M – $5M (estimated)
Years Active 1999–present (24+ years)
Introduction – Who is Donna Pitman?
Donna Pitman is a veteran American journalist and news anchor for KMBC 9 News (ABC Kansas City), where she co-anchors First News, the award-winning morning newscast. Since joining KMBC-TV in 2001, Pitman has become one of the most beloved and trusted anchors in the region, admired for her empathetic reporting and community-first storytelling.
Beyond her journalism career, Donna is the Board Chair of Gabriel’s Gale, a nonprofit she co-founded with her husband after two of their children were diagnosed with Pompe disease, a rare genetic condition. In 2024–2025, she continues to balance her career in the newsroom with her family life and nonprofit advocacy.
Biography / Early Life
- Born: 1975 in Independence, Missouri.
- Family: Raised by her mother after losing her father in childhood.
- Education: Graduated from the University of Missouri – Columbia (1997) with a Bachelor of Journalism and a minor in Spanish.
Her upbringing in Independence fostered her appreciation for community values, which later influenced her authentic style of journalism.
Career Timeline
Early Career (1997–2001)
Donna began her TV career in Columbia, Missouri, before moving to Peoria, Illinois. At WHOI-TV (1999–2001), she anchored weekend newscasts and reported daily assignments.
Joining KMBC-TV (2001–Present)
In June 2001, Donna returned to Kansas City and joined KMBC-TV, where she has remained for more than 24 years. She anchors First News on KMBC and KCWE, in addition to reporting community-driven stories.
Awards & Recognition
- 3x Emmy-nominated journalist.
- 2x Kansas Association of Broadcasters Awards.
- Widely praised for her COVID-19 coverage, reporting remotely from home and spotlighting stories of resilience and kindness.
👉 How long has Donna Pitman been on KMBC? She has been with KMBC since 2001 – over 24 years.
Personal Life – Husband, Kids & Pompe Advocacy
Donna is married to Cody Pitman, a junior brand designer at Berlin Packaging. Together, they are raising four children in Kansas City, along with their family dog, Rand.
Donna Pitman Son: Their son, Gabriel, was diagnosed with Pompe disease in 2016.
In 2020, their daughter was also diagnosed with the same condition.
In response, Donna and Cody founded Gabriel’s Gale, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and funding research for Pompe disease. Donna currently serves as Board Chair.
💬 Donna on journalism:
“It’s extremely humbling that people trust us to tell their stories. People often meet us on their best or worst days, and we have a responsibility to get it right. I have the best job.”
Salary & Net Worth
- Annual Salary (KMBC): Estimated $70,000 – $100,000.
- Net Worth (2025): $1M – $5M, built from her journalism career and nonprofit leadership visibility.
Recent News & Updates (2024–2025)
- Continues anchoring KMBC First News.
- Featured in Kansas City publications for Gabriel’s Gale fundraising campaigns.
- Actively speaks at schools, community fundraisers, and nonprofit events.
- Strengthened her digital presence on Instagram and X (Twitter).
Social Media
- Instagram: @donnapitmankmbc
- Twitter (X): @DonnaPitmanKMBC
➡️ Embedded Instagram Post
View this post on Instagram
➡️ Embedded X Post
How are you celebrating the @Royals & @Chiefs at your watch party tonight? Blue, Gold & Red balloon arch? 🎈Themed foods? 🏈⚾️Dueling dog costumes?💙🩵💛❤️ Can’t wait to see! Please share your pictures with us at news@kmbc.com or post in the comments! @kmbc pic.twitter.com/Fg5rGL4nWb
— Donna Pitman KMBC (@DonnaPitmanKMBC) October 7, 2024
Trivia & Lesser-Known Facts
- Fluent enough in Spanish to conduct interviews.
- Began career in Columbia, Missouri, before Peoria, Illinois.
- Serves as Board Chair for Gabriel’s Gale.
- Spent 24+ years at KMBC.
- Known for her calm presence during breaking news coverage.
FAQs About Donna Pitman
1. How old is Donna Pitman in 2025? She is 49 years old, born in 1975.
2. How long has Donna Pitman been with KMBC-TV? She has been at KMBC since 2001 – more than 24 years.
3. Who is Donna Pitman’s husband? She is married to Cody Pitman, a brand designer.
4. How many children does Donna Pitman have? She has four children, two diagnosed with Pompe disease.
5. Is Donna Pitman Black? No, she is of Caucasian descent.
6. KMBC anchors leaving – is Donna Pitman leaving too? While some anchors have departed, Donna remains a trusted KMBC anchor.
Conclusion
Donna Pitman is more than just a news anchor — she is a devoted mother, nonprofit leader, and Kansas City community figure. With over two decades at KMBC, she remains one of the most recognizable and trusted journalists in the region. Off-screen, her advocacy through Gabriel’s Gale highlights her resilience and determination to make a difference.
👉 You may also like: Brad Stephens Bio| Leon Harris Biography| Julie Grant Bio
✍️ Written by the Fact-Pedia Team with verified sources including KMBC, Hearst Television, and Kansas City local publications.
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