Colleen Marshall is an Emmy Award-winning American television journalist, news anchor, and practicing attorney best known for her work at NBC4 Columbus (WCMH-TV). She has served as the primary news anchor for NBC4 since 1992 and also hosts the weekly political program “The Spectrum,” now renamed “Sunday Briefing.” With a broadcasting career spanning more than 40 years, Marshall has become one of the most respected and longest-serving news anchors in Central Ohio television history.
Colleen Marshall Biography
| Field | Details |
| Full name | Colleen Lee Marshall (née Connors) |
| Gender | Female |
| Date of birth | July 6, 1956 |
| Age | 69 years old (as of 2026) |
| Place of birth | Dunbar, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Current residence | Columbus, Ohio, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Zodiac sign | Cancer |
| Religion | Unknown |
| Sexual orientation | Straight |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) |
| Weight | 132 lbs (60 kg) |
| Hair colour | Auburn/Brown |
| Eye colour | Brown |
| Marital status | Married |
| Spouse | Gary Marshall |
| Children | Two (Garrett Marshall and Shannon Marshall) |
| Education | Point Park University (B.A.); Capital University Law School (J.D.) |
| Profession | Television journalist, news anchor, attorney |
| Net worth | $2 million (estimated) |
Who is Colleen Marshall?
Colleen Marshall is a veteran television journalist who has anchored NBC4 Columbus news programs for more than three decades.
Born Colleen Lee Connors in the small coal-mining town of Dunbar, Pennsylvania, she grew up in Appalachia with a passion for writing and storytelling.
Marshall joined NBC4 (WCMH-TV) in Columbus, Ohio, on October 6, 1984, as a general assignment reporter. She was promoted to weekend news anchor in 1987 and became co-anchor of the weekday news programs in 1992.
Beyond her journalism career, Marshall earned her Juris Doctor degree from Capital University Law School in 2004 while continuing her work as a news anchor.
She passed the Ohio bar exam the same year and has practiced law for more than 20 years. This unique combination of journalism and legal expertise has made her reporting on legal and political issues particularly insightful.
How old is Colleen Marshall? Age and birthday
Colleen Marshall is 69 years old as of February 2026. She was born on July 6, 1956, in Dunbar, Pennsylvania. Her zodiac sign is Cancer.
Marshall celebrated her 40th anniversary at NBC4 Columbus in October 2024, marking four decades of dedicated service to Central Ohio viewers.
Colleen Marshall’s height, weight, and body measurements
Colleen Marshall stands 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) tall and weighs approximately 132 pounds (60 kg). She has brown eyes and auburn-brown hair, which she typically wears in a professional style suitable for her on-camera work. Marshall maintains a slim physique appropriate for her role as a television news anchor.
Education
Colleen Marshall holds two degrees from respected institutions. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Communications from Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, graduating in 1978.
She later returned to serve as the commencement speaker at Point Park University in 2001, delivering an address to graduating students.
While working full-time as a news anchor, Marshall pursued her law degree at Capital University School of Law in Columbus.
She attended classes in the morning before her evening news shifts, demonstrating exceptional time management and dedication. She graduated in 2004 as the recipient of a Trustee’s Scholarship.
During law school, she was named to the Dean’s List and participated in the Law Review and National Moot Court Team. She passed the Ohio bar exam in 2004.
Marshall also received an honorary doctorate from Rio Grande University in Ohio, where she served as the commencement speaker in 2000.
Career
Early career beginnings
Colleen Marshall’s journalism journey began in West Virginia, where she worked as a writer, producer, and editor at an all-news radio station in Pittsburgh.
She also served as an anchor and reporter at radio stations in Wheeling and Weirton, West Virginia. Before joining NBC4 Columbus, Marshall worked as a television reporter at WTRF-TV in Wheeling, West Virginia.
NBC4 Columbus
Marshall arrived at NBC4 (then branded as WCMH) in Columbus, Ohio, on October 6, 1984, at a time when opportunities for women in television news were limited.
She started as a general assignment reporter, covering a wide range of stories throughout Central Ohio. Her talent and dedication quickly became apparent, leading to her promotion to weekend news anchor in 1987.
In 1992, Marshall achieved a major milestone when she became co-anchor of NBC4’s weekday news programs. She currently anchors NBC4 at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., and 11 p.m. As of 2026, Marshall continues to deliver the news to Columbus viewers, having surpassed 40 years with the station.
Political reporting and “The Spectrum”
Marshall has long been recognized for her political journalism expertise. She hosts NBC4’s weekly political program originally called “The Spectrum,” which was rebranded as “Sunday Briefing” in August 2025 after more than 15 years on air. T
he program features interviews with key political figures in Ohio and provides in-depth analysis of state and national political issues.
Her political reporting has earned her numerous accolades, including an Emmy Award in 2018 for her coverage of state budget cuts affecting the Bureau of Children with Medical Handicaps. In 2004, she won an Emmy for “The Fight for Ohio,” her coverage of the presidential election.
Awards and recognition
Marshall has received eight regional Emmy Awards from the National Association of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS). Four of those Emmys were awarded for her groundbreaking health program “I Want To Go Home: A Journey Through Alzheimer’s,” which documented her mother’s decade-long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
The series raised awareness about the challenges faced by families dealing with dementia and earned her recognition from the Central Ohio Alzheimer’s Association, which presented her with their Community Impact Award in 2023.
In May 2020, Marshall received a national Gracie Award from the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation for her investigative series “Culture of Cover-Up.”
The series exposed decades of sexual abuse of young male athletes at Ohio State University by Dr. Richard Strauss. This investigation demonstrated Marshall’s commitment to holding powerful institutions accountable and giving voice to survivors of abuse.
In 2018, Marshall was inducted into the Silver Circle by the Ohio Valley Chapter of NATAS. This prestigious honor recognizes individuals who have devoted at least 25 years to broadcasting and have made enduring contributions to the television industry and their community.
Legal career
While maintaining her full-time position as a news anchor, Marshall pursued her law degree at Capital University Law School in Columbus. She attended classes before her news shifts each day, demonstrating remarkable dedication.
She graduated in 2004 as a recipient of a Trustee’s Scholarship and was named to the Dean’s List. She was also a member of the Law Review and the National Moot Court Team.
Marshall passed the Ohio bar exam in 2004 and has practiced law for more than 20 years, specializing in communications and media law.
She has successfully combined her legal practice with her broadcasting career, offering a unique perspective on legal and political stories she covers.
What is Colleen Marshall’s net worth and salary?
As of 2026, Colleen Marshall’s net worth is estimated at $2 million. She earns an estimated annual salary of $146,500 from her work as a news anchor at NBC4 Columbus.
Marshall has built her wealth through more than 40 years in broadcast journalism, combined with her legal practice.
Her multiple Emmy Awards and national recognition have solidified her position as one of Ohio’s most respected and well-compensated television journalists.
Additional income sources include speaking engagements, legal work, and appearances at community events throughout Central Ohio.
Is Colleen Marshall married? Husband, children, and family
Colleen Marshall is married to Gary Marshall, a former NBC4 news photographer. The couple met when Gary was working at the station, and Colleen actually followed him to Columbus when he secured his position at NBC4.
They dated for five years before exchanging wedding vows in 1978. The couple celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary in June 2025 and remain happily married.
Gary’s background in television news photography gave the couple common ground and a shared understanding of the demands of broadcast journalism. He has since retired from his career as a news photographer.
Children
Colleen and Gary Marshall have two adult children: a son named Garrett Marshall and a daughter named Shannon Marshall.
Garrett Marshall is an attorney who graduated from Capital University School of Law in May 2013, following in his mother’s footsteps. He lives in Columbus with his wife, Suzanne. Garrett has established his legal career in Central Ohio and works as an attorney.
Shannon Marshall earned both her Master’s in Human Resources Management (MHMR) and her MBA from The Ohio State University. She works as a human resources professional and recently married her husband, Nick, in October 2024. Shannon previously lived in Nashville, Tennessee, where she worked as an HR manager for a company before returning to Ohio.
Early life and family background
Colleen Marshall was born Colleen Lee Connors in Dunbar, a small coal-mining town in southwestern Pennsylvania, part of the Appalachian region.
Her father, Jack Connors, worked in the coal-mining industry. Marshall grew up in this working-class community, where she developed her love for writing and storytelling at a young age.
She has spoken publicly about her mother’s decade-long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease, which inspired her Emmy-winning documentary series “I Want To Go Home: A Journey Through Alzheimer’s.” This personal experience fueled her advocacy work with the Alzheimer’s Association of Central Ohio.
Personal interests
Colleen and Gary Marshall are devoted animal lovers who have adopted numerous senior and disabled dogs over the years.
As of recent reports, they have two dogs: Lily Putian, a deaf Jack Russell Terrier, and Pete, a disabled Rat Terrier. Their commitment to rescuing animals with special needs reflects their compassionate nature.
Community involvement and advocacy
Marshall is deeply committed to community service in Central Ohio. She serves as a board member of the Columbus Metropolitan Club and is a member of the Columbus Bar Association.
She frequently speaks on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Association of Central Ohio, participating in the annual Memory Walk and advocating at the Ohio Statehouse on Memory Day.
Marshall has been involved with numerous charitable organizations, including:
- Chair of the 2013 Red Event benefiting ARC Ohio (AIDS Resource Center)
- Co-Chair of Art for Life benefiting ARC Ohio
- Honorary Chair of Friends of the Poor Walk for St. Vincent DePaul in 2012
- Founding member of the Women’s Leadership Council for United Way of Central Ohio
- Fundraising supporter for Make-A-Wish, WELD (Women’s Economic Leadership Development), NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners), Children’s Hunger Alliance, Mid-Ohio Food Collective, and Northwest Counseling Center
Her community service efforts have earned her recognition from the Columbus AIDS Task Force, The Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Organization, The American Red Cross, and Make-A-Wish. In 1999, she received the Stonewall Media Award for her series on transgender people and her work with AIDS causes.
Social media presence
As of January 2026, Colleen Marshall maintains an active presence on social media platforms. Her Facebook page (@ColleenNBC4) has more than 23,800 followers, where she shares news updates, personal milestones, and community events.
On Instagram (@colleennbc4), she has over 1,200 followers and posts behind-the-scenes glimpses of her work at NBC4, family celebrations, and advocacy efforts. She also uses Twitter/X (@ColleenNBC4) to engage with viewers and share breaking news from Central Ohio.
Marshall uses her social media platforms primarily for professional purposes, sharing news stories, promoting her political program “Sunday Briefing,” and highlighting important community issues. She occasionally shares personal moments, including family celebrations and her work with animal rescue organizations.
Fast facts about Colleen Marshall
- Marshall joined NBC4 Columbus on October 6, 1984, and celebrated 40 years with the station in October 2024.
- She earned her law degree while working full-time as a news anchor, attending classes before her evening news shifts.
- Marshall won four Emmy Awards for documenting her mother’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease in the series “I Want To Go Home: A Journey Through Alzheimer’s.”
- She received a national Gracie Award in 2020 for her investigative series exposing sexual abuse at Ohio State University.
- Marshall grew up in Dunbar, Pennsylvania, a small coal-mining town in the Appalachian region.
- Her husband, Gary Marshall, is a former NBC4 news photographer, and they have been married since 1978.
- Both of her children pursued higher education, with her son becoming an attorney and her daughter earning graduate degrees from Ohio State University.
- Marshall has conducted two one-on-one interviews with President Barack Obama, including one at the White House.
- She covered the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York City, which she describes as her most memorable story.
- Marshall and her husband are dedicated to rescuing senior and disabled dogs, currently caring for a deaf Jack Russell Terrier and a disabled Rat Terrier.
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Wrapping up
Colleen Marshall remains one of Central Ohio’s most respected and longest-serving television journalists, with over 40 years at NBC4 Columbus.
At 69 years old, she continues to anchor nightly newscasts and host “Sunday Briefing” while practicing law. Her eight Emmy Awards, national Gracie Award, and groundbreaking investigative reporting have cemented her legacy in broadcast journalism.
Married to Gary Marshall since 1978, she is a proud mother of two successful adult children. With an estimated net worth of $2 million, Marshall balances her journalism and legal careers with extensive community advocacy, particularly for Alzheimer’s awareness and animal rescue causes.
References
- NBC4 Columbus. “About NBC4 Columbus anchor Colleen Marshall”.
- Columbus Monthly. “NBC4’s Colleen Marshall is a Steady Voice in Columbus TV News”.
- NBC4 Columbus. “Colleen Marshall celebrates 40 years at NBC4”.
- NBC4 Columbus. “NBC4 anchor Colleen Marshall wins Gracie Award for ‘Culture of Cover-Up’ investigation”.
- Buckeye Lifestyle. “Colleen Marshall – Anchor, Attorney, Amazing Woman”.
- NBC4 Columbus. “NBC4’s ‘A Journey Through Alzheimer’s’ wins regional Emmy Award”.
- USAttorneys.com. “Lawyer – Colleen L. Marshall”.
- NBC4 Columbus. “Colleen Marshall to host ‘Sunday Briefing’ on NBC4”.
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