Stephanie Elam

Stephanie Elam is a television journalist whose career spans more than two decades, covering business news, breaking news, natural disasters, and entertainment. Elam graduated from Howard University with a degree in broadcast journalism and began her career in New York as a financial news copy editor for Dow Jones Newswires. She later joined Bridge News, coordinating 24-hour news coverage among global newsrooms and reporting on corporate earnings for PBS's "Nightly Business Report" and WebFN.

As the only full-time reporter in New York for WebFN, Elam anchored "Market on the Close," a program tracking the stock market's final hour of trading. She also hosted "First Business," a weekly syndicated business program, and co-hosted "Black Enterprise Report," a nationally syndicated show focused on business, career, and financial education.

Elam joined CNN's Money Team, reporting extensively during the financial crisis and the near-collapse of major corporations. She contributed to "American Morning" and anchored "Your Bottom Line," focusing on business and financial news. Elam also reported from significant events, including Pope Benedict XVI's visit to New York City and the coverage of Captain Richard Phillips' family during his hostage situation off the coast of Somalia. After serving as a weekend evening anchor and general assignment reporter at KNBC Los Angeles, Elam returned to CNN, continuing to report on a wide range of stories.

Elam led CNN's coverage of Hawaii's Kilauea volcano eruption, documenting the destruction in Leilani Estates and capturing images from close proximity to active fissures. She covered numerous natural disasters for CNN, including Hurricanes Matthew, Harvey, and Irma, the EF5 tornado in Moore, Oklahoma, and several major wildfires in the West, such as the Thomas Fire. Beyond natural disasters, Elam reported on the death of musician Prince in Minnesota, the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, and the Donald Sterling scandal involving the former Los Angeles Clippers owner.

Elam also covered major entertainment events, including the Emmys and the Academy Awards, interviewing actors, producers, and directors from top films, music, and television. She was present at the Academy Awards during the envelope mix-up that led to "La La Land" being incorrectly announced as Best Picture instead of "Moonlight."

After more than two decades with CNN, Elam stepped away from the network, reflecting on her time there and leaving her next steps open.