Martha Sugalski Biography: Career Journey and Life Story

Few journalists embody resilience and dedication quite like Martha Sugalski. As a three-time Emmy Award-winning news anchor at WFTV Channel 9 in Orlando, Florida, she has become one of the most recognized and trusted voices in Central Florida journalism. Her career spans more than two decades, during which she has covered some of the most significant news events in the state while simultaneously raising six children, including triplets.

Quick Bio

Martha Sugalski’s Age and Early Life

Born on February 22, 1970, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Martha Sugalski is currently 55 years old as of 2025. Though she was born in Pennsylvania, her family moved to Florida when she was young, and she spent most of her formative years in the Sunshine State. Growing up with three brothers and one sister, Martha developed a strong work ethic and close family bonds that continue to influence her life today.

Her journey into journalism began during her college years at Florida Atlantic University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism in 2002. Even as a student, Martha showed promise in broadcast journalism, securing an internship at WPBF-TV in West Palm Beach. This early experience would prove instrumental in launching what would become a distinguished career in television news.

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Building a Broadcasting Career

Martha Sugalski’s professional journey started from the ground up. After her internship at WPBF-TV, she was hired as a station reporter, quickly demonstrating her natural talent for storytelling and on-camera presence. Her skills didn’t go unnoticed, and she soon moved on to work for WTVJ-TV and WPTV-TV, where she continued to hone her craft as both a reporter and anchor.

After nearly a decade of working in South Florida, Martha made a significant career move in August 2006 when she joined WESH 2 News in Orlando. For eight years, she served as an anchor at WESH, becoming a familiar face to Central Florida viewers. During this time, she covered numerous high-profile stories and began establishing the strong connection with the Orlando community that defines her career today.

In August 2015, Martha joined the WFTV Channel 9 Eyewitness News team, where she currently anchors the 5, 6, and 11 p.m. newscasts on Channel 9, as well as the 10 p.m. newscast on TV27. Her transition to WFTV marked a new chapter in her career, one that would bring even greater recognition and impact.

Major News Coverage and Professional Highlights

Throughout her 20-plus-year career, Martha Sugalski has covered some of Florida’s most significant news events. Her reporting portfolio includes coverage of multiple presidential visits, the controversial Elian Gonzalez saga, the murder of fashion designer Gianni Versace on South Beach, devastating Central Florida wildfires, numerous hurricanes, and the highly publicized Casey Anthony trial. She has also reported on sports championships, including the Miami Heat’s NBA title and the Florida Marlins’ World Series victory.

Her exceptional journalism earned her an Emmy Award in 2014 for her breaking news coverage of a fatal daycare car crash in Orlando. The National Traffic Safety Commission also recognized her work on child safety seat misuse, highlighting her commitment to stories that make a real difference in people’s lives. These accolades reflect not just her technical skills as a journalist but her ability to tell stories with empathy and impact.

Martha Sugalski Age and Height: Physical Presence

Standing at approximately 5 feet 4 inches (1.63 meters) tall, Martha maintains a fit physique through her dedication to CrossFit and running. She’s known among colleagues and viewers for her polished on-air appearance, typically featuring her signature platinum blonde hair and professional yet approachable style. Her commitment to fitness isn’t just about appearance—it’s part of how she manages the demanding schedule of anchoring evening newscasts while raising six children.

Martha Sugalski’s Husband and Personal Relationships

Martha’s personal life has been marked by both joy and challenge. Her first marriage came when she was just 20 years old, when she married Craig Minervini, a local sportscaster. The couple had three children together: sons Chase and Maxwell, and daughter Spencer, born in September 2001. However, the marriage ended in divorce in July 2005.

In 2007, Martha met Robert Reich, a businessman, on a blind date. After dating for approximately two years, they married on May 30, 2009. Reich, who founded companies including NextDeal, MicroTesla, and Hydrogen On Demand, and Martha faced significant challenges in their attempts to conceive. They experienced a painful miscarriage in 2011 after using fertility treatments.

Despite these struggles, the couple was blessed in 2013 when Martha gave birth to triplets via C-section at 33 and a half weeks: identical twin boys Heaton and Wilder, and daughter Holden. Holden’s birth weight was just 2.5 pounds, requiring her to spend more than five weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit—a period Martha has described as one of the most emotionally difficult times of her life.

Unfortunately, after a decade of marriage, the relationship deteriorated. In July 2019, Reich filed for divorce, citing that the marriage was “irretrievably broken.” The divorce proceedings became contentious and public, with court documents revealing financial disputes and custody concerns. Martha countered with allegations that Reich had forged her signature to access retirement assets and attempted to take out loans in her name.

Currently, Martha is in a relationship with Leland Liebe, a colonel who shares her passion for fitness and Philadelphia sports teams. She has shared glimpses of their relationship on social media, describing him as supportive and someone who gets along well with her six children.

Martha Sugalski Net Worth and Financial Success

Through her successful journalism career, Martha Sugalski has built substantial financial security. Her estimated net worth ranges between $1 million and $5 million, accumulated through decades of work in television news. Court documents from her 2019 divorce proceedings revealed that her ex-husband’s attorney estimated Martha’s annual income at approximately five times his $96,000 salary, suggesting she earns well over $400,000 per year.

Martha Sugalski’s Salary and Compensation

As an Emmy-winning anchor at a major market television station, Martha Sugalski earns a competitive salary. Industry estimates and various sources suggest her annual compensation ranges between $104,000 and $242,000, though exact figures have not been publicly confirmed by WFTV or Martha herself. Her salary reflects not only her experience and market size but also her value as one of Orlando’s most popular and trusted news anchors.

Foster Care Advocacy: The Forever Family Mission

Beyond her work as a news anchor, Martha has become a passionate advocate for children in foster care. She produces and presents “Forever Family” segments that air weekly on WFTV, profiling children who are at risk of aging out of the foster care system before finding permanent homes. The goal of these segments is to find loving families for these children and raise awareness about the urgent need for foster care support and adoption.

Her dedication to this cause earned her recognition as the Children First Media Advocate of the Year. Martha has spoken openly about her concern for children who age out of foster care without ever finding a family, using her platform to create meaningful change in the lives of vulnerable youth across Central Florida.

Social Media Presence and Digital Influence

Martha Sugalski has embraced social media as a crucial tool for connecting with her audience. Known in industry circles as the “Queen of Tweets,” she maintains an active and engaging presence across multiple platforms:

Instagram (@marthasugalski):

• Followers: 29,000+
• Content Focus: Behind-the-scenes news coverage, family moments, fitness journey, and Philadelphia Eagles fandom

Twitter/X (@MarthaSugalski):

• Followers: 34,000+
• Content Focus: Breaking news updates, community engagement, and professional commentary

Facebook:

• Followers: 306,000+
• Content Focus: News stories, family updates, Forever Family segments, and personal reflections

Her strong social media presence sets her apart from many traditional news anchors and has been credited with helping her build viewer loyalty and engagement. She regularly shares no-makeup photos and authentic glimpses into her life as a working mother, which has endeared her to fans who appreciate her relatability.

Life as a Mother of Six

Balancing a demanding career in television news with raising six children—including triplets—requires exceptional organizational skills and dedication. Martha’s oldest son, Chase, was born in 1994 and has followed an impressive educational path, graduating from the University of Florida before attending Florida State University College of Law. Her son, Maxwell, played hockey for the Florida Junior Blades, while her daughter, Spencer, has grown into young adulthood.

The triplets—Heaton, Wilder, and Holden, born in June 2013—keep Martha particularly busy. She has shared many stories about the challenges and joys of raising multiples, from sleep training struggles to a viral video of her toddler triplets befriending garbage collectors. Martha currently resides in Lake Mary, Florida, where she manages her household while maintaining her evening news anchor schedule.

Fun Facts and Trivia

Fitness Fanatic: Martha is a self-described CrossFit addict and avid runner who uses exercise to manage stress and maintain energy for her demanding schedule.

Eagles Super Fan: Despite living in Florida for most of her life, Martha remains fiercely loyal to her hometown Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies.

Social Media Maven: She was one of the first local news anchors in Orlando to fully embrace social media, building a massive following through authentic engagement.

Pet Adoption Advocate: Martha has adopted several rescue dogs and regularly promotes pet adoption alongside her foster care advocacy.

Blue Angels Experience: In May 2021, Martha had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fly with the Blue Angels pilots, an experience she shared enthusiastically with viewers.

Cosmetic Procedures: Martha has been open about undergoing cosmetic procedures, including posting about a surgery in 2016 on her Facebook page, demonstrating her authentic approach to sharing her life with followers.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout her career, Martha Sugalski has received numerous honors:

• Three Emmy Awards for excellence in journalism
• National Traffic Safety Commission Recognition for child safety reporting
• Children First Media Advocate of the Year for foster care advocacy
• Two Anthem Awards (March 2025) for Forever Family work

These accolades reflect both her journalistic excellence and her commitment to using her platform for positive community impact.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where was Martha Sugalski born?
She was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but moved to Florida as a child and considers Florida her home.

How many children does Martha have?
Martha is a mother of six children: Chase, Maxwell, and Spencer from her first marriage, and triplets Heaton, Wilder, and Holden from her second marriage.

What time does Martha Sugalski anchor the news?
She anchors the 5, 6, and 11 p.m. newscasts on WFTV Channel 9 and the 10 p.m. newscast on TV27.

Is Martha Sugalski married now?
She is divorced from both of her previous husbands and is currently in a relationship with Leland Liebe.

What is Martha’s Forever Family segment about?
It’s a weekly feature that profiles children in foster care who need permanent homes, aiming to find them “forever families” and raise awareness about foster care adoption.

How did Martha balance triplets and her career?
Through a combination of organization, support systems, and determination, though she’s been candid about the challenges, especially during the early months when her daughter Holden was in the NICU.

Continuing Legacy in Florida Journalism

As Martha Sugalski continues her work at WFTV Channel 9, she remains committed to delivering trusted news coverage to Central Florida viewers while advocating for children in need. Her professional excellence, combined with her authenticity and community engagement, has made her one of the most respected and beloved figures in Florida journalism. Whether she’s breaking news, profiling a child waiting for adoption, or sharing a glimpse into her busy family life, Martha exemplifies what it means to be a modern broadcast journalist—skilled, compassionate, and deeply connected to the community she serves.