Leigh Mills Biography
Leigh Mills is a renowned American Emmy Award-winning journalist working as the weekday evening anchor at WMTV NBC 15 in Madison, Wisconsin, where she leads the 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. newscasts. She joined the station in September 2003 as a general assignment reporter, immediately after graduating from Ohio University, where she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in French.
Leigh Mills Age
Mills is 45 years old as of 2026; she was born on January 15, 1981, in Chicago, Illinois. Mills celebrates her birthday on January 15 every year. This is evidenced by one of her Instagram posts posted on January 15, 2023, where she captioned, “Thank you so much for all of the birthday wishes — you’ve made me feel special and loved! 🍾🎉❤️ I’ve had a great 24 hours celebrating with my family and friends. Excited for what 42 has in store for me!
Leigh Mills Height / Measurements
Mills is of average body stature, standing approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall, which is equivalent to 170.18 cm.
Leigh Mills Husband / Children
Mills is married to her longtime partner, Sam Sorenson, born on December 6, 1977. The couple tied the knot in December 2012 and celebrated their 13th wedding anniversary on December 1, 2025. Mills posted their wedding photo and captioned “❤ LUCKY 13 ❤ Cheers to us. I love you.” On Sam’s 48th birthday, Mills posted a photo of him, where he was wishing him a happy birthday. He captioned, “Happy birthday to my favorite human! 48 looks great on you.”
Together, they are proud parents to their two biological sons, Teller, born on November 21, 2016, and Baxton, born on August 2, 2014, and two stepchildren, Madeleine Sorenson, born on August 17, 2005, and Ethan. On Teller’s 9th birthday, Mills posted a photo of her son on her Instagram account and captioned, “HAPPY 9th BIRTHDAY 🎉 to the baby of our family!” Additionally, on Baxton’s 11th birthday, Mills posted a photo of her son on her Instagram account and captioned, “HAPPY 🎉11th🎉 BIRTHDAY to Braxy!!!”
Leigh Mills Family / Relative
Mills manages to keep information regarding her parents away from the limelight. On Father’s Day, Mills celebrated her father through one of her Instagram posts, posted on June 15, 2025, where she captioned, “HAPPY FATHER’S DAY! ❤️ It’s such a treat to be able to celebrate with my dad and sister! We are so lucky to have these 3 loving, supportive, fun dads in our lives!! We love you.” Additionally, on Mother’s Day, May 14, 2023, Mills celebrated her mother through one of her Instagram posts, where she captioned, “HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY 🌸 Wishing my Mom a wonderful day! Thank you for always believing in me.” She has a sister called Jessica Majewski, born in November 1984.
Leigh Mills Education
Mills attended Ohio University (from 1999 to 2003), where she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in French, graduating in 2003. In addition to her studies, Mills studied French language and literature abroad at L’Institut de Touraine in 2002 and is also a graduate of Northwestern University, where she studied Radio and TV/Film.
Leigh Mills Career
Mills serves as the weekday evening anchor at WMTV NBC 15 in Madison, Wisconsin, where she leads the 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. newscasts. Since joining the station in September 2003, Mills has worked in different departments before being promoted to her current role, which she assumed in March 2017. Notably, she joined the station as a general assignment reporter, a role she held until July 2004. From there, she assumed the position of a weekend anchor/weekday reporter (from July 2004 to January 2005) and was tasked with the responsibility of anchoring 6 pm and 10 pm newscasts on Saturday and the 10 pm newscast on Sunday.
Over the years, she held other roles, including 5 pm weekday anchor/reporter (from January 2005 to September 2006), 5 & 10 pm weekday anchor/reporter (September 2006 to July 2007), and the 5 pm, 6 pm, and 10 pm weekday news anchor (from July 2007 to March 2017). Leigh began her broadcasting career at The Government Channel in Athens, Ohio, and later spent four years working with WOUB-TV before relocating to Madison.
Beyond the newsroom, Mills contributes to non-profit organizations where she has become a key member. Occasionally, she serves as a board member of Canopy Center and volunteers with several organizations, including Clean Lakes Alliance, Madison Area Down Syndrome Society, GiGi’s Playhouse Madison, National MS Society Wisconsin Chapter, and several others. She also teaches group exercise classes, including TurboKick and strength development. In addition, she is an avid runner and cyclist, having completed a full marathon, numerous half marathons, and multiple century rides.
Awards | Recognition
Among the accolades she has received are;
- A National Edward R. Murrow Award
- Four regional Emmy Awards
- Six RTDNA Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards
- Multiple Wisconsin Broadcasters Association awards
- Associated Press Awards
- Midwest Emmy nominations
- MBJA Sevareid Award 1st Place Honor for Hard Feature: A Life Lesson with Ms. B
Leigh Mills Salary
Mills receives an annual income ranging between $30,000 and $90,000.
Leigh Mills Net Worth
Through Mills’ career as a journalist, she has been able to accumulate a net worth that ranges between $1 Million and $ 5 Million.
Leigh Mills WMTV NEWS 5
Mills works with WMTV NEWS 5, where she serves alongside her fellow anchors, reporters, and meteorologists, such as;
- Tim Elliott
- Gabriella Rusk
- Mackenzie Davis
- Phoebe Murray
- Ellie Pomerleau
- Charlie Shortino
- Delaney Boles
- Mike “Jocko” Jacques
- Audrey Marr
Leigh Mills Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Mills is active on her social media accounts. She has about 14k followers on her Facebook Page @Leigh Mills, about 4.1k followers on her Twitter account @leighamills, and around 2.4k followers on her Instagram account @madisontvmom.