Val Warner Age: ABC7 Career, Family, Salary & Bio 2026

Val Warner is an Emmy Award-winning television host and journalist who has built a respected career in Chicago broadcasting. She anchors ABC 7 Eyewitness News and co-hosts Windy City Weekend, bringing years of on-air experience to both roles. 

Val connects with viewers through simple storytelling and a real, down-to-earth style. This sets her apart from most news anchors. . Today, she stands as one of Chicago’s most beloved television personalities, earning trust and loyalty from viewers who tune in for both her morning news coverage and daytime talk show segments. 

Val Warner Biography

Field	Details
Full Name	Valerie Warner
Gender	Female
Date of Birth	March 11, 1974
Age	52 years old (as of 2026)
Place of Birth	Los Angeles, California, USA
Current Residence	Chicago, Illinois, USA
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	African American
Zodiac Sign	Pisces
Religion	Christian
Sexual Orientation	Straight
Height	5 ft 8 in (173 cm / 1.73 m)
Weight	Approx. 150 lbs (68 kg)
Hair Color	Black
Eye Color	Brown
Marital Status	Married
Spouse	Elijah “Jobba” Maxey Jr. (m. July 31, 2021)
Children	Two (Zoe Warner and Maxwell Warner)
Education	Bachelor of Arts in Communications, University of California, San Diego (1996)
Profession	Television Host, News Anchor, Journalist
Current Employer	ABC 7 Chicago (WLS-TV)
Current Role	Morning News Anchor and Co-host of Windy City Weekend
Years Active	1996 to Present
Known For	ABC 7 Chicago, Windy City LIVE, Windy City Weekend
Estimated Net Worth	$2 million to $3.5 million (estimated as of 2026)

Who is Val Warner?

Val Warner has built an accomplished career in television broadcasting spanning over two decades. She currently anchors ABC 7 Eyewitness News at 6 a.m. and the 7 a.m. streaming show while co-hosting Windy City Weekend on Friday afternoons for ABC 7. Her sparkle, sense of humor, and genuine warmth have made her a fixture in Chicago homes since she arrived in the city in 2005.

Born Valerie Warner in Los Angeles, California, Val grew up in South Central LA with family roots tracing back to Chicago. She spent her childhood traveling between the West Coast and Chicago, visiting relatives in the Windy City. This bi-coastal upbringing gave her a unique perspective that would later shape her connection to Chicago audiences.

How Old Is Val Warner? Age and Birthday

Val Warner is 51 years old as of 2026. She was born on March 11, 1974, in Los Angeles, California. Val celebrates her birthday every year on March 11. Her zodiac sign is Pisces. 

Val Warner Height and Weight

Val Warner stands 5 feet 8 inches tall, which equals about 1.73 meters or 173 centimeters. She weighs approximately 150 pounds, or 68 kilograms.

Details about her body measurements, bra size, dress size, and shoe size are not publicly confirmed.

Val stays fit through regular workouts with a personal trainer. She follows a clean eating plan and commits to consistent exercise, which helps her maintain her shape, especially after turning 50. She has openly shared her fitness journey with viewers, including losing 20 pounds over the years.

Early Life and Family Background

Val Warner was born Valerie Warner in Los Angeles, California, on March 11, 1974. Her mother, Diane Jackson, works as an author. Details about her father are not publicly confirmed.

Val grew up in South Central LA, but her family roots trace back to Chicago. She spent much of her childhood traveling between the West Coast and the Windy City, visiting relatives and soaking in two very different worlds. She has a sister named Kham’ryn, an entrepreneur and designer.

Val’s family also carries an inspiring legacy. Her great-great-uncle, Dr. Gregory Bell, won an Olympic gold medal, and this connection to excellence and achievement has stayed close to the family. Her son Max even met him in 2024, keeping that legacy alive across generations.

This bi-coastal childhood gave Val a unique perspective that shaped her later career. She knew she wanted to become a journalist as a senior in high school, drawn to storytelling and the joy of connecting with people. That early passion, combined with her strong family ties, laid the foundation for the warmth and confidence she now brings to Chicago television every day.

Education

Val Warner attended the University of California at San Diego, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications in 1996. During her time there, she spent three of her four college years interning at local television stations, gaining real hands-on experience in the field she loved.

Those internships taught Val valuable communication skills and gave her the confidence to pursue journalism as a career. She knew she wanted to become a journalist as a senior in high school, and her college years turned that early dream into a clear professional path, one that eventually led her to newsrooms across the country and into millions of homes in Chicago.

Val Warner Career Journey

Val Warner’s career journey stretches from a small newsroom in Roswell, New Mexico, to the anchor desk of one of Chicago’s biggest television stations. Over almost 30 years, she has built a reputation as one of the city’s most trusted and beloved broadcasters.

Over almost 30 years, she has become one of the city’s most trusted and loved broadcasters.  

Early Broadcasting Career

Val Warner’s journalism career began almost 30 years ago in Roswell, New Mexico, where she worked as a one-person band, handling reporting, photography, and editing duties for the station. She graduated from the University of California at San Diego in 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications. 

During her college years, Val spent three of her four years interning at local television stations, gaining hands-on experience that confirmed her passion for broadcasting. She knew she wanted to be a journalist as a senior in high school, drawn to storytelling and connecting with people.

Move to Chicago

Val Warner moved to Chicago in 2005, joining WGN-TV as a traffic reporter and co-anchor for the morning news. She gained visibility hovering above the city in the station’s helicopter, delivering traffic updates to millions of viewers. Her five years at WGN-TV established her as a recognizable face in Chicago media.

Joining ABC 7 Chicago and Windy City LIVE

Val’s career took a transformative turn in 2011 when she joined ABC 7 Chicago. She became co-host of Windy City LIVE, a local talk and entertainment show she anchored alongside Ryan Chiaverini for a decade after it premiered on September 6, 2011. 

The show distinguished itself by showcasing local talent, covering Chicago events, and featuring celebrity interviews. Val interviewed major stars including Robin Roberts, Barbara Walters, Chance the Rapper, Common, and Michelle Obama. 

She also secured exclusive interviews, including the first sit-down with director Spike Lee before the release of his film Chi-Raq, and the only interview with Karla Lee, mother of slain 9-year-old Tyshawn Lee. 

On July 21, 2021, ABC 7 cancelled Windy City LIVE after 10 years and more than 2,000 episodes, replacing it with Windy City Weekend, which airs Friday mornings at 11:30 a.m. with Val continuing alongside Ryan Chiaverini.

Current Role at ABC7 Chicago

As of 2026, Val Warner anchors ABC 7 Eyewitness News in the morning at 6 a.m. and the 7 a.m. streaming show. She knows Chicago inside and out and brings that insight to audiences who start their day with her and the ABC 7 morning team. Each Friday, she co-hosts Windy City Weekend, covering weekend events and lifestyle topics through her signature “Host Chat” segment.

Awards, Recognition, and Career Highlights

Val’s talent as a host and interviewer has contributed to ABC 7 winning three Chicago Emmy Awards for special programming on bullying, breast cancer, and stopping violence in Chicago. 

She won another Emmy for her role in ABC 7’s New Year’s special, Countdown Chicago, and the station has earned numerous additional Emmy nominations for programming featuring Val. 

She also contributes to major city events, co-hosting ABC 7’s Chicago Lights Festival and the annual Bud Billiken Parade, one of the largest African American parades in the country.

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Val Warner Net Worth, Salary, and Income Sources

Val Warner net worth is estimated between $2 million and $3.5 million. Some sources report a wider range, from $1 million to $5 million. The exact amount is not publicly confirmed, since celebrity net worth figures often vary between reporting sites.

Val earns an annual salary of approximately $100,000 from her role at ABC 7 Chicago. This figure is based on industry estimates and is not officially confirmed by the network. Her income has grown steadily over her two-decade career in television broadcasting.

Income Sources:

• TV salary: Val earns her main income from ABC 7 Chicago, where she anchors ABC 7 Eyewitness News and co-hosts Windy City Weekend
• Speaking engagements: She is represented by speaking agencies including SMG Speakers and Ragan Communications, and she earns fees for corporate events and conferences
• Public appearances: Val makes paid appearances at community gatherings and Chicago events throughout the year
• Acting work: She adds to her income through acting credits in projects like Chi-Raq, General Hospital, and South Side
• Endorsements: Val partners with brands to earn extra income alongside her TV salary. 

Is Val Warner Married? Husband, Dating History, and Relationship Status

Val Warner is married to Elijah “Jobba” Maxey Jr. The couple got engaged in April 2021 during an emotional proposal on the set of Windy City LIVE, filmed in front of Val’s children, co-host Ryan Chiaverini, and the entire studio audience.

Val and Jobba married on July 31, 2021, in a destination wedding at Hyatt Ziva Cancun in Mexico, exchanging vows in an intimate ceremony surrounded by close family and friends. They celebrated with the hashtag CaliAndJabToTheMaxey, blending their nicknames throughout the festivities. 

Jobba, born October 9, 1970, is a social media fashion trendsetter, entrepreneur, and community leader. He launched BRND, a clothing line encouraging self-expression through fashion, works in operations and partnership engagement, and mentors young men through 100 Black Men of Chicago and Strong Futures. A member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, he earned Mentor of the Year honors in 2023.

Previous relationship

Before marrying Jobba, Val was engaged to Jeff Cartwright, with a wedding planned for September 2014 that ultimately did not take place. Val has remained relatively private about the details of that relationship.

Children

Val has two children from a previous marriage and became a mother for the first time at age 25. Zoe Warner, her eldest, graduated from Howard University in May 2024 with a 4.0 GPA and a degree in Media, Journalism, Film, and Communications. 

A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Zoe now works as a journalist in Fort Myers, Florida. Maxwell “Max” Warner, Val’s son, attended Whitney Young High School and built a standout athletic career as a three-time All-American in track and field and a top running back. 

He committed to the University of Missouri in June 2025, signed his scholarship in December 2025, and joined the Mizzou Tigers in 2026, ranking as Illinois’ number one running back for his class. Val shares a close bond with both children, often celebrating their milestones publicly, while Jobba has embraced his role as a devoted stepfather.

Social Media Presence

Val Warner stays active on social media and connects with her Chicago audience across several platforms. As of February 2026, she shares regular updates from her personal and professional life.

On Instagram, Val posts under the handle @valwarnertv. She has more than 180,000 followers there. She shares behind-the-scenes moments from ABC 7 Chicago, family photos, fitness updates, and lifestyle content.

Val also keeps a presence on Facebook, where she has around 95,000 followers. She posts news clips, event highlights, and personal milestones for her audience.

On X, Val goes by the same handle, @valwarnertv. She has more than 16,000 followers there. She uses this platform to share news updates, retweet colleagues, and post about her son’s football journey.

Val uses these platforms to stay close to her viewers. She shares personal moments alongside her professional work. This mix helps fans feel connected to her daily life in Chicago.

Platform	Follower Count
Instagram	More than 180,000
Facebook	Around 95,000
X (Twitter)	More than 16,000

Fast Facts About Val Warner

Fast Facts about Val Warner

• Val’s full name is Valerie Warner, and she was born on March 11, 1974, in Los Angeles, California.
• She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from UC San Diego in 1996.
• Val started her broadcasting career in Roswell, New Mexico, working as a reporter, photographer, and editor all at once.
• She moved to Chicago in 2005 and joined WGN-TV as a traffic reporter and morning news co-anchor.
• Val’s great-great-uncle is Dr. Gregory Bell, an Olympic gold medalist, and her son Max met him in 2024.
• She has openly shared her fitness journey, including losing 20 pounds through consistent workouts and clean eating.
• Val has won multiple Chicago Emmy Awards for special programming on bullying, breast cancer, and stopping violence.
• She volunteers with charities including The Make-A-Wish Foundation, Chicago Bulls Charities, and the South Suburban Family Shelter.
• Val secured exclusive interviews with Spike Lee and Karla Lee, mother of Tyshawn Lee.
• She has acting credits in Chi-Raq, General Hospital, and South Side.
• Val is married to Elijah “Jobba” Maxey Jr. and is a proud mother of two children, Zoe and Max.
• Her son Max is a three-time All-American athlete who will play football at the University of Missouri starting in 2026.
• Val’s daughter Zoe graduated from Howard University in 2024 with a perfect 4.0 GPA.
• She co-hosts community events like the Chicago Lights Festival and the Bud Billiken Parade every year.

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Final Thought

Val Warner has spent nearly three decades building a respected career in television broadcasting. From her early days in Roswell, New Mexico, to becoming a trusted face in Chicago, she has earned multiple Emmy Awards for her work on important community issues.

As of 2026, Val continues to anchor ABC 7 Eyewitness News and co-host Windy City Weekend. She stays active in her community, giving her time to organizations like The Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Bud Billiken Parade every year.

Beyond her career, Val values family deeply. She shares a strong bond with her husband, Jobba, and her two children, Zoe and Max. Her story shows how passion, hard work, and heart can build both a lasting career and a meaningful life.

FAQs

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions related to Val Warner:

1. Is Val Warner married?

Yes, Val Warner is married. She wed Elijah “Jobba” Maxey Jr. on July 31, 2021, in a destination wedding at Hyatt Ziva Cancun in Mexico. The couple got engaged in April 2021 during a memorable proposal on the set of Windy City LIVE.

2. What happened to Val Warner and Jeff Cartwright?

Val Warner was previously engaged to Jeff Cartwright before her marriage to Jobba Maxey. The couple had planned a September 2014 wedding, but the relationship did not result in marriage. Val has remained relatively private about the details of this past relationship.

3. What does Val Warner’s husband do for a living?

Val Warner’s husband, Elijah “Jobba” Maxey Jr., works as a social media fashion trendsetter and entrepreneur. He launched his own clothing line called BRND and works in operations and partnership engagement. Jobba also mentors young men through organizations including 100 Black Men of Chicago and Strong Futures.

4. What is Val Warner’s net worth?

Val Warner’s net worth is estimated between $2 million and $3.5 million as of 2026. She built this wealth through her two-decade career in television broadcasting, including roles as a news anchor, talk show host, and actress. Her income also comes from endorsements, speaking engagements, and appearances at Chicago events.

5. How old is Val Warner and what is her net worth?

Val Warner is 51 years old as of 2026, and her net worth ranges between $2 million and $3.5 million. She was born on March 11, 1974, in Los Angeles, California. Her long career at ABC 7 Chicago has helped her build both her reputation and her wealth.

6. When is Val Warner’s birthday?

Val Warner celebrates her birthday on March 11 every year. She was born on March 11, 1974, in Los Angeles, California, making her zodiac sign Pisces. In March 2024, she marked her milestone 50th birthday with a special celebration in Chicago.

7. What are Val Warner’s height and weight?

Val Warner stands 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs approximately 150 pounds. She has been open about her fitness journey over the years, including losing 20 pounds. 

8. How many children does Val Warner have?

Val Warner has two children from a previous marriage, a daughter named Zoe and a son named Maxwell. Zoe graduated from Howard University in 2024, while Max is a standout athlete headed to play football at the University of Missouri. Val became a mother for the first time at age 25.

9. What show does Val Warner currently host?

Val Warner currently anchors ABC 7 Eyewitness News in the morning at 6 a.m. and the 7 a.m. streaming show. She also co-hosts Windy City Weekend every Friday, a spin-off of the popular Windy City LIVE. This show covers weekend events and lifestyle topics through her signature “Host Chat” segment.

10. What awards has Val Warner won?

Val Warner has contributed to ABC 7 winning three Chicago Emmy Awards for special programming on bullying, breast cancer, and stopping violence in Chicago. She also won an individual Emmy for her role in ABC 7’s New Year’s special, Countdown Chicago. Her station has earned numerous additional Emmy nominations for programming featuring her work.