Dawndy Mercer Plank Biography
Dawndy Mercer Plank is a well-reputed American Journalist working as a news anchor at WIS-TV. Initially, she joined the station in 1992 as a co-anchor and rejoined WIS-TV in 2001. There, she anchors WIS News 10’s afternoon and evening newscasts. She is a frequent speaker at churches throughout the state and is an active member at Shandon Baptist Church. And is on the Oliver Gospel Mission’s Board of Directors.
Dawndy is a longtime participant in the Sister Study on Breast Cancer through the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. She is involved in numerous programs that promote healthy living including serving on the committee for Heart & Sole, a women’s-only run and walk to prevent heart disease. Dawndy is a marathoner and triathlete, an advocate for plant-based nutrition, and is passionate about helping others lead healthy lives. In 2009, she landed a second-place award from the Associated Press in the Medical/Health category for her coverage of how deaf children’s lives changed after cochlear implants. The South Carolina Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness awarded her its Media Fitness Award in 2002. She ran as a torchbearer for the 2002 Winter Olympics Games.
Over the years, she has served numerous organizations including Oliver Gospel Mission, the Palmetto Centre for Women, Trinity Focus, Crossover Communications International, the Sister Study on Breast Cancer through the National Institute of Environment Health Sciences, Heart & Sole, Council on Aging, Ronald McDonald House, and Hoof & Paw Benevolent Society.
Dawndy Mercer Plank Education
She received her education at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana where she graduated in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science in Telecommunications after finishing her schooling in Washington, D.C. through the Washington Centre internship program.
Dawndy Mercer Plank Career
She works in Columbia, South Carolina for WIS-TV. There, she works as a news anchor and anchors WIS News 10’s afternoon and evening newscasts. She rejoined WIS-TV in 2001 after previously serving as a co-anchor for the station in 1992. Dawndy began her career in 1989 in Green Bay, Wisconsin for WBAY TV as a reporter. After working her first stint at WIS-TV, she moved to Houston, Texas where she starred in industrial films, commercials, and print ads in 1996. Still in Houston, she spent time in KNWS News, KTRK TV, and KSBJ Christian Radio, and hosted both a horse and travel show. She is a frequent speaker at churches throughout the state and is an active member at Shandon Baptist Church. She leads a Bible study for young women at the University of South Carolina.
Dawndy Mercer Plank Age
She was born on April 2, 1967. Thus she is 56 years old as of June 2023. Hence Dawndy celebrates her birthday on April 2nd of every year.
Dawndy Mercer Plank Height
She stands at an approximate height of 5ft 7 inches (1.7m) tall.
Dawndy Mercer Plank Family
She has managed to keep her personal life away from the limelight hence she has not disclosed any information about her parents. It is also not known if Dawndy has any siblings.
Dawndy Mercer Plank Husband
She is married to the love of her life Craig Plank. They married on October 10, 2008, in Blythewood. Dawndy is a proud stepmother of three kids, Camille, Chandler, and Chase.
Dawndy Mercer Plank’s Net Worth
She has an estimated net worth ranging between $1 million – $5 million which she has earned through being a news anchor.
Dawndy Mercer Plank’s Salary
She earns an annual salary ranging between $45,000 – $110,500.
Dawndy Mercer Plank Awards and Honors
Because of her outstanding work in various fields, she has been awarded with various awards including; being named a Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of South Carolina. The American College of Gastroenterology awarded her as a 2016 SCOPY Media Champion. In 2016, Dawndy was inducted into the Greenfield Central School Foundation Alumni Hall of Fame for her numerous achievements since high school. Dawndy was awarded Best TV Anchor for 2018, 2017, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, and 2003 by Columbia Metropolitan Magazine. The Free Times Newspaper awarded her Sexiest News Personality for 2011 and Best Anchor Personality for 2010, 2009, 2008, 2005, 2004, 1995, and 1994.
Dawndy received the Verizon 2012 Hopeline Hero Award that benefited SisterCare, an organization that helps battered women and their children. She was a 2011 Palmetto Center for Women Tribute to Women in Industry nominee, an honor presented to women whose outstanding achievements mark them as leaders and role models in business and in the community. In 2003, she received a Southeast Regional Emmy Award for Best Newscast. In 1994, she received the South Carolina Broadcasters Association Personality of the Year Award, as well as the National Journalism Award for Best Television Coverage of Leukemia.
Dawndy Mercer Plank WIS-TV
Dawndy works at WIS-TV where she works alongside other well-reputed WIS-TV anchors, sports anchors, meteorologists, and reporters including;
- Rick Henry
- Drew Aunkst
- Jamal Goss
- Intisar Faulkner
- Hannah Cumler
- Billie Jean Shaw
- Judi Gatson
- Sam Bleiweis
- Greg Adaline