She’s known for delivering headlines while most of America sleeps, but in late 2023, Ashley Strohmier made headlines of her own.
The FOX & Friends First guest host and overnight news anchor stepped into a brand-new role in 2023: mom. Strohmier and her husband, NYPD officer and fitness influencer Mike Counihan, welcomed their first child, a baby boy, in October 2023. The new arrival added a new kind of joy to their already driven and disciplined lives.
From Miss Missouri to the National Stage
A native of Jefferson City, Missouri, Strohmier didn’t just grow up in the public eye. She stepped into it early. In 2010, she was crowned Miss Missouri USA, a milestone that foreshadowed her ease on camera and public poise.
She later studied criminal justice at the University of Central Missouri, with early aspirations in law and public service. But journalism soon called, and she began carving out a space in one of the most competitive industries in the country.
Before joining KMIZ-TV, Strohmier worked at Columbia’s FOX 22, reporting live from scenes across the state. She then moved to KMIZ-TV (ABC), where she wore many hats: investigative reporter, solo morning anchor, and producer. Her fearless 2014 reporting on Missouri’s Department of Social Services led to a state investigation and earned her an award from the Kansas City Press Club. By 2019, she had been named Best News Anchor by the Missouri Broadcasters Association.
Anchoring America’s Early Hours
On March 2, 2020, Strohmier officially joined Fox News Channel. She relocated to New York and taking on a national platform as an overnight anchor and correspondent. And she quickly became a familiar face on FOX & Friends First. Her calm, credible delivery during the earliest newscasts of the day helped her stand out in a crowded media landscape.
While her job keeps her up before dawn, Strohmier’s grounded presence and professionalism continue to earn praise, on air and behind the scenes.
A Power Couple in Uniforms and Gym Gear
In April 2022, Strohmier married Mike Counihan, a man as disciplined and driven as she is. A certified NYPD officer and elite athlete with 1st Phorm, Counihan is also a fitness influencer. He has appeared in Ironman, Men’s Fitness, and Simply Shredded, and was once crowned “New York’s Fittest” by the New York Post.
The couple tied the knot on April 24, 2022.
And Strohmier now uses the full name Ashley Strohmier Counihan on social platforms. While both juggle demanding schedules, they’ve made time for travel, family, and their beloved dog Maggie, who according to Ashley, was “promoted to baby security.”
Welcoming Baby Boy in 2023
Ashley first announced her pregnancy in May 2023, writing:
“We’re expecting a precious baby boy later this year! Maggie has officially been promoted to baby security/big sister duties!”
She later shared bump updates with candid humor, joking about back pain and changing hair flips. Her Fox colleagues threw her a baby shower in August, which she called “the sweetest” day.
Then, in October 2023, Ashley and Mike officially became parents. She posted a hospital room photo cradling her newborn with Mike by her side. She wrote:
“Welcome to the world my sweet baby boy! Everyone is healthy and strong.”
Fans flooded the post with support:
“Look at the smile on your husband’s face. He’s over the moon.”
“Your life has just changed forever, in the best way.”
Anchoring Her Own Story
While some anchors keep their private lives off-limits, Strohmier strikes a thoughtful balance, sharing just enough to stay real, but never losing her professional edge. She’s built a career on integrity and earned her place at the national table through hard work, consistency, and heart.
And now, she’s proving that it’s possible to have a high-profile career and a fulfilling home life without sacrificing either.
From Miss Missouri to overnight news, from Columbia to Fox News, and now, from newlywed to new mom, Ashley Strohmier is writing her story one headline at a time. And this one ends with joy.
