Jackie Schmillen Joins WHO 13 As Contributor

The former anchor and current Iowa National Guard official returns to television in Des Moines.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Military Jobs

Bold flat-color editorial illustration featuring a geometric light array, evoking the structure and precision of broadcast journalism. — Jackie Schmillen, the Iowa National Guard public affairs director, has joined Des Moines station WHO 13 as a television contributor. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Journalist Jackie Schmillen has officially joined the team at WHO 13 as a contributor. She makes appearances on Today in Iowa as her schedule with the Iowa National Guard permits.

Why it matters

The move brings a familiar local face back to Des Moines airwaves after a four-year absence from television. Schmillen balances this media work with her ongoing duties in the military public affairs sector.

Schmillen served a 9-year tenure at WOI Local 5 before leaving the station in 2022. She returns to broadcast media after being away from television for 4 years.

The players

Jackie Schmillen

She is the director of public affairs for the Iowa National Guard and a veteran Des Moines broadcast journalist.

WHO 13

This is a television station based in Des Moines that broadcasts local news and programming.

Iowa National Guard

This military organization manages the defense and public affairs operations for the state of Iowa.

WOI Local 5

This is a television station in the Des Moines market where Schmillen previously anchored news.

KCCI

This is a news-focused television station located in Des Moines.

The details

Schmillen currently serves as the director of public affairs for the Iowa National Guard, where she holds the distinction of being the first civilian appointed to that role. She previously held anchor positions at WOI Local 5 and KCCI in Des Moines.

Schmillen began her tenure at WOI Local 5 in 2013.
Schmillen left her role at WOI Local 5 in 2022.
Schmillen first appeared on Today in Iowa on October 23, 2026.
WHO 13 confirmed the hiring of Schmillen on October 27, 2026.
WHO 13 announced the addition of Schmillen on October 28, 2026.

Market Landscape

Schmillen's return reflects a broader trend of cross-sector mobility between local media and high-level public affairs roles in Iowa. Her dual career path mirrors the increasing professionalization of public affairs within state military organizations.

Viewers in Des Moines can expect to see Schmillen appearing on Today in Iowa based on her availability. The announcement confirms that she will continue contributing to WHO 13 and WHO 13+ moving forward.

The takeaway

Schmillen's transition highlights how professionals can successfully blend careers in local media and state-level military public affairs. Her career demonstrates the value of leveraging long-term broadcast experience in specialized government communication roles.