Chenue Her, known for being country’s first Hmong anchorman, is leaving Local 5 News

America’s first Hmong anchorman is saying goodbye to his seat on Local 5’s “Good Morning Iowa.” Chenue Her, a St. Paul, Minnesota native, is wrapping up three years in Iowa on Aug. 30.

Why is Chenue Her leaving ‘Good Morning Iowa’?

Her said his decision to leave Local 5 was not one he took lightly.

“My station, my news director, they were very patient with me as I went back and forth, just deciding what I wanted to do next,” Her said.

At the end of the day, Her said he decided to pursue other TV news opportunities.

More: New anchor joins WOI’s ‘Good Morning Iowa’ this week

Iowa was an experience unlike anything other, for first Hmong anchorman

Her said his experience in Iowa has been unlike anything he’s experienced. From the kindness he’s received from strangers to the impactful stories he’s been able to tell. His favorite stories to cover have been those following the AAPI refugee and immigrant community, he said.

“Outside of stories, just being able to work alongside some people that have really taught me a lot about Iowa and what Iowans are all about,” Her said. “It’s been great. I’ve been really just blessed in that sense.”

Chenue Her’s departure is the latest staff change at Local 5’s ‘Good Morning Iowa’

Her will depart just two weeks after a new co-anchor, Joseph Holloway, joined the show. His previous co-anchor, Samantha Mesa, left the station in May. The show’s meteorologist, Brandon Lawrence, left in March and joined DART as a communications specialist.

Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at vreynarodriguez@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter @VictoriaReynaR.