KCCI reporter Lauren Johnson 'hangs up her mic' after 4 years in television news

After four years on air, Lauren Johnson worked her last day in the television news industry on Sunday.

"I never in a million years thought I would ever leave this industry but I recognize I had a dream that I pursued and now I’m looking for a new adventure," she said in a Facebook post. "I have met some incredible people over these last few years and some of which I know I’ll call life long friends and even family."

Johnson was born and raised in Joliet, Illinois, and graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a broadcast journalism degree in 2018. Her first reporting job was in Joplin, Missouri, where she worked for two years.

Johnson said the passing of her mother in 2020 influenced her decision to leave and looks forward to prioritizing mental health and well being.

"I’ve covered the good, the bad and the ugly and everything in between. Closing this chapter is bittersweet but I am anxiously waiting to see what God has in store for me," she wrote.

"Thank you to everyone who’s invited me into their homes or has taken the time to lift me up. On my tough days, those moments made all the difference."

More TV news:

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• KCCI goes all in on weather with 5 meteorologists on air, hiring 2 newcomers

• How KCCI rising star Nicole Tam made station history at the anchor desk

• America's only Hmong anchorman Chenue Her looks back on his historic first year at Local 5

Noelle Alviz-Gransee is a breaking news reporter at the Des Moines Register. Follow her on Twitter @NoelleHannika or email her at NAlvizGransee@registermedia.com.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: KCCI reporter Lauren Johnson leaves the industry