A two-time graduate of Drake University with a BAJMC in Radio/Television Production and a Masters in Communication Leadership, Amy Schmelzer has worked in live television production since 1996. Starting as a graphic artist and Chyron operator, her career advanced into newscast directing – first on weekends and ending with what were then the highest-rated newscasts in the Des Moines market – KCCI 8 News at 6 and 10pm. Her skill at the directing craft garnered her six Regional Directing Emmy(R) Awards between 2010 and 2016.

In 2019, she assumed the position of news operations manager while continuing to cover periodic shifts on all shows as a director. In that role, she was responsible for all of the odds and ends of making sure that the news department’s plans were executed: planning and executing remote productions; producing political debates, community affairs specials and sports content; coordinating quality control efforts between departments; supervising all things studio-related and, in her spare work time, leading a staff of ten directors and camera operators.

In 2025, Amy stepped back from local broadcasting and accepted a position with the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences where she oversees two NATAS Emmy Awards competitions as the Head of News & Sports.

Amy also works as a freelancer in the sports broadcasting world, keeping the production tools in her toolbox sharp and scratching that creative, hands-on itch.

She has also served on the Drake University School of Journalism and Mass Communication’s National Advisory Council and the Advisory Board for Iowa Central Community College’s radio & television production program.