Vanessa Kjeldsen

Vanessa is the Wisconsin State Capitol Bureau Chief for WMTV 15, WEAU 13, WSAW 7, WBAY 2 and KBJR 6. As the Statewide Chief Political Reporter, Vanessa’s mission is to provide accountability for those in power and context for those impacted.

Vanessa serves as the TV representative for the Capitol Correspondents Association Board. She is a graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. During her time as an anchor, producer and reporter for Northwestern News Network, she was also nominated for five Student Chicago/Midwest Emmys, including Best Talent. Vanessa's collegiate investigative police reporting also earned the Society of Professional Journalists' Mark of Excellence. Her work has previously appeared in the Washington Post and United Press International.

Born and raised outside of Austin, Texas, Vanessa loves finally getting to experience seasons, but she’s still adapting to Wisconsin winters. When she’s not at the Capitol, Vanessa can be found cooking up a new recipe, salsa dancing or searching for the best ice cream in town.