Independent journalist, digital strategist for news

1997— 2006; 2008 — current.

Newsroom leader with expertise in running a journalistic enterprise and delivering well–
researched, vetted, and polished news to specific as well as general audiences. Strategist
who provides insight and solutions to organizations active in the multidimensional worlds of
news, community and Web. Advocate, connector and community builder for mission-based
newsroom and the L3C social enterprise model. Researcher, editor, reporter and writer well
connected to nationwide community of journalists working to build the future of news.

Noted Successes:
• Widely cited Huffington Post blogger on the Future of News and mission-based
newsroom who has appeared on Chicago Tonight, ABC-7 News and other venues.
• As Project Manager for LISC Chicago Community Showcase worked with community
leaders to create audio slideshows and Mobile Neighborhood Tours, and deliver their
news streams through a social media system.
• As a consultant, developed programs and proposals for the Better Government
Association’s digital newsroom. Coached Andy Shaw in his new position as non-profit
executive. My two proposals to the Knight News Challenge made the second round.
Future of News Activism:
Served on interagency coalition that built Community News Matters grant-making program;
Tweeted from Economic Models for News, St. Paul; and Attended FTC hearings
on the Future of News, Washington, Journalism that Matters in Detroit,
CityCamp in Chicago and dozens of other journalistic events in Chicago.
Contractual Work:
Freelance writing for TIME Magazine, the Chicago Reader, Crain’s Chicago Business.
American Economic Development Council, Director of Public Affairs.
Genesis House, Director of Development and volunteer Web builder and editor.
IGIVE.com. Launched a community relations campaign.

Chicago Sun-Times – Real Estate Editor

2006 — 2008 Blog: http://blogs.suntimes.com/homes/

As the top editor for a twice-weekly section reporting on trends in Chicago homeownership,
I directed a team of more than a dozen freelance writers and staff reporters. My weekly
column and blog, “The Right Place,” asked essential questions about neighborhood
governance, homeownership and Chicago’s economy.

Noted Successes:
• While Real Estate Editor for the Chicago Sun-Times, revamped a moribund twice-
weekly section to include reader-focused features and blogs.
• Regularly broke news on subprime lending, credit crunch, green building;
• My column/blog “The Right Place,” increased readership of Sun-Times web;
• As part of Homelife and garden sections, created partnerships with HGTV’s “Design
on a Dime,” Angie’s List, Merchandise Mart and Morton Arboretum.
Chicago Public Schools, Corporate/Foundation Relations
1996–1997. As the liaison communicating with non-profits, foundations and corporations, I
raised money and led communication campaigns for citywide programs and
initiatives.

Noted successes:
• Initiated corporate sponsorship and cause-related marketing strategies.
• Created the Children First Fund: The Foundation for Chicago Public Schools
• Raised more than $200,000 to benefit citywide, individual school initiatives.
• Generated media coverage through events and donations.

City of Chicago, Offices of Mayor Richard M. Daley

1991-1996, Director, The Mayor’s Fellows Program
Launched initiatives that moved City of Chicago operations toward better government.
Working with the commissioners of city departments, I developed partnerships and solution-
related strategies.

Noted successes:
• Developed an 18-member advisory board of Chicago’s top CEOs.
• Recruited dozens of loaned executives for specific organizational development
projects.
• Launched and directed Mayor Daley's School Partners Program.
• Created heat emergency plans for media release during 1995 heat wave.

Crain Communications
1981-1990. Held a series of editorial management positions with two Crain publications.

Noted successes:
City & State - Managing Editor, 1987-1990
Top strategic editor for a national biweekly on the business of government edited for
mayors, governors and top government executives. Launched magazine and directed an
editorial team of 20 in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and Washington.

Pensions & Investment Age, Assistant Copy Editor, 1981-1984.

The Wall Street Journal

1977-1980. Copy Reader. Copy-edited, supervised layout of editorial, opinion, features,
front page of Midwest editions of the nation’s largest business news daily.

Education
Master of Science in Communication, Northwestern University
University of Illinois at Chicago, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Affiliations
Current: Expert speaker on future of news issues, Association of Women Journalists;
member, American Society of Professional Journalists and Authors; member, Investigative
Reporters and Editors; Past Board Member: Edgewater Chamber of Commerce; Association
of Consultants to Non-Profits; Genesis House.