Illinois Times names CEO

As Illinois Times completes its transition to a nonprofit, Kate McKenzie has been chosen as the organization’s first CEO.

McKenzie holds a master’s degree in Public Affairs Reporting from University of Illinois Springfield. She worked for Shaw Media publications, where she was editor of the Joliet Herald-News and Morris Herald-News, before taking a job with the State Journal-Register as the editorial engagement editor. McKenzie then transitioned to a development and marketing position with University of Illinois Springfield, and since 2022 has served as director of development for NPR Illinois.

“I am thrilled to have been chosen to lead Local Journalism Matters,” McKenzie said. “I love Illinois Times’ commitment to be the voice of Springfield, and the variety of ways its multiple publications serve the best interests of the community. This new chapter for the organization is a commitment to the belief that independent, nonprofit journalism is a public good our community needs to thrive. I am humbled to be asked to lead this expansion of media coverage. This will be a continuation of my work in journalism and media fundraising with an organization that will deliver what people need and want.”

Michelle Ownbey, who serves as publisher for Illinois Times and Springfield Business Journal, will become the executive editor. She has worked for the publishing company since 2014 in a variety of roles and previously worked for the original owners of Springfield Business Journal.

“While it’s no secret that many legacy print publications across the country are struggling, Illinois Times is well-positioned for not only sustainability, but growth,” Ownbey said. “We have a loyal print readership with 20,000 copies distributed across five counties each week, and we’re making a concerted effort to grow our digital presence and appeal to younger audiences as well.”

Illinois Times celebrated its 50^th anniversary in September with an announcement that plans were underway to transition to a nonprofit corporation, Local Journalism Matters, which received notification last month from the Internal Revenue Service it has been granted 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Fletcher Farrar, the owner of Central Illinois Communications, parent company of Illinois Times and Springfield Business Journal, will transfer the assets of the company to the new nonprofit in April and serve as chair of the board of directors.

Founding board members are Bernie Schoenburg, former staff writer and political reporter for the State Journal-Register and Melissa Hamilton, owner of Springfield-based consulting company Synergetic Solutions. Additional board members will be added soon. Press Forward Springfield and the American Journalism Project have been assisting with strategic planning, including the CEO search process.

Farrar purchased Illinois Times in April 1977, just 18 months after two reporters from Time magazine launched “a new model of journalism with more independence, breadth and roots in the local community,” according to founding editor Alan Anderson. By 1978 there were enough of these “alternative weeklies” to start a national association, and Farrar attended the first gathering of the Association of Alternative Newspapers that took place in Seattle that year.

“I’ve had a good long run as editor and owner of Illinois Times and Springfield Business Journal,” Farrar said. “I’m pleased to be moving out of the office and into my new role as board chair, to help grow the nonprofit company and our publications. It’s great to welcome Kate as our new CEO. Michelle, who has been the company’s right hand for the past 12 years, is more than ready to take over as editor, to expand our editorial staff and our news coverage.”

Local Journalism Matters becomes the parent organization for Illinois Times and its related publications, including Springfield Business Journal, Parent, Jobs and Capital City Visitor Guide. The 12-person staff will continue to operate out of the office at 1240 S. Sixth St. in Springfield.