Building Better Stories: Editor, Systems Architect, Media Strategist
I build stories and the systems that power them. With more than 15 years of experience leading some of the most distinctive digital media brands of the past two decades — including Atlas Obscura (2x), Stanford's SSIR, and Pacific Standard — I have moved beyond the traditional editorial silo to focus on the architecture of modern media. I specialize in the intersection of high-stakes storytelling, operational systems design, and sustainable business strategy. My work is about turning visionary ideas into operational reality by cultivating high-performing teams and dynamic structures that allow for exceptional journalism to thrive in a challenging and rapidly evolving environment.
Whether steering a new or legacy newsroom, advising on business strategy, or architecting an editorial engine from scratch, I bring the leadership, rigor, and systems design required to build better stories that make a difference.
Select Highlights
Led Atlas Obscura as editor-in-chief, overseeing place-based storytelling, user-generated content (30,000+ submissions), editorial franchises, and new service journalism strategies.
Served as editor-in-chief of Pacific Standard, where I guided the publication to a National Magazine Award and oversaw coverage cited by the U.S. Supreme Court and members of Congress.
Launched The Atlantic’s technology, science, and health sections, transforming the brand’s digital presence and helping define its early expansion and growth strategy with a sharp editorial vision.
Edited the KSJ Science Editing Handbook, a definitive 300-page guide now used by journalists and educators around the world.
Assembled a coast-to-coast editorial package featuring one story from every U.S. state on solutions to complex social problems — a collaboration that united non-profit, tech, and civic partners.
Built and scaled newsletters with segmented automation and human curation, reaching millions and driving retention gains.
Created a contributor program at Built In that featured Fortune 500 leaders, startup founders, and AI researchers — helping expand reach, drive engagement, and build editorial authority.
Recruited and mentored high-performing, diverse editorial and SEO teams across both startups and legacy brands, scaling operations while preserving editorial excellence and culture.
Recognized with top industry honors from Syracuse University, the L.A. Press Club, the National Association of Science Writers, AAAS, the Society of Environmental Journalists, and many more.
Developed a digital transformation strategy as temporary publisher of the Stanford Social Innovation Review that broke audience records, secured over $1.4M in new revenue, and deepened global influence through six international editions.
Spearheaded innovative editorial partnerships and funding models that brought millions in philanthropic and sponsorship revenue to support independent, mission-driven journalism.
Directed global media efforts that sent reporters from Everest Base Camp to the Northwest Passage, producing award-winning work combining narrative excellence with public interest impact.
I partner with media brands, mission-driven organizations, and content-focused companies to navigate moments of growth and transformation. Whether you are launching a new venture, scaling what works, or fixing a broken engine, I provide the fractional leadership and strategic consulting required to build better stories that achieve measurable strategic scale.
I. Systems Design & Operations (The Architect)
Focus: Architecting the internal engine.
Organizational Design: Structuring cross-functional teams and designing workflows that foster trust, clarity, and collaboration.
Tech & Tool Integration: Guiding teams through the adoption of modern infrastructure — from AI and automation to Airtable and custom analytics.
Change Management: Auditing existing structures to fix operational friction and turn visionary ideas into repeatable reality.
II: Editorial Leadership & Architecture (The Editor)
Focus: Building the story.
Editorial Strategy: Defining narrative vision, sharpening focus, and building systems that support high-quality output at scale.
Team Development: Recruiting, onboarding, and coaching high-performing, diverse editorial talent; building mentorship programs.
Rigorous Execution: Applying 15+ years of EIC-level experience to ensure editorial excellence, narrative integrity, and public interest impact.
III: Media Strategy & Growth (The Strategist)
Focus: Scaling the impact.
Audience & Newsletter Strategy: Scaling reach and retention through SEO optimization, performance-driven curation, and segmented automation.
Contributor & UGC Programs: Building expert networks and user-generated content pipelines that expand authority and engagement.
Business Logic: Advising on funding models, editorial partnerships, and sustainable growth strategies for modern publishing environments.
If you are building a modern editorial product — or rethinking the architecture of how your organization tells stories — I’d love to hear from you.