* A very long time ago, I took a hard look at my miserable life and realized that I had to somehow, finally find a way forward. I knew I could write, so I came up with a two-part plan. Part One was writing freelance stories for the Illinois Times in Springfield, where I had contributed a few pieces before. Part Two? Well, I was hoping for the best. Thankfully, it all somehow worked out in the end, but not before I wound up sleeping in a friend’s abandoned basement coal bin while living on $50 a week from the paper. My work has appeared in the IT off and on since 1986, with a string of stories in 1989-90 and then mostly “on” since 1999 via my weekly column and reports from Kosovo and Iraq. Springfield’s alt-weekly newspaper is close to my heart…

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 50th 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.

Many, many thanks to Bud Farrar (publisher) and Bill Furry (my long-ago editor). Without them, I wouldn’t be writing this today for you.

* Please do me and the entire state a favor and click here to contribute. Thanks!