Stephanie Czekalinski

About

I am an award-winning editor and seasoned journalist with a proven track record of leadership in managing diverse teams and delivering impactful, high-quality content across multiple platforms. I have extensive experience with investigative reporting, data journalism and strategic planning and product and project management. I excel at driving editorial vision and executing complex projects that engage and inform audiences. My experience spans radio, podcasts, digital and magazine features and video production. Leadership strengths include: Team Management and Mentorship: Demonstrated success in leading and developing talented journalists, guiding them through their first (or 500th) investigative project and mentoring them to produce award-winning work. My approach emphasizes professional growth, creativity and a commitment to journalism fundamentals. Strategic Planning and Community Engagement: I am skilled at identifying editorial priorities, implementing innovative content initiatives and driving community outreach efforts to maximize audience impact and engagement. Project and Workflow Management: Expertise in overseeing complex, cross-departmental projects from ideation to final production, ensuring seamless execution and timely delivery under tight deadlines. Innovative Content Creation: A strong track record of developing creative, data-driven storytelling that resonates with diverse audiences. I prioritize collaboration, editorial integrity and pushing the boundaries of traditional journalism. I lead teams to produce exceptional journalism that informs and inspires. In 2025, projects I led, edited or supported won two regional Murrow awards. In 2024, we won a Gracie, a Webby, three regional Murrows (Investigative, documentary, DEI) and a (second place) Public Media Journalists Association award. Stories I edited also earned nods from the Ohio Society of Professional Journalists and Ohio Associated Press Media Editors, including best enterprise, best investigative, best broadcast writing and second place for best digital project. I have won the Society of Professional Journalists’ Next America Award and was a finalist for the Taylor Family Award for Fairness in Journalism and the Livingston.