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Sue Cross
Executive Director & CEO, Institute for Nonprofit News
Professional Background
Sue Cross is a distinguished leader in journalism and nonprofit sectors, currently at the helm of the Institute for Nonprofit News (INN), where she spearheads an innovation network consisting of over 140 independent newsrooms. Each of these news organizations is nonprofit and nonpartisan, dedicated to providing valuable public service through credible reporting. Under her leadership, INN works collaboratively to strengthen reliable information sources essential to thousands of communities across the United States.
Before her pivotal role at INN, Cross was the Senior Vice President at the Associated Press (AP), a global news agency recognized for its commitment to quality journalism. During her tenure at AP, she actively managed a nationwide news cooperative and was instrumental in developing digital partnerships that enhanced outreach across the U.S. and Latin America. Her innovative vision led to significant expansions in Spanish language news coverage and the successful introduction of digital video to a multitude of news websites, thus meeting the evolving needs of consumers in a technology-ready world.
In addition to her leadership at the Institute for Nonprofit News and her previous role at AP, Sue Cross founded Cross Strategy. This consulting entity was created with the mission to aid news companies and initiatives in their growth and adaptation in fast-changing environments, emphasizing the importance of innovation and strategic thinking. Her comprehensive experience spans operations in newsrooms across various states, from Alaska to Texas, showcasing her extensive knowledge in reporting, editorial processes, product development, and business strategies.
Education and Achievements
Sue Cross's educational background reflects a commitment to continuous learning and professional excellence. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from The Ohio State University, setting the foundation for her career in journalism. Additionally, she has enriched her expertise through various executive education programs. Cross earned a Negotiation Strategies Certificate from the prestigious Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management, providing her with advanced skills in negotiation and leadership critical for her roles in journalism and nonprofit management. She also completed a Strategic Marketing Certificate from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, equipping her with strategic insight into marketing that ensures the relevance and competitiveness of news organizations in a rapidly changing landscape.
Her longstanding commitment to enhancing journalism quality reflects in her involvement on several advisory boards. Cross serves on the board of EdSource, an organization focused on improving education in California, and on the board of the Center for Health Journalism at the USC Annenberg School, which aims to promote health and wellness through impactful journalism.
Achievements
Sue Cross has made significant contributions across various dimensions of media and journalism, demonstrating unique leadership capabilities that harmonize innovation and integrity. At the Associated Press, her product and business development efforts led to remarkable growth in digital news dissemination, particularly in expanding access to Spanish-language content, thereby catering to a diverse audience. As a strategic leader at AP, she fostered the development of partnerships with digital media entities that transformed how journalism intersects with technology, allowing for a more interactive and accessible news experience for the public.
Through her role at the Institute for Nonprofit News, Cross plays a crucial role in solidifying the future of nonprofit newsrooms, which are vital sources of information and accountability in communities. Her advocacy for independent journalism not only promotes the resilience of local news organizations but also emphasizes the importance of transparency and trust in today's media landscape.
Overall, Sue Cross’s journey in journalism is marked by a profound commitment to public service and the advancement of credible information sources. Her contributions significantly impact the nonprofit journalism sector, empowering independent newsrooms to thrive while serving their audiences effectively.
