Bill Church

About Bill Church

Dynamic and strategic news executive with award-winning experience in leadership, organizational change, public-service and investigative journalism, recruiting, training, project management, and innovation.Editor with Pulitzer-winning experience known for strong media/communication background and ability to lead complex projects. Nationally recognized track record in diversity/inclusion/equity leadership while executing effective training and recruiting initiatives. Empathetic and energetic thought leader adept in connecting teams with achievable goals to improve professional skills and workplace culture. Results-driven individual with substantial business acumen and social responsibility seen through strategic counsel, public administration, and community development. Varied experiences in partnering with funders, philanthropic organizations and nonprofits.AREAS OF EXPERTISE- Team Leadership- Diversity/Inclusion Initiatives- Content Management- Writing, Editing, Digital Storytelling- Corporate Communications- Community Development- Staff Recruitment & Training- Project Management- Business Acumen- Stakeholder ManagementACCOMPLISHMENTS- Editor, storyteller, innovator. Led Pulitzer-winning news organization- Nationally recognized for diversity/inclusion efforts, notably in recruiting and staff development- Known for integrity, leadership, innovation and digital storytelling while evolving a design production center into a national news and content organization supporting more than 150 daily newspapers- Collaborator who has built partnerships with startups, nonprofits and other companies- Extensive experience as a speaker and presenter at national conferences/events.

Experience

1. Executive Director

   Searchlight New Mexico

   Dec 2025 — Present · Santa Fe, NM, US

   Pro bono executive overseeing New Mexico’s leading investigative news nonprofit, a philanthropic initiative of The New Mexican Public Service Journalism Fund.(My day job at The Santa Fe New Mexican doesn’t change.)

Education

• Central Michigan University

  M.S., Administration

  2002 — 2009

• Northwestern University

  Graduate study, Economics

  1980 — 1981

• University of Oklahoma

  B.A. with Distinction, Economics

  1976 — 1980

Skills

• Strategy
• New Media
• Management
• Publishing
• Press Releases
• Digital Media
• Editorial
• Nonprofits
• Training
• Social Media
• Content Development
• Publications
• Project Management
• Social Media Marketing
• Coaching
• Social Networking
• Multimedia
• Public Relations
• Media Relations
• Strategic Planning
• Interviews
• Project Planning
• Strategic Communications
• Public Speaking
• Marketing
• Media
• Newspaper
• Marketing Strategy
• Leadership
• Advertising
• Organizational Leadership
• Presenter
• Journalism
• Communications Management
• Storytelling
• Newspapers
• Editing
• News Writing