L. Nicole Trottie

Executive Editor, Publisher, Communications Professional

Turn around and ground-up leadership from ideation-to-execution strategies for startup and established products, organizations. Successful track record in communication, crisis, strategy and PR deliverables that yield results.  Expert in building and motivating teams, high in empathy, demonstrating exceptional communication, strategic and social skills during challenges.

EXPERIENCE

West Suburban Journal Media | Co-founder, Executive Editor | 2004 – Present

Co-founder of accredited weekly newspapers.  Hire, develop and manage journalists, editors, and layout and design.  Set the tone and direction across 4 weekly publications and 2 periodicals for story selection, style.  Edit copy for accuracy, libel, grammar. Contribute editorial pieces when needed.  Introduce strategies and advanced technologies, such as generative AI to help streamline processes and deliver content more efficiently.   Oversee in-house PR agency communications, strategy and implementation and client relations.

The Chicago Reporter | Editor-in-Chief, Publisher | 2022 – 2025                                                              

Oversee all aspects of operations and editorial including selecting pitches, editing enterprise reporting, long form investigative projects.  Data reporting and creating visual components for multimedia projects Set the tone and general direction of strategy, news, and editorial content. Integration of strategies and technology to increase digital KPIs.

Represented The Chicago Reporter in 2024 Northwestern University Medill Media Innovation and Leadership Academy media symposium.  Participate regularly in media forums WTTW, WVON.   

Selected clip links               

• No Cash Bail in Illinois:  Pretrial Fairness Act in Effect, Abolishing Cash Bail.  Here’s How the Cash Bail System has Changed, and What that Means for the Accused
• Nearly 50 Years After the Civil Rights Movement Why is Equality Still a Question?
• McTeacher’s Night, Fun and Fundraising In Niles
• Illinois Legislators Weigh Changes to Law Says Disproportionately Affects Black and Brown Communities
• Panelist, L. Nicole Trottie to discuss the trailblazer’s life and legacy in the context of journalism, voting, civil rights, policing in the Black Community, and more.
• PECO Pallet 25th Anniversary

EDUCATION

Master’s, Business Development | MBDi, Charlotte N.C. | Sep. 2001 – Aug 2002

Northern Illinois University College of Law, DeKalb, IL | PMALS Scholar recipient | May 1993- Aug 1993

Bachelor’s, Political Science; Minor: English | Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL | 1989 – 1993

ACHIEVEMENTS

• Raised $600K+ startup capital.
• Organized an event that attracted 1,600+ participants to help increase awareness about political candidates, democratic process and voter participation.
• Organized an event that attracted 600+ participants to help increase community development and engagement.
• Organized a Chicago-wide event and recruited 2 dozen media outlet participants, raised engagement by 300% plus.
• Exceeded sales revenue goals by 138% plus.
• President’s Club 3 consecutive years.
• Recipient of several leadership and community awards.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Adobe Photoshop
• Quark/In Design
• Website Development
• WordPress
• Google analytics                                                                                                                                       

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

• Communication strategy
• Business development
• Marketing
• Crisis, change, reactive, data driven, c-suite communications
• Engagement, Outreach
• Empathy
• Team, project management