Ron Smith is an instructor of practice in the Department of Journalism and Media Studies at Marquette University’s Diederich College of Communication and the editor/program director for the award-winning Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service. The nonprofit newsroom (https://milwaukeenns.org/) provides evidenced-based journalism coverage of Milwaukee’s communities of color and is staffed by professionals, student-journalists and community residents. Before his current role, Ron served as the managing editor for news at USA TODAY. In addition, he was the deputy managing editor for daily news and production at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, where he oversaw the breaking news hub, production desks and was the key point person for print story selections and workflow. Ron has been blessed to work in newsrooms across the country, including The Oregonian, the Los Angeles Times and Newsday. He has edited several Pulitzer Prize-winning reports and is known for championing great journalism and the great journalists who produce great works. He’s served as leadership co-chairman for the American Society of News Editors and worked as an instructor for the organization’s Emerging Leaders Institute, which trains diverse mid-career professionals to be newsroom leaders. He "proceeds until apprehended” and is not afraid to roll up his sleeves to help others -- all while having fun and bringing a little “Ronshine” along the way.
Website: https://milwaukeenns.org/
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