CHICAGO, JANUARY 12, 2024 – The Reader Institute for Community Journalism (RICJ), the nonprofit that operates and publishes the Chicago Reader, announced today three new members of its Board of Directors.
“We are thrilled to welcome Monique, Juliette, and Jake to the RICJ Board of Directors,” says CEO and Publisher Solomon Lieberman. “Their experience and expertise across various industries and disciplines will be incredible assets as we look to deepen and expand the impact of the Reader and RICJ.”
Simultaneously, the term of three tremendous board members comes to an end: Alison Cuddy, Vanessa Fernandez, and Kim Hunt. “Their energy, insight, and enthusiasm for supporting the Reader has been invaluable these last few years, and we are so grateful for their service,” says RICJ Board Chair Eileen Rhodes. “We wish them each the best in their future endeavors, and look forward to their continued support.”
As of January 2024, these individuals will be joining other members of the Reader Institute for Community Journalism Board:
Monique Brinkman-Hill (she/her) – As the Executive Director of the South Side Community Art Center, Brinkman-Hill combines her love and appreciation for African American Art with the mission of the organization to conserve, preserve and promote the legacy and future of African American art and artists while educating the community on the value of art and culture. Prior to joining the South Side Community Art Center (SSCAC), Monique was a Senior Vice President and Managing Director with Northern Trust and Industry leader in Wealth Management. Brinkman-Hill holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University, and a Certificate of Management, from Loyola University of Chicago.
Juliette Buford (she/her) – A compassionate leader with over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Buford serves as the Director of Finance and Administration at Marwen, an esteemed organization dedicated to providing transformative visual arts programs, free of charge to middle and high school-aged youth. At Marwen, Buford provides strategic financial leadership and human resources stewardship. Prior to her tenure at Marwen, Buford served as the Senior Director of Finance at WTTW, a public broadcasting station in Chicago. Beyond her financial expertise, Buford is a fashion designer, art collector, Emmy-nominated executive producer, avid traveler, and plant mom.
Jake Mikva (he/him) – A Chicago-based political consultant, Mikva currently serves as Operations Director for the Chicago 2024 Democratic National Convention Host Committee. Prior to that, he served as Federal Policy Advisor in the City of Chicago Mayor’s Office, where he oversaw the $2.5 billion Chicago Recovery Plan investment strategy. He is a Clinton and Buttigieg presidential campaign alum, and the founder of GoodWerk, a hybrid PAC focused on boosting millennial political engagement and progressive turnout after the 2016 election cycle. He holds an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a B.A. from the University of Southern California.
ABOUT CHICAGO READER
For more than 50 years, the Chicago Reader has been a fearless, innovative, and nationally respected media voice in Chicago. In print every other week and daily online, the Reader includes tastemakers, incisive critics, and agenda-setters. Community-supported, the Reader takes pride in its equitable approach to community coverage, staffing, and vendor supply.
ABOUT READER INSTITUTE FOR COMMUNITY JOURNALISM (RICJ)
The Reader Institute for Community Journalism is organized and operated to educate, advance, and inform public discourse through local, independent journalism in the Greater Chicago metropolitan area. RICJ operates and publishes the Chicago Reader, which creates and curates political and cultural coverage by and for Chicago, including highlighting underrepresented communities and stories.
