IMG publishes more than 15,000 original content pieces per year through our network of over 800 independent writers, reporters, editors, filmmakers, and photographers.
Our local publications are led by teams of publishers, managing editors, news editors, photographers, and creative talent working together to create compelling feature stories, original investigative journalism, and stunning photography reframes the urban experience in unexpected ways. Most of our contributors are active, engaged members of the community committed to making their cities and regions stronger and more connected.
A selection of just a few of our local leaders:
Lee Chilcote, Editorial Director; Managing Editor, hiVelocity
Lee Chilcote is a freelance journalist with 15 years of experience writing for regional and national publications. His coverage focuses on urban issues such as neighborhood and economic development, arts and education. He has served as Managing Editor of hiVelocity and Development News Editor of Fresh Water Cleveland. His freelance journalism has been published by Think Magazine, Yahoo.com, Agence France Press, Home Energy, JLC, Land and People, Cleveland Magazine, Crain's Cleveland Business, Rust Wire and other publications. He has a Master's degree in English and Creative Writing from Cleveland State University and a Master's Degree in Public Administration and Economic Development from CSU.
Tracy Certo, Publisher, Pop City
As publisher of Pop City, Tracy has grown one of IMG's earliest publications into a city staple, averaging more than 70,000 monthly readers. She also serves as Pop City's Managing Editor and is a member of CEOs for Cities. Tracy is a passionate advocate for vibrant and sustainable cities, driving change in Pittsburgh through the Social Innovation Exchange, an event series she founded with several partner organizations where actionable ideas are funded through foundation grants. Tracy is a graduate of Leadership Pittsburgh, serves on the boards of the Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management and Community Design Center of Pittsburgh, and is a member of the German Marshall Fund's Transatlantic Cities committee. Most recently, Tracy was named a Woman of Distinction in 2012 by the Girl Scouts of Western PA for her work in the arts.
Doug Trattner, Managing Editor, Fresh Water
Doug has guided IMG's fourth-most trafficked site since its inception. Passionate about food and travel, Doug served as the dining editor of Cleveland Scene for over a decade. He has twice been bestowed with the Best Critic in Ohio awards from the Society of Professional Journalists and is also the author of travel guidebook Moon cleveland. Prior to Fresh Water, Doug was a staff attorney at the Franklin County Public Defender's office, where he represented indigent criminal defendants. He received his undergraduate degree in English from Ohio State and his juris doctor from Capital Law School.
Elissa Yancey, Managing Editor, Soapbox
As managing editor of Soapbox, Elissa is credited with increasing web traffic by 15% and launching Soapbox's For Good section, which highlights the work of innovative nonprofits. She is also a full-time associate professor at the University of Cincinnati. Elissa has spent 20 years as a writer and editor for regional magazines and freelancing for national and online publications. She also earned the university-wide Just Community Award for her work championing justice and equality and the Edith Alexander Award for Excellence in Teaching from the college of Arts and Sciences. Elissa also provides her journalism students with a chance to actively participate in making Soapbox one of the leading voices for growth in the region.
Mike Persico, Managing Photographer, Flying Kite
As a photographer with eight years of professional experience, Mike has worked with a number of notable publications including New York Magazine, R/GA, Anthem, Plan B, Ace Fu Records, Wolf + Lamb, Philadelphia Magazine, Philly Style, and Philadelphia Weekly. Persico graduated from The University of the Arts, Philadelphia, where he expanded his knowledge on editorial and advertising photography. At IMG, Persico leads the photography team and helps shape the company's unique editorial vision.