Talent Highlight: Aaron Foley

DETROIT, Nov 7, 2023—Issue Media Group (IMG) is pleased to announce Aaron Foley has joined the company as the new managing editor of Model D, IMG’s flagship publication. With more than 61,000 subscribers and followers, Model D has been advancing the narrative of diverse talent, culture, community, and inclusive economic development in Detroit since 2006.
 
Aaron Foley, Managing Editor, Model DHe joins Issue Media Group after having his work featured in PBS NewsHour, This American Life, BLAC Detroit magazine, MLive, and more. A native Detroiter and journalist with work spanning newspapers, public media, and city government,  Foley is also the author of the popular guidebook How to Live in Detroit Without Being a Jackass and the Detroit-based novel Boys Come First.  Foley will bring a remarkable Detroiter perspective to Model D along with an inspiring invitation for those outside Detroit culture to come along. 
 
Foley’s history with Detroit storytelling was highlighted when he was named the City of Detroit’s first chief storyteller from 2017-2019, a new position created by Mayor Mike Duggan to tell the stories of real Detroiters citywide. Under Foley, the City’s media services department launched  The Neighborhoods, a website and rebranded cable channel showcasing the everyday lives and businesses of Detroit’s majority POC population. 

Aaron is an AdWeek Brand Star (2019), Detroit Young Professionals Vanguard Award recipient (2019), a Michigan Chronicle 40 Under 40 honoree (2017), was recognized by the Wayne State University Journalism Institute for Media Diversity for career accomplishments (2016) and is the recipient of several Society of Professional Journalists-Detroit Chapter honors.

“For years, I've been a reader, admirer, and contributor to Model D.  I'm proud to join the team here as we continue to be a leading source of hyperlocal news in my hometown of Detroit. The entrepreneurs who were plucky and young a generation ago in Model D's earliest days are now the veterans, and there's a new crop of budding changemakers whose steely commitment to improving the city is just as strong. Neighborhoods are seeing development unseen in years.  I'm ready to explore all of this and more with our readers,” says Foley. 
 
"Model D and Issue Media Group are excited for a Detroit voice like Aaron's to bring more local perspective and to identify more local narratives from Detroiters," says Brian Boyle, co-CEO of Issue Media Group. "Along with joining a group of incredible editorial talent from across our network, we look forward to Aaron being the voice of our company’s flagship publication.” 
 
About Issue Media Group
Issue Media Group (IMG) publishes a wide range of online publications in a growing network of communities across North America, focused on growth, investment, equity, and the people driving community transformation.  You can learn more at www.issuemediagroup.com.