Signal Ohio, a network of nonprofit newsrooms that has raised more than $15 million to serve Ohio, announced the appointment of veteran nonprofit and community leader Susan Brownknight as its next Chief Executive Officer. Brownknight will join the organization on Aug. 3 following a comprehensive national search conducted in partnership with Columbus-based executive search firm BeecherHill.
Based in Cincinnati, Brownknight brings more than 30 years of experience leading local, state and national nonprofit organizations. She most recently served as CEO of LADD, one of Ohio’s leading organizations supporting adults with developmental disabilities, where she led the organization through significant growth, expanded services, strengthened its long-term financial position and championed innovative approaches that increased independence for the people it serves.
“Susan has spent her career building trusted institutions that improve people’s lives,” said Doug Ulman, board chair of Signal Ohio. “She understands how to lead organizations through growth, build lasting partnerships and create sustainable support for mission-driven work. As Signal Ohio enters its next chapter, we’re confident her leadership will help us deepen our impact and bring trusted local journalism to even more Ohio communities.”
Brownknight has built organizations that strengthen communities by expanding opportunity, elevating voices and creating lasting public value. She has brought together philanthropy, government, business and community partners to solve complex challenges while leading organizations through periods of growth and innovation. During her tenure at LADD, she secured nearly $40 million in philanthropic investment.
“Throughout my career, I have been drawn to organizations that strengthen communities by expanding opportunity, trust and connection. Signal Ohio’s mission speaks directly to those values,” Brownknight said. “I believe deeply that an empowered and engaged citizenry begins with access to trustworthy local information. Independent journalism is essential to healthy communities and a healthy democracy, and I am honored to join an organization committed to serving Ohioans with integrity, curiosity and independence.”
Signal Ohio’s board sought a leader with the executive experience to guide a growing statewide organization, an entrepreneurial mindset to continue innovating in a rapidly changing media landscape, and a deep commitment to the role trusted local journalism plays in strengthening communities. Brownknight emerged from a highly competitive national search as the candidate who best embodied those qualities.
Brownknight joins Signal Ohio at a pivotal moment. Since launching in 2022, the organization has established newsrooms in Akron, Cleveland and the Statehouse, built a staff of more than 30 journalists and business professionals, and raised more than $15 million to support independent, nonprofit local journalism. Signal Ohio plans to continue expanding its newsroom network, including launching coverage in Cincinnati.
As CEO, Brownknight will lead Signal Ohio’s next phase of growth, strengthening philanthropic and community partnerships while expanding the organization’s network of local newsrooms. She will continue building the statewide business and operational support needed to sustain community-centered journalism and ensure more Ohioans have access to trusted, independent local information.
Brownknight will work closely with Signal Ohio’s board, staff, philanthropic partners and community members to build a sustainable future for independent local journalism across Ohio.
About Signal Ohio
Signal Ohio is a network of independent, community-led, nonprofit newsrooms backed by a coalition of Ohio organizations, community leaders and the American Journalism Project. It is one of the largest local nonprofit news startups in the country, with newsrooms in Akron, Cleveland, the Statehouse and soon Cincinnati.
The organization produces high-quality accountability journalism while working directly with residents to create and distribute community-centered reporting that is free to access and available for republication.
Signal Ohio is governed by a board representative of Ohio’s diverse communities and operates as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
