McCormick Tribune Foundation Names New Program Officers in Communities and Journalism Program
Media contact:
Kyle Bradbury
312-222-3188
|
CHICAGO, Dec. 15, 2005
The McCormick Tribune Foundation has announced the addition of two new program officers for its communities and journalism programs.
Amanda Cage has accepted the position of communities program officer at the McCormick Tribune Foundation. Cage will be responsible for evaluating, reviewing and recommending grant proposals from select foundation fund partners—comprised of newspapers, broadcasters and sports teams—to improve community life.
Cage brings to the foundation an extensive understanding of social issues that affect the nation’s communities. Prior to joining the McCormick Tribune Foundation, Cage served as an intern for Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), where she developed a network for Chicago-area leaders to collaborate on initiatives affecting Illinois’ constituents. Cage also interned for the Chicago Community Trust where she gained expertise in regional grantmaking.
Cage has a masters degree in public policy from University of Chicago’s Irving B. Harris School and a bachelor of arts from Oberlin College.
Journalism program officer Sara Melillo will work with existing grantees and help evaluate new proposals. The journalism program funds initiatives in media education, leadership, freedom of expression, diversity, youth projects and military-media relations.
Melillo is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and recently earned a master’s degree in public health from Tulane University. Her professional experience includes two years on the research staff of the Media Management Center/Readership Institute and a year with the Centers for Disease Control’s Global AIDS Program.
Previously, she completed reporting internships at Crain’s Cleveland Business, The Plain Dealer and two South African newspapers—The Star (Johannesburg) and Cape Times (Cape Town).
“The McCormick Tribune Foundation is delighted to add these talented and dedicated people to our team,” said David L. Grange, president and chief executive officer of the McCormick Tribune Foundation. “Amanda’s strong understanding of the social issues facing our communities and Sara’s experience in journalism and international public health issues will bring new perspectives to the foundation, ultimately enhancing our commitment to children, communities and country.”
About the McCormick Tribune Foundation
The McCormick Tribune Foundation is one of the nation’s largest charitable organizations, with combined assets of approximately $1.4 billion. In 2004, the foundation approved the distribution of more than $109 million to invest in children, communities and our country in an effort to strengthen our democratic society through innovative partnerships. The foundation, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2005, was established as a charitable trust upon the death of Col. Robert R. McCormick, longtime editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune. The foundation is an independent non-profit, separate from Tribune Co., with substantial holdings in Tribune Co.
The foundation provides assistance in four program areas—communities, education, journalism and citizenship—and funds a special initiatives program. Through its grants, the foundation seeks to improve the social and economic environment; encourage a free and responsible discussion of issues affecting the nation; enhance the effectiveness of American education; and stimulate responsible citizenship. For more information, visit
http://www.mccormicktribune.org/
###