About Us
Chicago Star is a media company that connects people to resources and creates impactful content.
We create meaningful content that makes people love where they live.
Our clients include local organizations and Fortune 500 companies who harness our creativity and highly engaged audience to increase their brand recognition and drive revenue.
Learn more about our complete suite of services.
Let's work together
The chicago star advantage
Community
Our community-driven content anchors our position in the markets our clients want to reach.
Network
We leverage our extensive business and media connections to support our clients. We have a loyal and engaged following who support us and our advertising partners.
Influence
By forging an emotional connection with our audience, we’ve become a trusted voice they use to make decisions.
Our Values
Our brand values help define what our company stands for. Our values are our guiding principles. They help remind us of the impact we want to make on our community in every interaction.
Meet Our Team
Elaine Hyde
Editor and Publisher
Candace Jordan
Associate Publisher
Ashlea Hearn
Account Manager
Elena Smentkowski
Writer
Chicago Star Contributors
Jon Cohn
Anthony Martorina
Susan Berkes
Bob Oswald
Almira Yllana
Catie Keogh
Michaela Wilson
Additional Contributors: Joseph Cunniff, Writer | Bridget Esangga, Writer | Brennan Keller, Editor | Troy Mairs, Producer Video | Amanda Puck, Writer | Catie Keogh, Writer | Joseph Luther, Writer | Angela Gagnon, Writer | Michaela Wilson, Intern
Board Members
- Alexander Pissios, President Cinespace Chicago Film Studios and Cinecares Foundation
- Amanda Puck, Director Strategic Brand Development, Mariano’s
- Bonnie Spurlock, Founder Associated Publications
- Chef Art Smith, Chef/Author/Co-founder Common Threads
- Dionne Williams, Owner/Founder of D. Williams PR Group
- Howard Tullman, General Managing Partner, G2T3V
- Israel Idonije, Founder of iF Charities
- John Robak, Chairman of the Board and CEO, Greeley and Hansen
- Julie Barrish, Philanthropist
- Lee Blackwell Baur, Philanthropist
- Sherren Leigh, Founder Today’s Chicago Woman
- Leslie Hindman, Founder Hindman Auctions
- Manolis Alpogianis, America’s Dog & Burger Franchise Systems President
- Melissa Harris, CEO M. Harris & Co.
- Michael Kutza, Founder Chicago International Film Festival
- Paul Iacono, President, Chicago Dowel Co.
- Phil Vettel, Former Chicago Tribune Food Critic
- Robert Zentner, Philanthropist
- Todd Hatoff, Former President/CEO/Owner Allen Brothers
- Tom Kehoe, Founder, Kehoe Designs
- Tracey Tarantino DiBuono, Founder ZZAZZ Productions
- Sargent M. McCormick, International Harvester