Alumni Award and Fellowship Profile: Tracy Brown (ABJ ’88)

Tracy Brown is chief partnerships Officer at Chicago Public Media with an extensive background in  news media with a plethora of previous editor positions such as managing editor, feature editor, education editor, Page 1 editor, news editor and arts editor.

Recently, Brown has been named a honoree of the Chicago Defender Women of Excellence Award as stated in the Chicago Sun Times. Brown is one of fifty African-American women to accept this years award, as she has been honored for her work’s impact in leadership and creativity. Throughout her career, Brown has made it a point to be involved in her community, being recognized by national institutions across the country for leadership display in ethics, community service and stewardship in culture.

From the State Newspaper in Columbia, South Carolina, to the St. Petersburg Times, The Dallas Morning News, Cox Media, and The Atlanta Journal Constitution, Brown has served time in numerous roles that have solidified her as a multi-hyphenate in the industry.

In her role as Chief Partnerships Officer, Brown leads Chicago Public Media’s partnership strategy, identifying and activating high-impact collaborations that advance the company’s mission, audience growth, revenue diversification, and ecosystem value.

Brown continues to be a pillar in her community by being a steward to her neighbors and peers. Alongside being a mentor to young students in journalism through the National Association of Black Journalists, Brown is a member of the board of directors for Lincoln Park Zoo, Local Media Association of Lake City, Michigan, and the Dayton Literary Peace Prize Foundation. Brown was also a previous advisory board member of the Junior League of Chicago and President of Jack and Jill’s Dunwoody Chapter.

Aligning her personal interests to her work, Brown also makes many appearances as a guest, moderator and speaker on local panels, podcasts, and events through organizations like Press Forward Chicago, Printer’s Row Lit Fest with Pulitzer Prize winners, and the local YMCA.

Brown was previously a chair and Alumni board member of Grady College for 11 years, and is now the 2026 recipient of the John Holliman, Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award and an inductee for the Grady College Fellowship.

The following are excerpts from an interview with Brown.

How has mentorship helped you through your career?

 I have no doubt that I’ve had a successful career because of the people who have mentored me along the way. I really value the power of mentorship. The people who give you sound and constructive advice and guidance are critical. But even more than giving advice is the support and advocacy that showed the commitment and investment people were willing to give and share. One of my mentors, who was also a friend, pushed me to take a big job that I didn’t want. But I did so despite the fear of not being ready because I trusted her believing in me. That job changed the trajectory of my career in a very positive way. In turn, I’ve tried to be a good mentor and give that back to young journalists who are also trying to find their way in the world.

Are there any books or podcasts that you would recommend to students?

Of course, I have to plug a podcast that I helped develop at Chicago Public Media — When Magic Happens, which ended more than a year ago. I love that it’s multigenerational stories and conversations about life, love, work, politics, health and all the things that make this world complicated and plain. I also love The Daily for the rich context it brings to daily news. Another favorite is investigative journalism podcasts like In the Dark and Serial, which helped make podcasting a phenomenon.

What would you tell your 20-year-old self?

Take care of the 6-year-old in you — even when you’re 60. Do the things that scare you. Don’t just trust your voice; use it.

What are the most important skills communicators should master?

Curiosity, collaboration and clear and concise writing.

If you had college to do over again, what would you do differently?

If I could do college all over again, I would savor every moment and take advantage of every opportunity. I learned so much at Grady, but there’s so much I left on the table, not just in terms of classes, but developing close relationships with the faculty and other students. I would have been more engaged in the Athens community and helping to tell the rich stories of the city and its people. I would also study abroad to help strengthen UGA connections to the world as well as my own.

What does this recognition mean to you?

This recognition is everything. When Dean Davis called me, I was in disbelief. It’s such an incredible honor, particularly for a little brown girl from rural Georgia. I owe so much to people like Charlayne Hunter-Gault (ABJ ’63), whose sacrifices made my journey possible, not only at the University of Georgia and the Grady College, but in every newsroom I’ve ever worked in.

The 2026 Fellowship Inductees will be recognized along with the 2026 Alumni Award recipients during the annual Grady Salutes event. This year’s Grady Salutes will be a luncheon on Friday, March 27. Visit the Grady Salutes webpage for reservations.

Editor: Anyi Morfaw, abm40431@uga.edu