Chris Fitzsimon

As Publisher and CEO of the nation's largest state-focused nonprofit news organization, Chris leads the organization's strategic direction and mission, steers fundraising efforts, defines editorial strategy, and works closely with the Leadership team and Board of Directors to ensure the long-term financial sustainability and operational effectiveness of States Newsroom. He also hosts the national podcast, Stories From The States.

From 2004 to 2017, Fitzsimon was the founder and original director of NC Policy Watch, North Carolina's leading online news and commentary outlet, where he led a team of seven journalists, hosted a weekly radio show and wrote a syndicated column on North Carolina politics and government.

Fitzsimon was also the founder and director of Common Sense Foundation, a progressive think tank in Raleigh. From 1991 to 1994, he was the spokesperson, speech writer and policy adviser for N.C. Speaker of the House Dan Blue. Before his stint with Speaker Blue, Fitzsimon was an award-winning television news reporter covering politics and government.