About Foundation for Local News

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Brian spent more than five decades as a broadcast journalist before retiring in May 2023. Half of that time was as the New Jersey reporter for NBC New York, where Brian routinely broke stories including news of then Gov. Jim McGreevey’s resignation due to an affair with a member of his Administration. His award-winning career includes bei

Brian spent more than five decades as a broadcast journalist before retiring in May 2023. Half of that time was as the New Jersey reporter for NBC New York, where Brian routinely broke stories including news of then Gov. Jim McGreevey’s resignation due to an affair with a member of his Administration. His award-winning career includes being honored seven times by the Associated Press for best coverage by a New Jersey-based reporter. Brian served as president of the Society of Professional Journalists’ Charlotte Chapter. Brian’s assignments have taken him around the world, into the eye of Hurricane Hugo, and onto the Seaside Heights boardwalk when Superstorm Sandy roared ashore. Since his retirement, Brian has worked with environmental groups to reduce plastic waste. He currently serves on the advisory board of Beyond Plastics, a national group dedicated to the battle against plastic pollution.

Born and raised in New Jersey, Marie is an Emmy-award winning TV reporter, producer, and documentary filmmaker with a vast body of work that has appeared on major television, Internet, and radio outlets including NJTV, WCBS-TV, CBS, MSNBC, MSNBC.Com, WNET, NJN, and WNYC. Among her TV projects, Marie conceptualized, produced, and hosted an

Born and raised in New Jersey, Marie is an Emmy-award winning TV reporter, producer, and documentary filmmaker with a vast body of work that has appeared on major television, Internet, and radio outlets including NJTV, WCBS-TV, CBS, MSNBC, MSNBC.Com, WNET, NJN, and WNYC. Among her TV projects, Marie conceptualized, produced, and hosted an interview program focused on writers and filmmakers. The Spark appeared on WHYY in Philadelphia. Marie’s various publications have appeared on blogs, in magazines, and in newspapers. She currently serves as director of strategic communications for Barnard College.

Jonathan is an award-winning author, political analyst, documentary filmmaker, columnist, television producer and radio host. Jonathan’s most recent book – “His Very Best: Jimmy Carter, a Life” (2020) – received uniformly favorable reviews. His earlier books include three New York Times bestsellers: “The Center Holds: Obama and His Enemie

Jonathan is an award-winning author, political analyst, documentary filmmaker, columnist, television producer and radio host. Jonathan’s most recent book – “His Very Best: Jimmy Carter, a Life” (2020) – received uniformly favorable reviews. His earlier books include three New York Times bestsellers: “The Center Holds: Obama and His Enemies” (2013), “The Promise: President Obama, Year One” (2010), and “The Defining Moment: FDR’s Hundred Days and the Triumph of Hope” (2006), which was also one of the Times’ “Notable Books” of the Year. A former senior editor and columnist at Newsweek, Jonathan is a longtime political analyst for NBC News and MSNBC. He co-produced and co-directed the HBO documentary “Breslin and Hamill: Deadline Artists,” which won the 2020 Emmy for Outstanding Historical Documentary. In 2013-14, Jonathan was an executive producer of “Alpha House,” a comedy on Amazon. Over the years, Jonthan has written for the New York Times, Washington Post, Washington Monthly, The New Yorker, Bloomberg, The Daily Beast, and other publications. In 2021, Jonathan launched a weekly Substack newsletter called “OLD GOATS, Ruminating with Friends,” which includes frequent columns and his conversations with accomplished people of wisdom and experience. 

Eric serves as President of the Lindabury law firm, where he is also a key member of the executive committee. Eric is a highly accomplished litigator with a robust background in cybersecurity and data privacy. A respected voice in the legal community, Eric frequently lectures on data-driven management strategies and cybersecurity across p

Eric serves as President of the Lindabury law firm, where he is also a key member of the executive committee. Eric is a highly accomplished litigator with a robust background in cybersecurity and data privacy. A respected voice in the legal community, Eric frequently lectures on data-driven management strategies and cybersecurity across prestigious platforms including Rutgers University’s Mini-MBA course. His litigation skills are well-recognized with a history of successful representations in both state and federal courts. Beyond his legal career, Eric is committed to community service, holding positions on several boards including the United Way of Greater Union County and the boards of the Victoria and Adams Square Condominium Associations. Eric’s recent appointment to The Foundation for Local News board underscores his dedication to leveraging his legal expertise for broader societal benefit.

Ron Morano has nearly 30 years experience in the utility industry and previously served as senior communications representative for FirstEnergy Corp. working as the spokesman and public information officer for Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L). He currently serves as an adjunct instructor at Bergen County Community College, Executive D

Ron Morano has nearly 30 years experience in the utility industry and previously served as senior communications representative for FirstEnergy Corp. working as the spokesman and public information officer for Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L). He currently serves as an adjunct instructor at Bergen County Community College, Executive Director of Affordable Energy for New Jersey and operates a communications consulting company.

He is a graduate of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Morris Program and a Trustee of the New Jersey Press Foundation and member of the Saint Francis of Assisi Church, Haskell, Parish Council.

Morano is a graduate of William Paterson University. 

Pearl is an Emmy award-winning creative director and strategist working at the intersection of documentary, brand, and public service. She cut her teeth as a staff photographer and multimedia journalist at the New York Daily News, and has worked as a contributor to the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, NBC and Reuters. She has regularl

Pearl is an Emmy award-winning creative director and strategist working at the intersection of documentary, brand, and public service. She cut her teeth as a staff photographer and multimedia journalist at the New York Daily News, and has worked as a contributor to the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, NBC and Reuters. She has regularly led workshops on journalism and storytelling for schools, universities, and nonprofit organizations.  She crossed into public service as Director of Video for the NYC Mayor's Office, then served as Digital Director for the NJ Governor's Office, where she led New Jersey's digital communications – work that drew national attention and shifted how government speaks to the people it serves.  She went on to lead brand strategy, content, and creative for national public affairs firms serving clients in energy, public health, government, nonprofits, and advocacy. Pearl has been named to Fortune's 40 Under 40, PRWeek's 50 Most Influential People in PR and Business, and NJBiz's Power 100. She holds an MS in Journalism from Columbia University. She lives in New Jersey, where she works with founders, renegades, and mission-driven organizations on narrative, brand, and communications.

Brianna is a Board of Education Commissioner in Linden Public Schools, where she's committed to putting students first and strengthening public education. She also serves as Secretary of the National Haitian American Elected Officials Network (NHAEON), helping advance policy, representation, and community empowerment nationwide. Professio

Brianna is a Board of Education Commissioner in Linden Public Schools, where she's committed to putting students first and strengthening public education. She also serves as Secretary of the National Haitian American Elected Officials Network (NHAEON), helping advance policy, representation, and community empowerment nationwide. Professionally, Brianna is Senior Officer of Events & Marketing at the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), leading statewide initiatives that connect businesses and communities with economic opportunities. A Rutgers University journalism graduate, Brianna's background spans media, public service, and leadership, including work with the Tamron Hall Show, The Wendy Williams Show, and Jesse Collins Entertainment. She is also a 2025 New Jersey Leadership Collective Fellow and a 2024 graduate of the New Jersey Black Women's Collective Leadership Institute.He is a graduate of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Morris Program and a Trustee of the New Jersey Press Foundation and member of the Saint Francis of Assisi Church, Haskell, Parish Council.

Morano is a graduate of William Paterson University. 

Michael is a retired public administrator, having worked for municipal government in Plainfield, North Plainfield, and the City of Summit for a combined total of thirty-four years.

He is a member since 1984 of the Rotary Club of the Plainfields, where he has also served as secretary/treasurer for many years. Michael is the chairman of the 

Michael is a retired public administrator, having worked for municipal government in Plainfield, North Plainfield, and the City of Summit for a combined total of thirty-four years.

He is a member since 1984 of the Rotary Club of the Plainfields, where he has also served as secretary/treasurer for many years. Michael is the chairman of the Rotary club’s non-profit, Rotary of the Plainfields, Inc.

In addition, he serves as the treasurer of the NJ Service Foundation, Inc. that provides assistance to Rotary clubs in Central and North Jersey.

Michael is also a long-time volunteer and board secretary at Star Fish Food Pantry in Plainfield.Morano is a graduate of William Paterson University.