Patch supports continuous improvement
in the pursuit of personal and professional growth.
We try new ideas and look for what we can learn from every failure.
We believe every employee deserves regular training, actionable feedback,
encouragement and coaching in pursuing their career path.
The News Academy creates learning programs, conducts small-group coaching sessions, and collects
training videos and documents in this regularly updated hub.
Director / Recruitment & Training
Lauren joined Patch in 2010 as a local editor in the Chicago area when Patch was just getting started. She was promoted to regional editor, managing editor and now handles journalist recruiting and training.
"I'm thrilled to contribute in such a way to a news organization I've grown to love so deeply over the past decade."
Patch Professor
Jean has been a journalist his whole working life, beginning with reporting jobs at newspapers in Florida and later with editing jobs in Ohio and Connecticut. He started the Cleveland, Ohio, region of Patch for Aol in 2010 and worked here until 2013. Jean returned in 2018 to manage the New England area.
"A St. Louis native, I will be a Cardinal fan to my dying day."
VP / Diversity, Talent & Engagement
Dennis was a Patch founding regional editor in the Chicago area in 2010, launching half of the state's sites. As associate editorial director, he oversaw several states in the Midwest. He served as editor-in-chief from 2016 through 2021. He's an always hopeful yet often dismayed Cleveland Browns fan. He likes dogs, and dogs like him.
"I believe we should be lifelong learners. And people come first, especially our journalists."
