I build the digital infrastructure that helps mission-driven organizations do their best work — twenty years translating strategy into shipped systems across journalism, nonprofits, and media.
Senior Director of Technology
Chronicle of Philanthropy • January 2024 – Present
Led full technology transformation following separation from former parent: migrated CRM, marketing automation, finance, Microsoft 365, and CMS in parallel with a site redesign. Co-founded the AI Working Group.
- Migrated 6 core systems (and additional tools) with custom integrations in 18 month span
- Stood up documentation & project management practice across the organization
Senior Manager, Development and Technology
Digiday Media • January 2022 – January 2024
Led product and technology operations across a multi-brand media company, managing an external development team, hosting agency, and vendor relationships while driving infrastructure improvements and new feature launches.
- Migrated from AWS to WordPress VIP; consolidated six WordPress sites into one multisite
- Rationalized vendor contracts, securing more features and thousands in annual savings
Director of Technology
Online News Association • June 2021 – January 2022
Promoted to set strategy across the org. Ran web, brand, software, and data programs; built Salesforce GDPR solution and the virtual conference platform that sustained membership through 2020–21.
- Launched custom virtual conference platform (5k+ attendees)
- Expanded digital sponsorship revenue program and member resources
Senior Digital Manager
Online News Association • December 2016 – June 2021
As the digital manager, I managed everything on ONA websites from servers to features. I also manage graphic design and our brand guidelines, as well as our software tools and data program.
Accomplishments: Instituting a Salesforce solution to GDPR; building a virtual conference platform; expanding digital sponsorship options; elevating brand strategy; forging technology partnerships.
Here are some thoughts from ONA CEO Irving Washington after I ended my five-year tenure with the organization:
If you’ve ever been in awe of anything @ONA has done in design, tech or digital innovation the past five years, @nekolaweb was the mastermind. Our beautiful #OJAs site is just one example.
— Irving W. Washington (@IrvWashington3) January 2022
Manager of Digital Content
FiscalNote • October 2015 – December 2016
On the marketing team, I led content and social media strategy; developed beta, MVP version of a new product; pursued media partnerships; managed a team of two employees and eight interns.
Examples of my work at FiscalNote »
Web Developer
FiscalNote • January 2015 – October 2015
Developer and designer for company website, blog and marketing materials. Writes policy briefs and other company news. Data visualization, social media and content strategy.
Web Developer
Pew Research Center • August 2012 – January 2015
I work on the websites of the seven projects at the Pew Research Center – which use a multisite WordPress install. My role is primarily a front-end developer specializing in data visualization and interactivity.
Senior Web Producer
Shaw Media • April 2010 – August 2012
Oversaw an EPpy-winning Best Daily Newspaper Website (under 250,000 unique monthly visitors; awarded by Editor and Publisher magazine). Duties included oversight of video production, web programming, blogging and content management. Also the technical lead on three other daily newspaper websites, one weekly, and two niche sports websites. Directly managed a staff of three.
Visual Content Editor
Morris Daily Herald • December 2008 – April 2010
Led a redesign of the print edition’s front page, as well as a web redesign for the paper consistently named “Best Small Daily in Illinois” during my employment. Responsible for weekly feature pages, as well as planning and implementation of staff’s multimedia projects. Oversaw the design of a bi-monthly magazine. Wrote occasional articles, maintained successful photo blog, and edited articles and press releases.
Education
Certificate in Nonprofit Management • Duke University
Spring 2020
Completed intensive program diving into all areas of nonprofit organization leadership including law, finances, strategy and board relations.
B.S. in Journalism • University of Illinois
August 2002 – May 2006
Focused on photography and design; minored in Sociology. Worked as a photographer at the Daily Illini and interned with Univeristy Creative Services.