Championing local journalism: Penny Shuff appointed chief fundraising officer for ONN
In a move that underscores the growing push to sustain independent local journalism, the Ottawa News Network has appointed veteran broadcast journalist and communications executive Penny Shuff as its new Chief Fundraising Officer.
OTTAWA COUNTY — In a move that underscores the growing push to sustain independent local journalism, the Ottawa News Network has appointed veteran broadcast journalist and communications executive Penny Shuff as its new Chief Fundraising Officer.
Shuff brings a rich background in media and documentary production to the digital-only nonprofit newsroom.
Over the course of her career, she has worked with major media outlets including The Weather Channel, A&E Network and The Chicago Tribune, contributing to award-winning coverage and publishing widely.
A Michigan native born in the Detroit area and a journalism graduate of Michigan State University, Shuff’s career has spanned seven states, from West Virginia to Aspen, Colorado.
That wide-ranging perspective, she says, has shaped her belief in the power of listening and the vital civic role of community reporting.
"Local news strengthens our sense of community," Shuff said. "In this new role, I’ll be working to raise awareness and financial support to expand Ottawa News Network’s ability to provide trusted local news that’s accessible to everyone. I believe our shared experience and connection as neighbors depends upon it."
Before joining the Ottawa News Network, Shuff served as development and communications director for Mediation Services, a local nonprofit, and has served as a long-standing board member with the Holland Area League of Women Voters.
As the Ottawa News Network approaches its second anniversary and enters a key fundraising period, Shuff will spearhead efforts to build financial sustainability and expand readership across Ottawa County.
"Penny joins us at a critical time as ONN looks not only to continue our coverage of the community in 2027, but to expand into areas not currently covered in Ottawa County," said ONN Executive Editor Sarah Leach.
ONN was founded in late 2024 to address the critical need for independent, nonpartisan local reporting across Ottawa County, Michigan. Operating out of Grand Haven as a nonprofit community news initiative, ONN was created to ensure residents have transparent access to reliable coverage of local government, public policy, regional development, and community affairs.
To learn more about becoming a sponsor or major donor, email sponsorships@ottawanewsnetwork.org. To become a monthly donor, click here.
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