Elizabeth “Liz” Johnson is a five-time Emmy Award-winning journalist and award-winning strategic communications manager who oversaw United States internal communications for a Fortune 200 steel manufacturing company’s 25,000 employees. She also is a MarCom and Hermes Award-winning video producer and content creator, and skilled multimedia storyteller.

Liz has enjoyed success in two careers. As a broadcast journalist, the Emmy winner worked at WBBM-TV, CBS, Chicago, managing fellow journalists, working cross-functionally in a news environment and supervising the production of "Eye on Chicago," an award-winning public affairs program, with guests ranging from President Barack Obama to actor Jenny McCarthy. Liz oversaw all aspects of studio and remote production, from venue to AV needs. She juggled multiple priorities, under strict deadlines, with accuracy and attention to detail.

As Manager of Internal Communications for the U.S. at ArcelorMittal, Liz conceived and executed award-winning written stories; created impactful strategic communications plans; produced compelling videos: developed informative web content; and utilized various platforms to drive employee engagement and informed stakeholders to align with a company’s goals and business objectives. She has won numerous Marcom and Hermes Awards for her work.

Liz graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Missouri Southern State University and completed Master’s work at the renowned University of Missouri School of Journalism. She lives in Chicago with her husband.

Jon Kaplan is an experienced, award-winning strategic communications leader; 10-time Emmy Award-winning journalist with nationwide media contacts; sophisticated corporate storyteller and video producer; and past President of the Publicity Club of Chicago. His skills and experience have led teams that enhanced brand awareness, improved public engagement, and achieved revenue goals.

Jon has won national honors in his two careers. The thread running through both careers: Developing persuasive content, compelling narratives and videos, and initiative-taking strategies to tell an organization’s story and enhance its brand reputation.

He is a multiple Emmy winner for his writing and producing at TV stations across America, including WBBM-TV, CBS, Chicago. He has won communications awards and accolades for such companies as Chicago’s Navy Pier and the McCormick Place Convention Center, as well as Fifth Third Bank and the Chicago Transit Authority for proactive, earned PR and media relations initiatives; memorable events and videos; effective issues and crisis management; and social media messaging.

Jon has experience in a number of diverse fields, including banking; climate/sustainability; cultural institutions; education; government; healthcare; non-profits; social justice; tourism/hospitality; tradeshows; transportation.

Jon graduated with honors from the University of Missouri School of Journalism. He lives in Chicago with his wife.