Sue Cross

Sue Cross is a media development adviser and journalist specializing in the reinvention of news. From 2015 to 2024, Cross spearheaded development of the U.S. nonprofit news sector as CEO and executive director of the Institute for Nonprofit News. Under her leadership, the INN Network grew to more than 450 news organizations fielding more than 4,000 journalists, and funneling more than $13 million a year in strategic philanthropy and investment to newsrooms serving thousands of communities. Cross previously worked for the Associated Press. As senior vice president, she ran the global news agency’s business throughout the Americas, following a career as reporter, editor and digital product and business executive. Today she advises journalists, civic and community leaders, social entrepreneurs and philanthropists on how to reinvent and support news as a public service, through startups and new approaches. Despite ongoing challenges to press freedom and funding, she is optimistic about new directions in news. Cross serves on boards including Stanford University’s John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships, the State Court Report at the Brennan Center for Justice and Block Club Chicago. She is based in Los Angeles, California, USA.