Jill Geisler
Bill Plante Chair in Leadership and Media Integrity
Bio
Jill Geisler is the inaugural Bill Plante Chair in Leadership and Media Integrity, a position designed to connect Loyola’s School of Communication with the needs and interests of contemporary and aspiring media professionals worldwide. Geisler is known internationally as a teacher and coach of leaders in media and beyond. She developed and guided key management and leadership programs of the Poynter Institute for 16 years and continues to be the go-to expert when leaders need help managing change, improving their culture and teams, tackling ethical challenges or building their individual leadership skills.
Geisler’s first career was in journalism, where she worked as a reporter, producer, photographer and anchor before becoming, at the age of 27, one of the USA’s first women to serve as news director of a major market TV network affiliate. She led an award-winning newsroom for several decades, defined by its commitment to enterprise, ethics and yes, fun.
Education
Master of Arts in Leadership and Liberal Studies from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison
Research Interests
- Business and Interpersonal Communication Skills
- Change Management
- Diversity
- Editing
- Ethics
- Leadership
- Management
- Organizational Development
- Staff Development
- Women in Leadership
- Writing
Professional/Community Affiliations
- Journalism & Women Symposium, Advisory Board Member
- Radio-TV Digital News Association, Member (recipient of the Oldfield Award for service)
- American Society of News Editors Minority Leadership Institute, Lead Trainer and Advisor
- Various Journalism and Media Conferences, Regular Presenter
Courses Taught
Master Class for Media Managers
Publications/Research Listings
Awards
- Knights of the Golden Quill (2018)
- Milwaukee Media Hall of Fame (2012)
- Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) Oldfield Award
- Silver Circle of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences
- Wisconsin Broadcasters Association (WBA) Hall of Fame
- Recognized for her work in writing, editing, and service to both her community and the journalism profession.