I am a business writer focusing on the business climate in Chicago and Illinois, examining how political and governmental forces shape the economic landscape. As part of that assignment, I also cover Chicago’s convention business, which is undergoing a massive overhaul.

Previously I was part of the team covering Chicago’s bid for the 2016 Olympics, following the bid team to the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and to Copenhagen in 2009 for the final vote. I also have covered the hospitality and media industries, and have written about personal finance.

Prior to joining the Tribune, I worked for a number of other publications in northern Illinois, including Crain's Chicago Business and the Rockford Register-Star.

I received a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.