Close-up of a woman with short wavy brown hair, blue eyes, red lipstick, wearing a dark green top, smiling in front of a plain background.

I’m C.J.

Director of Graphics & Data Visuals
The Minnesota Star Tribune

My career has taken me through nearly every corner of the newsroom — reporting, digital production, audience engagement, video and audio — before landing in data and graphics journalism, where I've spent the last several years finding award-winning visual solutions for explaining tricky topics. I now lead a team of journalists and manage the workflows, platforms, and editorial vision that bring that work to life across every platform we publish on.

That winding path has shaped how I think about this work: not just as storytelling, but as strategy. I'm a servant leader who believes my job is to clear obstacles, equip people with what they need, and invest in their growth — and I care deeply about the systems, standards, and relationships that make great work possible.

The throughline of all of it is a stubborn belief that complex information, given the right treatment, can reach anyone.

Recent edits

CLIMATE A year ago, Bemidji lost millions of trees to a derecho. It's now at high risk for wildfires. ● online

POLITICS Kendall Qualls’ running mate was on Capitol grounds during Jan. 6 attack ● online

IMMIGRATION Deportation orders are soaring as judges face pressure to quickly deny claims ● online

ECONOMY High gas prices force Minnesotans to rethink the commute ● online

HEALTH In this small Minnesota city, less than half of kindergartners are vaccinated for measles ● online

FILM Film fest at 40 showcases the best in world and indie cinema ● online

ENVIRONMENT It’s foxes versus coyotes in a backyard battle for survival ● online

SPORTS‍ ‍ Quinn Hughes isn’t just scoring points, he’s making the Wild better ● online

IMMIGRATION As ICE draws down in Minnesota, data illustrates intensity of its surge here ● online

OLYMPICS Five mountains (and one notable hill) that define Lindsey Vonn’s career and comeback ● online

More

Experience

The Minnesota Star Tribune

Director of Graphics & Data Visuals ● 2021 - current

Data Visuals Editor ● 2019

Digital Graphics Producer ● 2018

Digital Producer ● 2014


University of Minnesota

Adjunct Instructor ● 2014 - 2022


St. Paul Pioneer Press

Multimedia Producer ● 2012 - 2014


Bismarck Tribune

Online Producer ● 2010 - 2011